Sperm quality in men is improved by supplementation with a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline, roburins and Pycnogenol®

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Prelox (R) R, a combination of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol (R)), L-arginine, L-citrulline and roburins, on male fertility. Methods. Sperm quality of 50 subfertile men was tested in monthly intervals in a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study. Patients received 2 tablets Prelox (R) R or placebo twice daily during test periods. Following a run-in period of 1 month, patients received either Prelox (R) R or a placebo for 1 month. After a wash-out period of 1 month, patients received Prelox (R) R or a placebo in a crossover manner for 1 month. Sperm volume, concentration of spermatozoa, total count, motility, vitality and morphology were measured by standard methods of calculation of the Fertility Index (FI) in monthly intervals. Activity of e-NOS in sperm was evaluated in parallel by measuring the quantity of L-citulline produced from L-arginine. Results. Supplementation with Prelox (R) R enhanced sperm volume and concentration, motility, vitality and morphology significantly versus placebo. The Fertility Index rose to normal values during treatment with Prelox (R) R. e-NOS activity in sperm was elevated by Prelox (R) R. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion. Prelox (R) R offers a safe method: to improve quality of human spermatozoa in subfertile men.