The Insight Corner Hub: Oligocare in the Management of Male Infertility: A Review of Composition, Efficacy, and Clinical Utility

Author:

Joseph NZAYISENGA, MPH, BPharm

Senior Pharmacist, Public Health Expert, Pharmaceutical Sciences Review Board, Research and Education Officer.

1. Rwanda Community Pharmacists Union
2. Acta Scientific Journal

---

Abstract

Background: Male infertility is a global public health concern, contributing to approximately 40–50% of all infertility cases among couples. Oligospermia, defined as a sperm concentration below 15 million/mL, is a common etiology. Nutraceutical supplementation has gained attention as a non-invasive intervention to enhance male reproductive parameters.

Objective: This review evaluates Oligocare, a commercially available male fertility supplement, in terms of its composition, clinical indications, and relevance in improving sperm quality in oligospermic men.

Methods: A narrative review based on product composition analysis and available clinical data from published trials and patient-reported outcomes.

Results: Oligocare contains amino acids, trace minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins known to support spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and oxidative stress reduction. Regular use has been associated with improvements in sperm parameters and overall reproductive outcomes.

Conclusion: Oligocare may serve as a valuable adjunct in the management of male infertility, particularly in cases of idiopathic oligospermia, pending further large-scale randomized clinical trials.

1. Introduction

Infertility affects an estimated 15% of couples globally, and male factors account for approximately 40–50% of these cases (Agarwal et al., 2015). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Among male infertility cases, oligospermia a sperm concentration below 15 million/mL is one of the most common abnormalities.

The global prevalence of male infertility ranges from 2.5% to 12% depending on the region, diagnostic criteria, and population studied (Inhorn & Patrizio, 2015). In sub-Saharan Africa, male infertility prevalence is estimated to range between 10% and 20%, often complicated by sociocultural factors and delayed diagnosis (Dhont et al., 2011). In Asia, studies report male factor infertility in up to 30% of infertile couples, often attributed to environmental and occupational exposures (Esteves et al., 2020).

With growing evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress, nutritional deficiency, and hormonal imbalance in male infertility, interest in nutraceutical supplementation has increased. Products like Oligocare, which offer a blend of antioxidants, amino acids, and micronutrients, have been considered as complementary interventions for improving sperm parameters in men with idiopathic or mild-to-moderate oligospermia.

Infographic Summary: Oligocare and Its Impact on Male Reproductive Health

2. Composition and Mechanism of Action

Oligocare is formulated with several bioactive compounds known to support male reproductive health. Its ingredients include:

• L-Carnitine (500 mg): Facilitates energy metabolism in spermatozoa and enhances motility (Balercia et al., 2005).
• Zinc (20 mg): Essential for testosterone synthesis and sperm production (Colagar et al., 2009).
• Selenium (65 mcg): Reduces oxidative stress and improves sperm motility (Moslemi & Tavanbakhsh, 2011).
• Vitamin E (30 IU) and Vitamin C (100 mg): Neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage sperm DNA (Rolf et al., 1999).
• Folic Acid (0.5 mg): Involved in DNA synthesis and cell division in spermatogenesis (Wong et al., 2002).
• Coenzyme Q10 (15 mg): Supports ATP production and sperm motility (Balercia et al., 2009).
• L-Arginine (50 mg): Enhances nitric oxide production, potentially improving erectile function (Scibona et al., 1994).

These ingredients act synergistically to support spermatogenesis, improve sperm quality, and enhance the overall reproductive environment in the male genital tract.

3. Mechanisms of Action

Oxidative stress plays a major role in male infertility by damaging the sperm membrane and DNA. Antioxidants like vitamin C, E, selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 mitigate these effects, improving sperm quality (Agarwal & Sekhon, 2010). Amino acids like L-carnitine and L-arginine facilitate energy metabolism and blood flow, potentially enhancing sperm motility and libido (Lenzi et al., 2004). Zinc and folic acid are essential for spermatogenesis and DNA stability.

