Summary:
In 100 male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, TCM qi-yin deficiency syndrome, and asthenospermia (progressive motility <32%), Wuziyuye Decoction (traditional Chinese herbal formula) administered orally for 12 weeks added to standard glucose-lowering medications demonstrated significantly improved sperm progressive motility (35.5% vs 29.5%), sperm concentration (54.0 vs 45.0 ×10⁶/ml), and TCM syndrome scores, but no difference in pregnancy rates compared to oral L-carnitine solution for 12 weeks plus standard glucose-lowering therapy, with no serious adverse events in either group.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | 100 male patients with T2DM, TCM qi-yin deficiency syndrome, and asthenospermia (progressive motility <32%). |
| Intervention | Wuziyuye Decoction (traditional Chinese herbal formula) for 12 weeks plus standard glucose-lowering medications. |
| Comparison | Oral L-carnitine solution for 12 weeks plus standard glucose-lowering therapy. |
| Outcome | Improved progressive motility (35.5% vs 29.5%) and sperm concentration (54.0 vs 45.0). No difference in pregnancy rates. No serious adverse events. |
Clinical Context
Diabetic men have higher rates of spermatogenic impairment. Asthenospermia (reduced sperm motility) is particularly common due to diabetes-related metabolic dysfunction.
Clinical Pearls
1. Active Comparator Strengthens Findings: Comparing to L-carnitine rather than placebo provides more rigorous testing.
2. Clinically Meaningful Motility Improvement: The 6-percentage-point improvement moved some patients above the WHO 32% threshold.
3. Sperm Concentration Also Improved: Suggests support for spermatogenesis itself, not just sperm function.
4. No Pregnancy Outcome Difference: Highlights the gap between laboratory improvements and clinical endpoints.
Practical Application
For patients interested in TCM approaches to diabetic male infertility, Wuziyuye Decoction represents a potentially evidence-based option. The 12-week duration provides guidance on expected timeframe for effect.
Study Limitations
Single-center Chinese study. TCM syndrome diagnosis may not be reproducible. Short follow-up for fertility outcomes. Underpowered for pregnancy differences.
Bottom Line
Wuziyuye Decoction improved sperm progressive motility and concentration compared to L-carnitine in diabetic men with asthenospermia.
Source: Yu Y, et al. “Wuziyuye Decoction for Type-II Diabetes Mellitus with Qi-Yin Deficiency Complicated by Asthenospermia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Read article
