Sub-Acute and Sub-Chronic Effects of Zingiber Officinale Extract on the Reproductive Organs of Wistar Rats

1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Omoruyi1 Z, Oyewole1 F.F, Ajileye 2B.A, *Akinbo1F.O

Corresponding Author: fredrick.akinbo@uniben.edu; Tel: 2348033796874

Recieved Date: June 2022; Accepted Date: June 2022; Published Date: June, 2022

ABSTRACT

Background/Objective: Several factors have harmful effects on spermatogenesis and ovarian function. This study determined the effects of Zingiber officinale rhizome extract on the reproductive organs of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods:A total of thirty-five adult Wistar rats weighing 180 to 200g were used for this study. The rats were distributed into 7 major groups of 5 rats per group. The control group (A) was fed with grower’s marsh and water. The experimental groups B, C and D were administered graded doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome for 1 month whereas groups E, F and G were given (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively) the aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome for 2 months. Blood specimen was taken for hormone analysis while testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Results:The administration of Zingiber officinale extract did not impact strongly on the reproductive hormonal profile in both male and female Wistar rats in all doses and duration of this study. Male Wistar rats treated with 400mg/kg Zingiber officinale extract revealed testicular sections with pyknotic sertoli cells, leydig and other cells of spermatogenic series with lumen filled with semen suggestive of increased sperm production at this dose. Female Wistar rats treated with 400mg/kg Zingiber officinale extract revealed increased extended corpus luteum with visible varying primary unilaminar and secondary multilaminar follicle suggestive of increased ovulation. Conclusion: The data suggest that Jatropha tanjorensis aqueous leaf extract had no adverse effect on testes and ovary of Wistar rats.