Sperm function and fertility profile following nicotine administration in male rats: Protective potentials of Zingiber officinale

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Background: It is well documented that Zingiber officinale has androgenic property while nicotine induce infertility through hormonal imbalances, but there are no data in the open scientific literature that have examined the effects of Z. officinale in preventing nicotine‑induced infertility. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Z. officinale on nicotine‑induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty‑two male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). Group 1 served as the control, group 2 was administered with 1.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) of nicotine orally for 30 days, group 3 was administered with 1.0 mg/kg BW of nicotine alongside with 500 mg/kg BW/day of aqueous extract of Z. officinale and group 4 was administered with 500 mg/kg BW/day of aqueous extract of Z. officinale. Semen analysis showing sperm count, morphology, motility, volume and viability was carried out. Fertility study, litter weight and size were also determined. Testosterone was also assayed. Results: Nicotine treatment significantly decreased sperm count, motility, normal morphology and serum testosterone level. There was a decrease in libido, litter weight and number delivered by the untreated cohabited female during the experiments. However, the extract prevented the decrease in sperm quality and hormonal imbalances caused by nicotine. Conclusion: This finding shows that aqueous extract of Z. officinale prevented nicotine‑induced infertility during nicotine administration and possesses pro‑fertility potentials attributed to the androgenic properties of the plant. Key words: Hormone, nicotine, sperm, Zingiber officinale