4. Clinical Benefits

Emerging evidence from clinical trials and observational studies indicates that Oligocare may provide the following benefits:

• Improved Sperm Count: Supplementation with carnitine, zinc, and folic acid has shown positive effects on sperm concentration (Wong et al., 2002).
• Enhanced Sperm Motility and Morphology: Coenzyme Q10 and selenium improve sperm motility and reduce abnormal forms (Balercia et al., 2009).
• Reduced Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E play a protective role against oxidative damage to sperm DNA (Rolf et al., 1999).
• Hormonal Balance: Zinc contributes to maintaining normal testosterone levels, essential for libido and fertility (Colagar et al., 2009).

5. Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage is one tablet twice daily, preferably after meals. Optimal outcomes are typically observed after a continuous 90-day course, consistent with the spermatogenic cycle of approximately 74 days. Adherence to the full course is critical for assessing efficacy.

6. Safety Profile and Contraindications

Oligocare is generally well-tolerated when used as directed. Reported side effects are minimal and include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Headache
• Rare allergic reactions to specific ingredients

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
• Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment

7. Discussion

The increasing incidence of male infertility, combined with advancements in understanding the role of micronutrients and oxidative stress, provides a rationale for the use of evidence-based supplements like Oligocare. While the individual components have been studied for their role in fertility enhancement, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of the combined formulation remain limited.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing Oligocare to a standard antioxidant protocol would provide more definitive conclusions. Moreover, there is a need for continent-specific research, especially in Africa, where infertility is often stigmatized, and access to fertility treatments is limited.

8. Conclusion

Oligocare offers a promising adjunctive option in the management of male infertility, particularly in cases of idiopathic oligospermia. It is well-tolerated, accessible, and potentially effective in improving sperm parameters when combined with lifestyle modification and clinical supervision. However, further large-scale clinical studies are required to validate its long-term efficacy.

9. References 

• Agarwal, A., Mulgund, A., Hamada, A., & Chyatte, M. R. (2015). A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 13(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1
• Balercia, G., Regoli, F., Armeni, T., Koverech, A., Mantero, F., & Boscaro, M. (2005). Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of L-carnitine, L-acetylcarnitine, or combined L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Fertility and Sterility, 84(3), 662–671.
• Balercia, G., Arnaldi, G., Fazioli, F., et al. (2009). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: An open, uncontrolled pilot study. Andrologia, 41(6), 395–403.
• Colagar, A. H., Marzony, E. T., & Chaichi, M. J. (2009). Zinc levels in seminal plasma are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. Nutrition Research, 29(2), 82–88.
• Dhont, N., van de Wijgert, J., Coene, G., Gasarabwe, A., & Temmerman, M. (2011). 'Mama and papa nothing': Living with infertility among an urban population in Kigali, Rwanda. Human Reproduction, 26(2), 623–629.
• Esteves, S. C., Roque, M., Bradley, C. K., & Garrido, N. (2020). Definition, diagnosis, and prevalence of male infertility: A systematic review of the literature. World Journal of Men's Health, 38(2), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.190055
• Inhorn, M. C., & Patrizio, P. (2015). Infertility around the globe: New thinking on gender, reproductive technologies and global movements in the 21st century. Human Reproduction Update, 21(4), 411–426.
• Moslemi, M. K., & Tavanbakhsh, S. (2011). Selenium–vitamin E supplementation in infertile men: Effects on semen parameters and pregnancy rate. International Journal of General Medicine, 4, 99–104.
• Rolf, C., Cooper, T. G., Yeung, C. H., & Nieschlag, E. (1999). Antioxidant treatment of patients with asthenozoospermia or moderate oligoasthenozoospermia with high-dose vitamin C and vitamin E: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Human Reproduction, 14(4), 1028–1033.
• Scibona, M., Meschini, P., Capparelli, S., Pecori, C., Rossi, L., & Lenzi, A. (1994). Arginine and male infertility. Panminerva Medica, 36(2), 80–82.
• Wong, W. Y., Merkus, H. M., Thomas, C. M., Menkveld, R., Zielhuis, G. A., & Steegers-Theunissen, R. P. (2002). Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility, 77(3), 491–498.