The effects of cinnamon consumption on sperm count, concentration, morphology, and motility: A systematic review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Food Sciences and Technology, Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 M.Sc. Student of Food Sciences and Technology, School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.84349.6280

Abstract

Introduction: Some of the causes of male infertility are sperm disorders including changes in sperm concentration, viability, motility, and morphology. Historically, traditional remedies like cinnamon bark have been utilized for treating fertility issues. The present study was conducted with aim to assess the impact of cinnamon and its derivatives on sperm quality parameters.
Methods: In this systematic review, keywords related to male infertility, cinnamon, reproductive function, spermatogenesis, sperm count, vital sperm, sperm morphology, and sperm motility were searched in English and Persian databases including Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, SID, ISC, and Cochrane from June 2012 to October 2023.
Results: This systematic review examined 13 studies. The use of cinnamon improves sperm parameters. Cinnamon consumption increases concentration, viability, reduces sperm with abnormal morphology, increases sperm quality, and improves sperm DNA integrity in both humans and animals. The use of 75 mg/kg body weight of cinnamon improved sperm motility in male rats. Additionally, the use of cinnamon, especially in rats with diabetes, increases sperm count and motility. The combined use of cinnamon with other herbal ingredients resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of sperm viability and count.
Conclusion: Cinnamon and its derivatives have been shown to increase sperm concentration, viability, motility, and morphology in both human and animal studies, potentially leading to increased fertility rates. Therefore, long-term and adequate doses of cinnamon and its derivatives can significantly improve sperm characteristics.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 27, Issue 12
February 2025
Pages 79-94

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