Effect of Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Extract on Sperm Counts, Morphology, and Motility of Nicotine-Induced Mice

 Infertility is a health problem that affects 72.4 million couples worldwide. Infertility can occur as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a smoking habit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a toxic compound that can trigger oxidative stress and eventually decrease fertility. Temulawak is a medicinal plant that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a traditional remedy and is believed to improve fertility. We aim to study the effect of temulawak extract on the morphology, motility, and sperm counts of nicotine-induced mice.

 A total of 20 mice were divided into four groups (n = 5): control normal (K0); nicotine-induced (K1); and nicotine-induced treated with two different concentrations of temulawak extract, 4 mg/20 g body weight (P1) and 8 mg/20 g body weight (P2). The mice were given nicotine and temulawak for 28 days and then killed by neck dislocation. Both testes and vas deferens were collected for sperm analysis.

 Mice treated with nicotine (K1) showed lower sperm counts (p=0.012) and motility (p<0.001) compared to mice in the control normal (K0) but had no difference in morphology. Treatment with temulawak (4 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice (P1) significantly increased sperm motility (p< 0.001). A double dose of temulawak extract (P2) resulted in significantly higher motility and sperm counts than in group K1.

 Temulawak treatment (8 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice can significantly improve motility and sperm counts.