Effect of Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Extract on Sperm Counts, Morphology, and Motility of Nicotine-Induced Mice

Background and Objective: Infertility is a health problem that affects 72.4 million couples worldwide. Infertility can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a smoking habit. A cigarette contains nicotine, a toxic compound that can trigger oxidative stress and eventually decrease fertility. Temulawak is a medicinal plant that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a traditional remedy and is believed can improve fertility. We aim to study the effect of temulawak extract on the morphology, motility, and sperm counts of nicotine-induced mice. Materials and methods: A total of 20 mice were divided into four groups (n = 5); control normal (K0), nicotine-induced (K1), and nicotine-induced treated with two different concentrations of temulawak extract (4 mg/20 g body weight (P1) and 8 mg/20 g body weight (P2). The mice were given nicotine and temulawak for 28 days and eventually were sacrificed by neck dislocation. Both testis and vas deferens were collected for sperm analysis. Results: Mice treated with nicotine (K1) showed lower sperm counts (p=0.012) and motility (p<0.001) compare to mice in control normal (K0), but not in morphology. Treatment with temulawak (4 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice (P1) can significantly increase the sperm motility (p< 0.001). Giving a double dose of temulawak extract in the P2 group resulted in significantly higher motility and sperm counts than group K1. Conclusion: Temulawak treatment (8 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice can significantly improve motility and sperm counts