Antioxidant and androgenic effects of dietary ginger on reproductive function of male diabetic rats

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013 Dec;64(8):974-8. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2013.812618. Epub 2013 Jul 18.

Abstract

This study evaluated the antioxidant and androgenic properties of ginger roots on the reproductive function of male diabetic rats. Animals were divided into three groups; the control (Control), diabetic (Diab) and diabetic fed with dietary ginger for 30 d (Diab + Z). Thereafter, blood samples were collected and reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle) were removed for determination of sperm parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate and lactate aminotransferase (AST and ALT) activities. Dietary ginger decreased blood glucose and MDA level, increased reproductive organ weights and testosterone level, improved semen quantity and motility, and ameliorated the SOD, CAT and GPx activities as well as testis AST, ALT, LDH and ALP activities. Intake of ginger roots improves the antioxidant and androgenic reproductive function of male diabetic rats in addition to its antidiabetic property.

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / pharmacology*
  • Androgens / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Diabetes Complications / enzymology
  • Diabetes Complications / metabolism
  • Diabetes Complications / prevention & control*
  • Diet*
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Infertility / metabolism
  • Infertility / prevention & control*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhizome
  • Semen / drug effects
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Zingiber officinale*

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Preparations
  • Testosterone
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Catalase
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Superoxide Dismutase