Lecturers at the health science departments of the University of Human Development (UHD) have conducted research into the effects of common purslane on improving and increasing sperm counts in male species. The results indicate that the plant can significantly improve sperm quality and increase sperm counts in males, including human beings. The researchers used albino mice to test the vegetable, adhering to scientific methods by utilising a control group.

The research, titled ‘Physiological efficiency of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Administration on the quality and quantity of spermatozoa in adult male albino mice’, was recently published in Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia. The journal is indexed in major databases with high impact factors, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed.

It is worth mentioning that the purslane plant is common in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It grows naturally in many areas, and it is cheap and readily available in the markets.

Below are the names of the authors and the abstract of the paper.

Authors

Sattar Ibrahim Kareem, Chro Gafoor Raouf, Yousf Latif Ahmad, Ayman M. Mustafa, Hiwa Faraidun Muhammed, Shwana Othman Rahman, Ibrahim Saman Sleman, and Awyar Ramzi Mohammed

Abstract

Based on a study conducted on adult male albino mice, purslane (Portulaca oleracea) can significantly improve sperm health and quality; however, achieving optimal results depends on the dosage frequency.

• Sperm Concentration: Administering this plant once every three days led to a significant increase in sperm concentration compared to the other groups.
• Sperm Morphology: Administering it once every two days or once every three days markedly reduced the rate of sperm abnormalities (only 1% to 3% abnormalities recorded, compared to 15% in the control group).

Conclusion: Purslane is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and can potentially be utilized as a potent natural agent to enhance fertility and combat male infertility.

Click here to download the paper.