A Critical Review on Role of Kshina Retasa (Oligospermia) in Male Infertility
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Critical Review on Role of Kshina Retasa (Oligospermia) in Male Infertility
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Male infertility is becoming increasingly prevalent, with approximately 15% of couples worldwide affected by this issue. Among the various causes of male infertility, Kshina Retasa, or oligospermia, is particularly significant as it correlates with low sperm count in semen. Oligospermia is characterized by a sperm count of less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, which is considered a clinical condition. The Ayurvedic texts provide insights into this condition, expressing the importance of understanding and addressing Shukra Doshas—imbalances in seminal fluid—and other factors that might contribute to reproductive health issues in men.
The Essential Nature of Retasa
The Ayurvedic term Retasa refers to the fluid produced in the male reproductive system, and it plays a vital role in fertility. Derived from the Sanskrit root meaning 'to flow,' Retasa includes not just semen but also the essence of reproductive vitality, termed Shukra. Acharya Sushruta emphasized that the health of Retasa is crucial for natural reproduction; disparities such as vitiated (impurified) Shukra—often affected by doshas like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—can lead to diminished fertility. A healthy Retasa should exhibit qualities like unctuousness, viscosity, and sweetness, contrasting with the detrimental characteristics observed in disordered semen.
Ayurvedic Management of Oligospermia
Ayurveda offers a multifaceted approach to manage Kshina Retasa through the application of Vajikarana therapy, which focuses on promoting fertility and vigor. Key treatments involve the integration of diet, lifestyle modifications, and specific herbal formulations aimed at enhancing sperm production and quality. Important herbs include Gokshura, which boosts testosterone levels, and Ashwagandha, known for enhancing spermatogenesis. Alongside herbal remedies, Ayurvedic strategies emphasize detoxification (Sodhana procedures) as a prerequisite to restoring reproductive health and ensuring optimal conditions for spermatogenesis.
Conclusion
The review of literature indicates that Ayurvedic remedies—characterized by their Snighdha (unctuous), Balya (strengthening), and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties—demonstrate a promising efficacy in treating Kshina Retasa. Many traditional Ayurvedic drugs exhibit beneficial effects that align well with contemporary understanding of male infertility. The holistic nature of Ayurveda offers viable treatment alternatives for addressing male infertility issues, particularly through the lens of Kshina Retasa, making it a relevant resource in today's clinical context.
Original source:
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Naresh Itani
PG Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana evum Vikriti Vigyna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be De-Novo university, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Komal Keshwa
PG Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana evum Vikriti Vigyna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be De-Novo university, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Divya Pathak
PG Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana evum Vikriti Vigyna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be De-Novo university, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Tabassum Parveen
PG Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana evum Vikriti Vigyna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be De-Novo university, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
B.K. Sevatkar
Professor, Department of Roga Nidana evum Vikriti Vigyna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be De-Novo university, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Critical Review on Role of Kshina Retasa (Oligospermia) in Male Infertility
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i6.1101
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kshina Retasa and how does it relate to infertility?
Kshina Retasa, correlated with oligospermia, refers to low sperm count affecting male fertility. Infertility is a growing concern, impacting about 15% of couples globally, and Kshina Retasa is a significant element in male infertility within Ayurvedic medicine.
What are the Ayurvedic approaches to manage Kshina Retasa?
Ayurvedic management focuses on Vajikarana using aphrodisiac herbs, dietary changes, and Panchakarma therapies. Specific medications such as Jivaneeya Ghrita and Chyavana Prasha may enhance fertility, addressing underlying imbalances in Shukra dosha.
What lifestyle factors can affect male fertility and Kshina Retasa?
Factors include excessive physical stress, unhealthy diets, mental trauma, and environmental toxins. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including proper nutrition and stress management, is crucial for supporting optimal fertility and healthy sperm production.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A Critical Review on Role of Kshina Retasa (Oligospermia) in Male Infertility”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kshina (Ksina):
Kshina is associated with the depletion or insufficiency of particular elements such as 'Retasa' or semen in the context of male infertility, a concept elaborated in Ayurveda to indicate a condition where there is a lower than normal sperm count [see source text or glossary: Kshina].
2) Shukra (Sukra):
Shukra denotes the whole testicular and accessory gland secretion including semen and androgens. It is considered the seventh and last Dhatu in Ayurveda, embodying the essence of all Dhatus and is crucial for reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Shukra].
3) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the basic tissues or elements of the body in Ayurveda. There are seven primary Dhatus, and Shukra is considered the last, representing the reproductive fluids including semen [see source text or glossary: Dhatu].
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India, focusing on balance and harmony within the body through natural therapies, dietary practices, and lifestyle modifications [see source text or glossary: Ayurveda].
5) Basti:
Basti is an Ayurvedic enema treatment used for cleansing and nourishing the colon. It is employed in the management of Shukradoshas and may involve various substances like oils, milk, and medicinal herbs [see source text or glossary: Basti].
6) Drug:
In the context of Ayurveda, drugs refer to natural herbs and formulations that help in treating conditions like Kshina Retasa. Examples include Rasayana and Vajikarana dravyas which have aphrodisiac properties [see source text or glossary: Drug].
7) Disease:
Disease within Ayurveda, such as male infertility due to Oligospermia, is often linked to imbalances in Doshas and Dhatus. Conditions like Kshina Retasa indicate specific pathologies affecting reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Disease].
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental bio-energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern physiological and mental processes. Imbalance in these Doshas is associated with various health disorders, including reproductive issues [see source text or glossary: Dosha].
9) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of space and air. It is responsible for movement and communication within the body. Imbalance in Vata can affect sperm quality and lead to conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Vata].
10) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya refers to substances with aphrodisiac properties in Ayurveda. These drugs enhance reproductive health and are used to manage conditions like Kshina Retasa by improving Shukra Dhatu [see source text or glossary: Vrishya].
11) Vajikarana:
Vajikarana is a specialized branch in Ayurveda focusing on aphrodisiac therapies aimed at enhancing reproductive health and vigor. This includes treatments for conditions like Oligospermia [see source text or glossary: Vajikarana].
12) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to clarified butter or ghee used in Ayurvedic formulations. It is considered Shukrajanaka (helps in genesis of Shukra) and is used in various treatments for improving reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Ghrita].
13) Rupa:
Roopa in Ayurvedic terminology refers to the form or the manifestation of a condition. In context, Amurta Roopa Shukra signifies the essential seed present in all parts of the body, transitioning to Murta Roopa as it flows out during intercourse [see source text or glossary: Roopa].
14) Tola:
Tola is a traditional unit of measurement used for quantifying ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations, such as Saindhava (rock salt), ghee, and milk, in the preparation of Basti treatments [see source text or glossary: Tola].
15) Milk:
Milk is highly valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing properties. It is used in various formulations like Kshirabasti for Shukradosha treatments, enhancing reproductive health by increasing Shukradhatu [see source text or glossary: Milk].
16) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava, or rock salt, is employed in various Ayurvedic preparations and Basti treatments for its therapeutic qualities, particularly in addressing conditions like Kshina Shukra [see source text or glossary: Saindhava].
17) Mamsarasa (Mamsa-rasa):
Mamsarasa, or meat soup, is recommended in Ayurvedic treatments to support Shukradhatu formation, thus improving conditions like Oligospermia and enhancing overall reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Mamsarasa].
18) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapies are rejuvenative treatments aimed at enhancing longevity, health, and vitality. In the context of reproductive health, Rasayana drugs like Shilajatu are used for treating Shukradoshas [see source text or glossary: Rasayana].
19) Madhura:
Madhura refers to the sweet taste and associated qualities of certain Ayurvedic herbs and foods known to improve Shukradhatu. Madhura-rasa (sweet nature) is beneficial in treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Madhura].
20) Dravya:
Dravya in Ayurveda refers to the substances, materials, or herbal elements used in treatments. In managing Oligospermia, Dravya helps in the genesis of Shukra and includes herbs like Musali and Shatavari [see source text or glossary: Dravya].
21) Nature:
The inherent nature of various Ayurvedic treatments and Dravya play a key role in their efficacy. Understanding the specific properties of each element helps in effectively treating disorders like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Nature].
22) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas representing the elements of fire and water. It governs digestion and metabolism. Imbalance in Pitta can lead to reproductive issues like Shukradoshas, including Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Pitta].
23) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, composed of water and earth elements. It is responsible for structure and lubrication. Imbalance in Kapha, such as excessive slimy semen, contributes to reproductive issues [see source text or glossary: Kapha].
24) Retas:
Retas in Ayurveda denotes the ejaculate or semen that flow out during sexual intercourse. Retasa-related disorders like Kshina Retasa imply reduced quality or quantity of semen leading to infertility [see source text or glossary: Retas].
