The direct effect of Hochuekki-To on human sperm fertilizability using the hypoosmotic swelling test.

The concentration and motility of human sperm increase is examined following the oral administration of a traditional herbal medicine, Hochuekki-To using the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. After 1 h incubation in Hochuekki-To, the motility of sperm and the results of the HOS test improved, particularly for severely abnormal sperm. For both the original and incubated sperm, the results of the HOS test improved when Hochuekki-To was used in the swim-up medium for the swim-up washing method rather than when Whittingham's T6 solution was used. Hochuekki-To had a favorable, direct effect on human sperm functions, suggesting an effect on the physiological integrity of sperm membrane.