NBRI’s herbal drug to boost male reproductive health

Lucknow: The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, has developed a herbal drug to improve male reproductive health.The drug, which has been scientifically validated, is based on indigenous traditional knowledge and contains five plant-derived ingredients. The institute's scientists claim the 100% herbal product has zero side effects and shows efficacy in a month's time. The institute has also received a national patent for the formulation.The formulation has been developed by a team led by NBRI director Ajit Kumar Shasany and Sharad Srivastava, and including research scholars Ankita Misra, Mridul Kant Chaudhary and Adarsh Tewari. The product is the result of the team's research of five years.According to NBRI scientists, laboratory studies showed strong inhibition (slowing down and ultimately stopping) of the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into oestrogen. This action may help maintain male hormonal balance.Not only does it bring down oestrogen levels, but it increases testosterone levels that improve male fertility."Excess oestrogen in males (oestrogen dominance) disrupts the androgen-oestrogen balance, leading to physical, reproductive and emotional symptoms. Infertility, low sperm count, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction are common. This patented formulation will help in improving all these male reproductive health issues," said NBRI director Shasany.He said animal studies also showed a statistically significant rise in testosterone levels at a dose of 10mg per kg body weight.Safety studies, including short-term and long-term toxicity tests, found the formulation safe. No adverse effects were seen even at doses up to 1,000mg per kg body weight. NBRI has transferred the know-how of the formulation to the Himalaya Wellness Company, Bengaluru, on a non-exclusive basis for commercial use, he added.Shasany said the drug will hit the market shortly, and will be the safest, non-toxic and the most affordable medical formulation for male health.