Melatonin Supports Male Health

by VRP Staff

The antioxidant hormone melatonin may play a role in the production of healthy sperm, according to a new study. Previous research has shown that sperm contain melatonin and have melatonin membrane receptors, yet the relationship between melatonin and sperm health had not yet been determined. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that one-third of infertility cases among couples are due to male factors.

In this study, sperm from 52 men with impaired fertility was examined. The sperm was evaluated for concentration, motility and morphology (structure). In addition, the subjects were evaluated for urinary 6-sulfatoxy-melatonin and urinary total antioxidant capacity to determine if there was a correlation between the sperm parameters evaluated and melatonin and antioxidant status. In vitro, the sperm was exposed to melatonin and evaluated for changes in motility.

The results of the study showed that increased urinary levels of 6-sulfatoxy-melatonin and total antioxidant capacity correlated with increased sperm concentration, motility and improved morphology. In vitro, sperm treated with melatonin for 30 minutes showed increased sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of rapidly swimming cells.

The study concluded that melatonin improves semen quality. Based on the results of this research, it is likely that this unique antioxidant hormone plays a role in supporting sexual and reproductive health.

Reference:

Ortiz A, Espino J, Bejarano I, Lozano GM, Monllor F, García JF, Pariente JA, Rodríguez AB. High endogenous melatonin concentrations enhance sperm quality and short-term in vitro exposure to melatonin improves aspects of sperm motility. J Pineal Res. 2010 Oct 21. Published Online Ahead of Print.