Ameliorative effects of aqueous extracts of ginger and garlic on Hibiscus sabdariffa-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Context Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) is an annual shrub used widely for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Aim To evaluate the ameliorative effects of ginger and garlic on H. sabdariffa-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats. Settings and design Reproductive toxicity of H. sabdariffa at high dosage and the ameliorative potential of ginger and garlic were determined. Materials and methods Twenty male Wistar rats were grouped into one control group and three experimental groups of five rats each. The animals in group 1 received 1 ml distilled water, the animals in group 2 received 250 mg/kg of H. sabdariffa, and the animals in group 3 received 250 mg/kg of H. sabdariffa and were cotreated with ginger and garlic (250 mg/kg), respectively, for 28 days. The animals in group 4 received 250 mg/kg of H. sabdariffa for 14 days and were left to recover naturally for 14 days. The reproductive functional parameters were subsequently determined. Results and conclusion H. sabdariffa treatment significantly reduced (P≤0.05) the plasma levels of reproductive hormones testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone and compared with the control group. Histopathological examination of the testes also showed marked degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, with necrosis and alteration in testicular structure in H. sabdariffa-treated rats. These alterations induced by H. sabdariffa were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by treatment with ginger and garlic. The results indicated that ginger and garlic protect against testicular damage induced by H. sabdariffa, which may be because of their antioxidant properties and as such may be useful in treating H. sabdariffa-induced testicular damage.