25) Balya:
Balya in Ayurveda refers to substances or treatments that provide strength and vitality. Substances with Balya properties help in managing Kshina Retasa by enhancing overall physical and reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Balya].
26) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to taste, which is essential in Ayurveda for determining the therapeutic properties of herbs and substances. Madhura-rasa (sweet taste) is particularly beneficial in treating Shukradoshas [see source text or glossary: Rasa].
27) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is extensively used in Ayurveda for its nurturing and therapeutic attributes. It aids in Shukrajanana and is involved in treatments like Basti for reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Ghee].
28) Vatapittahara (Vatapitta-hara):
Vatapittahara refers to treatments or substances that alleviate both Vata and Pitta imbalances. These properties are beneficial in treating conditions like Kshina Retasa to restore balance and reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Vatapittahara].
29) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura-rasa denotes the sweet taste in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its nourishing and rejuvenating properties. It is particularly effective in enhancing Shukradhatu and treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Madhura-rasa].
30) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruhabasti is a cleansing enema therapy in Ayurveda, essential for detoxifying the body and preparing it for further treatments like Vajikarana [see source text or glossary: Niruhabasti].
31) Fragrance:
Fragrance, as exemplified by the analogy of a budding flower in Ayurvedic texts, signifies the latent potential of Shukra in males, becoming evident as they mature, similar to how a flower eventually emits its scent [see source text or glossary: Fragrance].
32) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana therapies in Ayurveda focus on nourishment and building body tissue. They enhance Shukradhatu making them useful for treating reproductive disorders like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Brimhana].
33) Sthapana:
Sthapana refers to stabilizing treatments in Ayurveda. Vata-sthapana properties help stabilize Vata Dosha, which is crucial in treating conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Sthapana].
34) Samhita:
Samhita refers to foundational Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which provide detailed descriptions of diagnosis and treatments for various health conditions including Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Samhita].
35) Amalaki:
Amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a potent herb in Ayurveda. Its rejuvenative properties make it useful in treating Shukradoshas, enhancing overall reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Amalaki].
36) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali or long pepper is an Ayurvedic herb known for its restorative and Shukrajanana properties. It is often used in treatments aimed at improving male fertility [see source text or glossary: Pippali].
37) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Sodhana refers to detoxification treatments in Ayurveda. It is essential as a preparatory procedure before administering Vajikarana drugs for treating reproductive disorders like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Sodhana].
38) Aushadha (Ausadha):
Ausadha pertains to medicinal treatments or drugs in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic herbs like Shatavari and Ashwagandha serve as Ausadha for improving Shukradhatu and managing Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Ausadha].
39) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry or arid, a condition described by Acharya Charaka affecting unhealthy Shukra. This quality denotes insufficient lubrication, impacting fertility negatively [see source text or glossary: Ruksha].
40) Karsha (Karsa):
Karsha is a traditional Ayurvedic measurement unit, often used to quantify ingredients in formulations aimed at enhancing reproductive health, such as in the preparation of Niruha basti [see source text or glossary: Karsha].
41) Nidana:
Nidana in Ayurveda denotes the causative factors of diseases. For Kshina Shukra, these include lifestyle factors, diet, mental stress, and improper sexual practices [see source text or glossary: Nidana].
42) Niruha:
Niruha refers to an enema treatment involving herbal decoctions in Ayurveda. It is a vital component of Sodhana therapy to detoxify and prepare the body for further treatment [see source text or glossary: Niruha].
43) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to the actions or treatments prescribed for healing. This includes procedures like Panchakarma and Basti for conditions affecting reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Karma].
44) Shali (Sali):
Shali rice is utilized in Ayurvedic treatments for its nourishing properties, especially beneficial in addressing Shukradoshas and improving male fertility [see source text or glossary: Shali].
45) Virya:
Virya denotes potency or strength in general, specifically referring to the reproductive capability in Ayurveda. Treatments aim to enhance Virya, thus addressing issues like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Virya].
46) Sarpis (Sarpi, Sarpish):
Sarpi, or ghee, is integral to many Ayurvedic treatments due to its nourishing and unctuous qualities. It is used in formulations and enemas to improve reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Sarpi].
47) Honey:
Honey is incorporated in Ayurvedic treatments for its sweet and nourishing properties. It is used in various formulations to manage conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Honey].
48) Tanu:
Tanu, meaning slender or thin, is one of the conditions described by Acharya Charaka affecting unhealthy Shukra which impacts its ability to facilitate conception [see source text or glossary: Tanu].
