Effects of zingerone supplementation on ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis in mouse

Zingerone (4-(4‑hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone) has various pharmacological and biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective. However, there is no evidential circumstance that shows a specific effect on the ovary. Therefore, this study has investigated the effects of zingerone on ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Mice were divided into four groups: control and zingerone doses of 10 mg/kg, 25mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg. Doses were administered orally for 28 days. Our results showed the changes in food consumption in zingerone-treated mice (10 mg/kg group). Body weight, ovary weight, and relative ovary weight were decreased in zingerone-treated mice(10 mg/kg). Folliculogenesis was stimulated in the zingerone 25 mg/kg group. The levels of testosterone increased in all the zingerone-treated groups, whereas estrogen and progesterone levels were elevated in 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg groups. Ovarian proliferation also increased in the zingerone 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg groups. Expression of steroidogenic markers was up-regulated in the zingerone-treated groups. The expression of anti-apoptotic marker was suppressed in high-dose groups, and pro-apoptotic markers were significantly increased in the 25 mg/kg group. Androgen receptor expression showed no significant variation, whereas the expression of ERs increased in the zingerone-treated groups. Thus, it can be suggested that zingerone might have a stimulatory role in ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis in the mouse.