Abstract

Ginger is widely used as a dietary spice and traditional remedy, yet evidence on its effects on testicular histology and reproductive hormones remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effect of graded doses of aqueous ginger rhizome extract on testicular histology and selected reproductive hormones in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were assigned to seven groups of five rats each. The control group received a grower diet and water. Rats in groups B, C and D received aqueous ginger rhizome extract at 100 mg per kg, 200 mg per kg and 400 mg per kg, respectively, for 30 days, while groups E, F and G received the same doses for 60 days. Body and testicular weights were recorded, while serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol were assayed. The testes were examined histologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Body and testicular weights did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between control and treated groups at both time points. In the 30-day exposure, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, whereas testosterone was highest at 400 mg/kg. After 60 days, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol were significantly increased at 400 mg/kg, with a significant (p < 0.05) rise in progesterone at the same dose. Histology showed preserved seminiferous tubule architecture across all groups, with luminal accumulation of spermatozoa at 400 mg/kg at both durations. Aqueous ginger rhizome extract preserved testicular histology and produced modest, dose-related endocrine changes without evidence of gonadal toxicity.

Key words: Aqueous extract, Ginger, Reproductive hormones, Testicular histology, Wistar rats