Ameliorative Effect of Zingiber officinale Ethanol Extract on Chromium-induced Male Reprotoxicity in Wistar Rat

Abstract

This study explored the protective effects of oral ginger extract against chromium trioxide (CrO₃)-induced male reprotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Rats exposed to CrO₃ for 8 weeks showed significant declines in body weight (11.67 ± 3.78 g), serum testosterone levels (6.45 ± 1.35 ng/mL), Glutathione (GSH) level (17.29 ± 1.96 μM/mg), and catalase activity (9.54 ± 0.11 mM H₂O₂/min/mg), with no notable change in relative testicular weight. Conversely, ginger extract-treated rats exhibited substantial improvements, including increased body weight (45.33 ± 09.11 g), enhanced GSH levels in testicular tissue (24.02 ± 1.69 μM/g), and improved catalase activity (11.56 ± 1.25 mM H₂O₂/min/mg). However, concurrent CrO₃ and Z. officinale extract treatment showed no significant changes in testosterone levels. Z. officinale extract, due to its high content of polyphenols (194.82 ± 8.57 mg GAE/g d.w.), and flavonoids (117.20 ± 48.61 mg CE/g d.w.) with significant antioxidant value (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.14 mg/ml), showed a remarkable ameliorative effect against chromium-induced male reprotoxicity.