Possible improvement of spermatozoan function and in vitro fertilization by Japanese Kampo Medicines (JKMs) in mammals

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of Japanese Kampo Medicines (JKMs) on mammalian spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization. Two kinds of experiments were carried out in this study to determine (1) the most effective mix ratios of JKMs which were determined by using PBS supplemented with JKMs, and (2) the most successful in vitro fertilization and subsequent embiyonic development. In the first experiment, frozen-thawed bovine and goat spermatozoa were examined. Frozen thawed spermatozoa were kept for 3 h at 37 deg C in a 5% CO2 incubator in media with added JKMs at different mix ratios and different concentrations. In the second experiment, in vitro fertillzation (IVF) and consequent embryonic cleavage ratios were also determined. The present results show that all of the JKMs were effective at enhancing sperm function and in vitro fertilization, especially Syouhangekabukuryoto (JKMs21) and Hotyuekkito (JKMs41). In addition to this, all of the JKMs were confirmed to enhance spermatozoan function, in vitro fertilization and early embryonic development.