L-carnitine combined with traditional Chinese medicine for male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fertility rates are declining globally, and male infertility is increasingly recognized as a significant challenge. This study aims to present the latest findings on the effectiveness and safety of combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with L-carnitine (LC) for treating male infertility.

Methods

We searched 8 databases. Randomized controlled trials of TCM combined with LC therapy versus LC alone in the treatment of male infertility. The outcome included: pregnancy rate, sperm motility, concentration, volume, viability and liquefaction time. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to type of TCM, type of dosage form, and different TCM treatments, and the source of the high heterogeneity was explored. The study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD4202342149

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11388790 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature