Dietary supplementation of Red and White Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizomes and Gingerol improves male reproductive capacities

Abstract

Introduction

The use of medicinal plants in herbal medicine is increasing steadily, and the beneficial medical effects of plant materials have recently been the subject of many scientific research. These effects generally result from the combination of secondary products present in the plants. Zingiber officinale, one of the many herbs with great potential, was used in this study. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of red and white ginger (Z. officinale) rhizomes and 6 gingerol on the reproductive capacities of male Wistar rats.

Materials and methods

Seventy male rats were purchased and used in the study. The animals were randomly distributed into ten groups of seven rats, each group depending on the nature of the treatment with ginger rhizome. All animals were fed with normal rat chow and water. All the experimental rats were treated for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the experiment rats were humanely euthanized and semen was collected for sperm count, motility, viability, epididymal volume and morphology, while plasma from whole blood was collected for hormonal assays.

Results

Findings from our study showed that red and white ginger Z. officinale rhizomes and gingerol compound caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the body weights of rats compared to the control group. Similarly, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative testicular and epididymal organ weights, as well as a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the sperm count, motility, viability, and epididymal volume with a corresponding reduction in abnormal sperm morphology was observed. Administration of red and white Z. officinale rhizomes and gingerol produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and testosterone, respectively. In addition, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the testosterone/LH ratio in experimental rats compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Bioactive compound derivatives of Z. officinale rhizomes (Red and white ginger) and 6 gingerol acts as a potent fertility promoters and are apparently safe for used in pregnancy, enhancing male reproductive success.