Cannabis reduced sperm motility and testosterone in diabetic rats
In diabetic male rats, cannabis treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in sperm motility at higher doses, and both cannabis and metformin negatively affected testosterone levels.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis induced a significant concentration-dependent decrease in sperm motility at 5 mg/kg THC. Metformin increased sperm counts and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Both cannabis and metformin negatively affected testosterone concentrations.
Key Numbers
35 rats. Cannabis 5 mg/kg THC: significant decrease in sperm motility (p=0.009). Metformin: increased sperm counts (p=0.035) and LDH activity (p=0.002). Both cannabis and metformin reduced testosterone.
How They Did This
Male Wistar rats (n=35) were fed a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin to create a type 2 diabetes model. Treatment groups received cannabis at THC concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg and metformin (50 mg/kg) every other day for 10 weeks. Measured organ weight, testosterone, sperm count, motility, and enzyme activities.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use is reportedly increasing among people with type 2 diabetes for pain and inflammation management. This study suggests cannabis may compound reproductive risks already associated with diabetes.
The Bigger Picture
Diabetic men already face reproductive challenges. If cannabis worsens sperm motility and testosterone in this population, it adds an important consideration for the growing number of diabetic patients turning to cannabis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Animal study in a chemically induced diabetes model. THC doses and frequency may not match human use patterns. Small sample (n=35 across all groups). Short duration relative to human chronic use.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are these effects reversible after stopping cannabis?
- ?Would lower doses be safe for reproductive parameters?
- ?Do diabetic men who use cannabis show similar fertility effects?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Significant sperm motility decrease at 5 mg/kg THC dose
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: small animal study with chemically induced diabetes model.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis and metformin on diabetic male Wistar rat sperm and reproductive organ parameters.
- Published In:
- Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 21(2), 1451-1458 (2022)
- Authors:
- van Losenoord, Wynand, Levendal, Ruby-Ann(2), Frost, Carminita Lara
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04272
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Did all cannabis doses affect sperm?
Only the highest dose (5 mg/kg THC) significantly reduced sperm motility. Lower doses (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) did not show significant effects.
Did cannabis affect testosterone?
Yes. Both cannabis and metformin negatively affected testosterone concentrations, which is concerning because diabetes itself can already reduce testosterone levels.
Should diabetic men avoid cannabis?
This animal study raises caution but cannot make clinical recommendations. The researchers advise that cannabis should be used cautiously as an alternative treatment in diabetic males pending further research.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04272APA
van Losenoord, Wynand; Levendal, Ruby-Ann; Frost, Carminita Lara. (2022). Cannabis and metformin on diabetic male Wistar rat sperm and reproductive organ parameters.. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 21(2), 1451-1458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-022-01079-z
MLA
van Losenoord, Wynand, et al. "Cannabis and metformin on diabetic male Wistar rat sperm and reproductive organ parameters.." Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-022-01079-z
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis and metformin on diabetic male Wistar rat sperm and..." RTHC-04272. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/van-2022-cannabis-and-metformin-on
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.