Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ginger on Castor-oil - Induced Testicular Damage in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of ginger on castor oil-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats. Twenty adult male rats weighing 200-300 g were divided into four groups of five rats per group. The control group A was given the volume equivalent of 2.5 % tween 80 as that used as emulsifier in group B to administer 200 mg/kg of castor oil. Group C received 200 mg/kg castor oil and 250 mg/kg of ginger. Group D received 250 mg/kg of ginger only. The extract was administered orally for ten weeks. The initial and final body weight and the testicular weight of the animals were measured. The rats were thereafter sacrificed and the testes processed histologically. The findings revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the body weight and testicular weight in the treatment groups compared with the control. The histology showed normal seminiferous tubules in the control group but the testes in the group treated with castor oil showed ulceration of the tunica vaginalis, fibrosis, degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial congestion. The group treated with castor oil and ginger showed tunica vaginalis without ulceration, normal seminiferous tubules and vascular congestion. The group that received ginger only showed normal seminiferous tubules and interstitial vascular congestion. The findings demonstrate some potential protective effects of Ginger against Castor oil- induced testicular damage.