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Effect of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) on Sodium Arsenite- Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats
Morakinyo, A.O; Achema, P.U & Adegoke, O. A
Abstract
Arsenite is a major environmental chemical and a known reproductive toxicant via the depression of
spermatogenesis and androgenesis in males. The possibility of sodium arsenite reproductive toxicity been caused by autooxidation
was investigated in this study taking advantage of the anti-oxidant properties of ginger and its androgenic activities.
The effect of exposure to sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg BW/day) by gavage via oral cannula without or with aqueous ginger
extract (500mg/kg BW/day) co-treatments for 30 days was evaluated in adult male rats. The weight of the reproductive organs,
sperm count, motility, and morphology were evaluated. Plasma FSH, LH and testosterone levels were assayed. Lipid
peroxidation (indexed by MDA) and antioxidants enzymes likes GSH, SOD, CAT were assessed. Sodium arsenite treatment
decreased the reproductive organs weight: testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle; sperm functions: count, motility and
normal morphology; plasma hormones level: FSH, LH and testosterone. There was a decrease in the activities of GSH, SOD
and CAT as well as an increase in MDA concentration. Co-administration of aqueous ginger extract with arsenite was found to
protect against adverse change in the reproductive organ weight, attenuate the decrease in sperm functions, enhance plasma
reproductive hormones level along with increased antioxidants activities and reduced peroxidation. This study showed that
sodium arsenite apart from being a hormonal disrupter also causes oxidative stress which contributed to the reproductive
damage in the male rats. The protective effects of ginger on reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress as evidenced by the
clear restoration of sperm functions, testicular steroidogenesis and reproductive organo-somatic indices could be attributed to
its antioxidants and androgenic properties.
Keywords
Arsenite, Ginger, Antioxidants and Sperm.
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