Sperm function and fertility profile following nicotine administration in male rats: Protective potentials of Zingiber officinale
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22377/ijgp.v8i2.373Abstract
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 BWof 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
Downloads
References
Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting:
A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Br J Anaesth
;84:367‑71.
Morakinyo A, Adeniyi O, Arikawe A. Effects of Zingiber Officinale
on male reproductive functions in the male rat. Afr J Bio Res
;11:327‑34.
Kamtchouing P, Mbongue Fandio GY, Dimo T, Jastra HB.
Evaluation of androgenic activities of Zingiber Officinale and
Pentadiplandra brazzeano in male rats. Asian J Androl 2002;4:299‑301.
Ahmed MA, Sajida HI. Protective effect of ginger extract against
Cisplatin‑indiced Hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats. Iraq J
Pharm Sci 2012;21:27‑33.
Di Chiara G. Role of dopamine in the behavioural actions of
nicotine related to addiction. Eur J Pharmacol 2000;393:295‑314.
Harvey DM, Yasar S, Heishman SJ, Panlilio LV, Henningfield JE,
Goldberg SR. Nicotine serves as an effective reinforcer of
intravenous drug taking behavior in human cigarette smoking.
Psychopharmocology (Berl) 2004;175:134‑42.
Russell MA, Jarvis MJ, Devitt G, Feyerabend C. Nicotine intake
by snuff users. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:814‑7.
Armitage AK, Dollery CT, George CF, Houseman TH, Lewis PJ,
Turner DM. Absorption and metabolism of nicotine from
cigarettes. Br Med J 1975;4:313‑6.
Oyeyipo IP, Raji Y, Emikpe BO, Bolarinwa AF. Effects of oral
administration of nicotine on organ weight, serum testosterone
level and testicular histology in adult male rats. Niger J Physiol
Sci 2010;25:81‑6.
Oyeyipo IP, Raji Y, Emikpe BO, Bolarinwa AF. Effects of nicotine
on sperm characteristics and fertility profile in adult male rats:
A possible role of cessation. J Reprod Infertil 2011;12:201‑7.
Raji Y, Udoh US, Mewoyeka OO, Ononye FC, Bolarinwa AF.
Implication of reproductive endocrine malfunction in male
antifertility efficacy of Azadirachta indica extract in rats. Afr J Med
Med Sci 2003;32:159‑65.
Morrissey RE, Schwetz BA, Lamb JC 4th, Ross MD, Teague JL,
Morris RW. Evaluation of rodent sperm, vaginal cytology, and
reproductive organ weight data from 4th National Toxicology
Program 13‑week studies. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1988;11:
‑58.
Wyrobek AJ, Bruce WR. The induction of sperm shape
abnormalities in mice and humans. In: Hollaender A, De Serres FJ,
editors. Chemical Mutagens, Vol. 5. New York: Plenum Press; 1980.
p. 257‑85.
Freund M, Carol B. Factors affecting haemocytometer count
of sperm concentration in human semen. J Reprod Fertil
;8:149‑55.
Dhawan K, Sharma A. Prevention of chronic alcohol and
nicotine‑induced azospermia, sterility and decreased libido,
by a novel tri‑substituted benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora
incarnata Linneaus in healthy male rats. Life Sci 2002;71:3059‑69.
Bolarinwa Y. Gastric acid secretion in pregnant and lactating rat.
Trop Vet 1993;11:35‑8.
Raji Y, Oloyo AK, Morakinyo AO. Effect of methanol extract of
Ricinus communis seed on reproduction of male rats. Asian J
Androl 2006;8:115‑21.
Aydos K, Güven MC, Can B, Ergün A. Nicotine toxicity to the
ultrastructure of the testis in rats. BJU Int 2001;88:622‑6.
Sharpe RM, Maddocks S, Millar M, Kerr JB, Saunders PT,
McKinnell C. Testosterone and spermatogenesis. Identification
of stage‑specific, androgenregulated proteins secreted by adult
rat seminiferous tubules. J Androl 1992;13:172‑84.
Yamamoto Y, Isoyama E, Sofikitis N, Miyagawa I. Effects of
smoking on testicular function and fertilizing potential in rats.
Urol Res 1998;26:45‑8.
