Prunus Japonica Seed Extract
Also known as: Japanese bush cherry seed extract, Oriental bush cherry seed extract, Prunus japonica seed extract
Overview
Prunus japonica seed extract is derived from the seeds of the Japanese bush cherry, a plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine. It is primarily investigated for its potential to enhance male reproductive health, specifically sperm motility. Key bioactive constituents, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, are believed to modulate sperm function. Research on this extract is emerging, with a current focus on its reproductive applications. The existing evidence base is limited, primarily consisting of in vitro studies and small-scale human trials. Comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on Prunus japonica seed extract for male fertility are currently lacking, indicating that while promising, its efficacy and safety require further robust investigation.
Benefits
The primary demonstrated benefit of Prunus japonica seed extract is the improvement of sperm motility, particularly in men with idiopathic infertility. An in vitro study involving semen samples from 11 male volunteers showed increased total and progressive sperm motility after exposure to the ethanolic seed extract. This effect is attributed to the extract's ability to modulate voltage-gated proton channels (hHv1) in sperm, which are crucial for intracellular alkalization and capacitation—processes essential for sperm maturation and fertilization. Linoleic acid and oleic acid within the extract are identified as key components contributing to this proton channel modulation. However, it is important to note that no large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses have yet confirmed clinical efficacy or quantified effect sizes in broader populations, limiting the strength of evidence for clinical application.
How it works
Prunus japonica seed extract enhances sperm motility by pharmacologically modulating voltage-gated proton channels (hHv1) located on sperm cells. This modulation shifts the activation curves of these channels, leading to an increase in intracellular pH, a process known as alkalization. Intracellular alkalization is a critical step for sperm capacitation and hyperactivation, both of which are necessary for sperm to gain the ability to fertilize an egg. The active constituents, specifically linoleic and oleic acids, are believed to directly interact with these hHv1 proton channels, thereby improving various sperm motility parameters.
Side effects
Safety data for Prunus japonica seed extract are very limited. In the small human in vitro study conducted, no adverse effects were reported. However, there are no comprehensive safety or toxicity studies available in humans to thoroughly assess potential risks. Furthermore, no known drug interactions or contraindications have been documented to date. Given the scarcity of clinical data, caution is strongly advised regarding its use. Until more extensive safety evaluations and clinical trials are conducted, the full safety profile, including potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications, remains largely unknown.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Prunus japonica seed extract due to the limited number of clinical trials. The existing in vitro study utilized ethanolic extracts at concentrations effective in modulating sperm proton channels, but these concentrations are not directly translatable to oral dosing recommendations for human consumption. Further pharmacokinetic studies are essential to understand how the extract is absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body. Additionally, well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine the minimum effective dose, the maximum safe dose, and appropriate timing considerations for various purposes before any definitive dosage recommendations can be made.
FAQs
Is Prunus japonica seed extract effective for male infertility?
Preliminary in vitro evidence suggests it may improve sperm motility by modulating proton channels, but clinical efficacy in humans remains unproven in large-scale trials.
Is it safe?
No adverse effects were reported in small studies, but comprehensive human safety data are lacking, so caution is warranted.
How does it work?
It enhances sperm motility by modulating voltage-gated proton channels (hHv1) on sperm cells, leading to increased intracellular alkalization and capacitation.
When can effects be expected?
Unknown; current data are from in vitro studies, so the timeline for effects in the human body has not been established.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35590125/ – This study investigated the effects of Prunus japonica seed extract on human sperm motility. It found that the extract significantly increased total and progressive sperm motility in vitro by modulating hHv1 proton channels, with linoleic and oleic acids identified as active components. The study involved 11 male volunteers, providing mechanistic insight but limited clinical relevance due to its in vitro design and small sample size.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36846677/ – This narrative review discusses the role of ion channels, particularly proton channels, in sperm motility and function. It highlights Prunus japonica seed extract as a potential modulator of these channels, supporting the mechanistic findings of other studies. While providing strong mechanistic context, it is not a systematic review and does not present new clinical data.
- https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3416&sts=2 – This source, likely a systematic review of plant extracts, indicates a lack of direct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on Prunus japonica seed extract for fertility. It suggests that while plant extracts are studied for various uses, evidence for this specific extract in fertility is limited to preliminary findings, highlighting the need for more rigorous clinical research.
