Effect of Ginger Aqueous Extract on Some Reproductive and Antioxidant Parameters in Male Rabbits

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of ginger on the fertility of male rabbits, in order to get benefit of its useful effect on semen quality and the reproductive performances. Twenty adult male New Zealand white rabbits (5-6 months old) and weighing (3-3.5 Kg) were used. The bucks were divided into two groups; the control group (n= 10) and ginger treated group (n=10). The treated group received 200mg/Kg of ginger aqueous extract orally using stomach tube daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen was collected for analysis of; ejaculate volume, sperm motility, count and abnormalities. Sera were used for determination of testosterone level, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). Histoological examination of testes and epididymis was performed. The obtained results revealed; no change in ejaculate volume, significant increase in the individual sperm motility, sperm count with a significant decrease in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in ginger treated group. A significant increase in testosterone level, TAC with a significant reduction in MDA concentration in ginger treated group . The histological examination of testes and epididymis showed accumulation of the spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, increased epithelial cells height of the epididymis with overcrowded lumens with sperms in ginger treated group. . It could be concluded that ginger has a positive effect on the male fertility which could be attributed to the antioxidant and androgenic activity of ginger.