From kidney essence depletion to multi-target protection:mechanisms and intervention strategies of traditional Chinese medicine in ionizing radiation-induced male reproductive injury
DU Haiyang
PANG Haofeng
LIANG Zilong
HU Conglei
CHENG Meng
FAN Zudu
LI Wei
LIU Fei
Abstract：With the advancement of nuclear technology and space exploration,the risk of ionizing radiation exposure has become increasingly prominent,drawing particular attention to the high susceptibility to the male reproductive system.Ionizing radiation not only causes direct DNA damage but also induces germ cell apoptosis and hormonal disruptions through oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,ionizing radiation is regarded as a"heat toxin"or"fire toxin",which depletes kidney essence and impairs qi and blood.The therapeutic approach,therefore,emphasizes reinforcing healthy qi,securing the root,and tonifying the spleen and kidney.This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of ionizing radiation-induced damage to the male reproductive system,with a focused discussion on the protective role of TCM and recent advances in TCM-based pharmacological research.The aim is to provide theoretical foundations and novel research avenues for the development of radioprotective drugs.
Keywords：ionizing radiationradiation injuriesmale reproductive system injuriesradiation protectiontraditional Chinese medicine therapyreproductive functionmale infertilityoligoasthenospermia
Publication Date：2026-05-31
Online Publishing Date：2026-08-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 762-768 )