49) Puti:
Puti refers to putrid or foul-smelling semen, indicative of imbalance or disease in Ayurvedic diagnostics. Such conditions in sperm affect fertility, as described in treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Puti].
50) Guna:
Guna in Ayurveda denotes the inherent qualities or attributes of substances. Recognizing the Guna of various herbs helps in formulating effective treatments for conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Guna].
51) Food:
In Ayurveda, diet (Ahara) plays a crucial role in managing health conditions. Foods such as Godhuma, Shali, and Ghrita support Shukradhatu, thus treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Food].
52) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Yashtimadhu, is used in Ayurveda to improve semen quality. It holds significant importance in managing male infertility [see source text or glossary: Glycyrrhiza glabra].
53) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, or Ashwagandha, is an essential herb in Ayurveda, enhancing spermatogenesis via testosterone-like effects, thus treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Withania somnifera].
54) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation during ejaculation is typically linked to Pitta imbalance in Ayurveda, indicating unhealthy Shukra which impacts fertility negatively [see source text or glossary: Burning sensation].
55) Genetic defect:
Genetic defects such as Klinefelter’s syndrome can lead to conditions like Oligospermia, impacting male fertility, which Ayurveda seeks to address through specific treatments [see source text or glossary: Genetic defect].
56) Rock salt:
Rock salt, or Saindhava, is utilized in various Ayurvedic formulations including Basti treatments to manage conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Rock salt].
57) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known as Shatavari, helps to enhance fertility in Ayurveda by reducing oxidative stress, making it useful in treating oligospermia [see source text or glossary: Asparagus racemosus].
58) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, known as Gokshura, raises testosterone levels and is used in Ayurvedic treatments to address male infertility by enhancing Shukradhatu [see source text or glossary: Tribulus terrestris].
59) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is an authoritative Ayurvedic text that provides comprehensive guidelines on diagnosing and treating conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Sushruta-samhita].
60) Vajikaranatantra (Vajikarana-tantra, Vajikaranatamtra):
Vajikaranatantra is an Ayurvedic discipline focusing on aphrodisiac therapies to enhance reproductive health and treat male infertility conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Vajikaranatantra].
61) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-basti is an oil-based enema treatment in Ayurveda aimed at nourishing and managing conditions related to Vata, including those affecting reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Anuvasana-basti].
62) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
Cauterization procedures like Kshara and Agni Karma may be indicated for certain conditions in Ayurveda, but improper application can negatively impact Shukradhatu [see source text or glossary: Cauterization].
63) Shukrajanana (Shukra-janana, Sukrajanana):
Sukrajanana refers to treatments that aid in the generation of Shukra or semen, essential for improving male fertility in Ayurvedic practice [see source text or glossary: Sukrajanana].
64) Shukrashodhana (Sukrasodhana, Shukra-shodhana):
Sukrasodhana refers to purifying treatments aimed at improving the quality of Shukra. These treatments are integral to managing oligospermia in Ayurvedic practice [see source text or glossary: Sukrasodhana].
65) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known for enhancing semen quality and is utilized in treating male fertility issues like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Yashtimadhu].
66) Shukradhatu (Sukradhatu, Shukra-dhatu):
Shukradhatu denotes the reproductive tissue, which in Ayurveda encompasses the quality and quantity of semen. Ensuring its health is crucial for treating Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Shukradhatu].
67) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Basti-karma refers to enema treatments in Ayurveda, which include procedures like Niruha and Anuvasana basti to manage reproductive health issues like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Basti-karma].
68) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-Dosha, one of the three bio-energies in Ayurveda, when imbalanced can lead to excessively slimy semen, affecting fertility. Correcting this balance is key in treatments [see source text or glossary: Kapha-dosha].
69) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a powerful rejuvenative herb in Ayurveda known for enhancing male reproductive health by supporting spermatogenesis [see source text or glossary: Ashwagandha].
70) Kapikacchu (Kapi-kacchu):
Kapikacchu, or Mucuna pruriens, is an Ayurvedic herb with Viryavardhaka (sperm-increasing) properties, making it useful in treating conditions like Kshina Retasa [see source text or glossary: Kapikacchu].
71) Bhallataka:
Bhallataka, or Semecarpus anacardium, is an herb used in Ayurveda with Rasayana properties. It is part of various formulations for enhancing male reproductive health [see source text or glossary: Bhallataka].
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 147]