Effects of Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Lévl.) Hutch on male fertility

Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Lévl.) Hutch (TH) is a perennial used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and various skin disorders. One study showed that daily oral doses of TH significantly reduced the fertility of male rats without apparent toxicity. The effects of daily oral doses of TH on the fertility of men taking it for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated. Sperm concentration, motility and motility grade all were significantly reduced in the 13 men taking TH compared to 11 untreated controls. TH therapy did not affect testosterone, FSH, LH levels, and its antifertility effects appeared to be reversible.