The Use of Ellagic Acid and <i>Annona muricata</i> Complex in Male Subjects with Oligospermia and HPV-Related Infections: Results from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been recognized as one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and has been correlated with poor semen quality and male hypofertility. Ellagic acid and Annona muricate have been considered as fascinating compounds in the chemoprevention of HPV-related lesions of the cervix. Here, we aimed to evaluate the role of ellagic acid and Annona muricata (OASIT-k®) in managing male subjects with oligospermia and HPV-related infections. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2019, all patients attending our center for oligospermia were evaluated for HPV-DNA. All HPV-DNA positive patients underwent orally administered OASIT-k 1 tablet/day for 3 months. After 6 months, all patients underwent spermiogram, HPV-DNA analysis on seminal plasma and urological visit. The main outcome measures were HPV-DNA clearance rate and improvement of semen parameters. Results: Forty-three patients (aged 22–43 years) were enrolled and treated. At the end of the treatment, the clearance of HPV-DNA infections was 62.7% (27/43). Seminal parameters were improved by treatment in terms of the number of spermatozoa (10.6 vs. 15.8) and mobility (27.5% vs. 36.1%). Conclusions: The therapy with OASIT-K was efficient in improving the HPV-DNA clearance and seminal parameters. These promising data emphasize the importance of redirecting the immune responses in viral infections.

Keywords

• human papilloma virus
• male fertility
• HPV-DNA
• ellagic acid
• <i>Annona muricate</i>