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This study aims to assess the effects of dietary Epimedium ultrafine powder on the semen quality and explore underlying mechanisms in Bama boars.

May 17, 2026AnimalsOpen Access

Effects of Epimedium Ultrafine Powder on Seminal Quality, Hormones, Immuno-Antioxidant Status, Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Boars

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Randomized trial evaluates the impact of Epimedium on semen quality in boars, suggesting beneficial effects on reproductive health.

This study aims to assess the effects of dietary Epimedium ultrafine powder on the semen quality and explore underlying mechanisms in Bama boars.
Eighteen male Bama boars were divided into three groups and supplemented with 0.3% or 0.5% Epimedium for five weeks.
Analyses included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, 16S RNA gene sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomics.
Spearman correlation analysis was performed to relate gut microbiota with semen parameters.
Both 0.3% and 0.5% Epimedium increased sperm motility and serum levels of testosterone and FSH.
The supplementation decreased abnormal sperm rates and levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6).
Microbiota analysis revealed reductions in Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella with specific metabolic pathways enriched in the Epimedium group.

He et al. (2026) studied this question.

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