Diet is a modifiable risk factor in the pathophysiology of many diseases according to classical texts of Āyurveda. Śukra is considered as the essence of six dhātu and for the management of depletion of śukra, the diet should be nourishing enough to rebuild the śukradhātu. Eating habits, as principle lifestyle factors, in terms of both macro and micro-nutrients intake have major effects on normal reproductive function. Meanwhile, several studies indicate that, high intake of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables, as well as low intake of full-fat dairy, sweets, and processed meat, especially with high-saturated fat foods has favorable association with sperm quality. Present review was carried out to compile the classical vegetables mentioned under the group śākavarga having properties like vṛṣya, śukralā, śukrakṛt etc. and to analyze their possible beneficial effects on male reproductive system. Fifteen different classical texts of Āyurveda and various published research articles from web based search engines were referred to summarize the classical references as well as update information on potential effects of vegetables on male reproductive function and fertility. Analysis of data shows that, out of 308 plants described under śākavarga, about 29 plants mentioned under śākavargaare highlighted for properties like vṛṣya (18), śukralā (9), śukradā (3),śukrakṛt (2), śukrakāriṇī (2), śukrakara (1) and śukrapradā (1).Among these 29 classical vegetables, majority of plants are scientifically studied and reported for their different pharmacological activities related to management of male infertility.

Introduction

Diet (āhāra) plays a major role in pathophysiology of many diseases and also interferes with the pharmacological actions of the prescribed drugs.¹Āyurveda promotes the use of wholesome diet (pathya), in the prevention as well as management of different disease conditions.² Majority of classical texts of Āyurvedahave allotted separate chapters for dietetic items and described different group of food items.Specifically, different vegetables along with their properties and indications are delineated under the group śākavarga.³These vegetables can be advocated as wholesome diet in clinical practice for the prevention of different lifestyle diseases, due to faulty food habits.

Infertility is a worldwide problem and it is estimated that, globally 60-80 million couples suffer from infertility every year, of which probably between 15-20 million are in India alone.⁴Male infertility accounts for about 50% of human infertility. In 40% to 50% of infertile males, the etiology is unknown.⁵Lifestyle factors and nutritional status are regarded as critical determinants of normal reproductive function. Due to swift changes in eating behavior, the expansion of unhealthy dietary patterns, specifically higher intakes of saturated fat, sodium and lower consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, has an upward trend in reproductive age people.⁶Meanwhile, several studies also indicate that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as lower intake of full-fat dairy, sweets and processed meat specifically with high-saturated fat foods are linked with higher sperm quality.^7,8,9

Vegetables are also considered as rich source of antioxidants. It has been well documented that high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the semen induce oxidative damage to the sperm and are associated with abnormal sperm parameters leading to infertility.¹⁰Antioxidants obtained through dietary intake, from any source, can potentially improve semen quality and intrinsic sperm properties.¹¹ In contrast, lower dietary intake may result in poor semen quality as a result of lower total body concentration of antioxidants.¹²

Classical texts of āyurveda describe technical terms like vṛṣya, śukralā, śukradā,śukrakṛt, śukrakāriṇī, śukrakara etc. to highlight the importance of the plants in disease conditions where śukra is less produced or to have good progeny.

Despite a major part of classical references that describe the importance of several vegetables in the prevention and management of different disease conditions, a detailed critical analysis for assessing their effectiveness in fertility related risk factors islacking. There is need for systematic review of these classical vegetables in terms of āyurvedic pharmacodynamics along with their scientific data on their safety and efficacy. Hence, the present review is carried out to compile the śākadravya (vegetables) mentioned in classical texts of āyurveda having possible beneficial effects on male infertility along with latest scientific evidences.

Material and Methods

Different categories of vegetables (śākadravya) like patra (leaf), puṣpa (flower), phala (fruit), nāla (stem) and kanda (tuber),attributed with properties like vṛṣya, śukralā, śukradā,śukrakṛtśukrakāriṇī, śukrakara and śukrapradāwere compiled from Carakasaṃhitā¹³, Suśrutasaṃhitā¹⁴, Aṣtāngasaṃgraha¹⁵, Aṣtāngahṛdaya¹⁶ and eleven different nighaṇṭu i.e. Dhanvantarinighaṇṭu¹⁷, Śoḍhalanighaṇṭu¹⁸, Mādhavadravyaguṇa¹⁹, Madanapālanighaṇṭu²⁰, Kaiyadevanighaṇṭu²¹, Bhāvaprakāśanighaṇṭu²², Rājanighaṇṭu²³, Priyanighaṇṭu²⁴, Guṇaratnamālā²⁵, Dravyaguṇasaṃgraha²⁶ and Dravyaguṇa śataśloki²⁷. Published research articles and books were referred to summarize the update information on potential effects of these vegetables on male reproductive function and fertility. Botanical equivalents of compiled classical vegetables are established by referring text books related to medicinal plants.^28,29

Results and Discussion

Different plants described under śākavarga,having properties like vṛṣya, śukralā, śukradā,śukrakṛt etc. have been compiled and presented along with their part used and probable botanical equivalents. (Table 1) It is observed that, out of about 308 classical vegetables described under śākavarga,29 are attributed with properties like vṛṣya (18), śukralā(9), śukradā(3),śukrakṛt(2), śukrakāriṇī (2), śukrakara(1) and śukrapradā(1). Among them 24 classical vegetables are identified botanically and botanical identities of kākāṇḍola, mūlapoti, tuṃba and vallī are yet to be confirmed. (Table 1)

Table 1: Botanical identity of classical vegetables highlighted for their vṛṣya etc. properties. 

Āyurvedic pharmacodynamics 

Among the classical vegetables mentioned for their vṛṣya etc. properties, maximum vegetables are having madhura-tikta rasa, guru- snigdhaguṇa, śītavīrya and madhuravipāka. (Table 2) All these properties are similar with the properties of śukra and may help in the management of infertility and related disorders 

Table 2: Properties of classical vegetables highlighted for their vṛṣya etc. properties. 

Pharmacological activities

Among the classical vegetables highlighted for vṛṣya etc. properties, some are scientifically studied in different experimental models and reported for their effects on male reproductive system. (Table 3) 

Table 3: Reported research activities of classical vegetables with vṛṣya etc. properties. 

Conclusion 

Vegetables noted under the category of śākavarga, in classical texts of āyurveda,are consumed since time immemorial. Some of these vegetables are proven experimentally in different experimental models, for their role in improving the different seminal parameters related to infertility. Scientific studies are required to establish the potential beneficial effects of vegetables in the prevention of male infertility in clinical practices.

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