Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on Sexual Parameters in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

The rhizome of Zingiber officinal (Ginger) is widely consumed as a juice and spice in the Congo, and is also used in the treatment of various pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ginger on the reproductive function of the rat. Four batches of four female rats each received the aqueous rhizome extract of Zingiber officinal (Ginger) at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg, 17β-estradiol at a dose of 1 mg/kg and distilled water, orally for 14 days. Acute toxicity was previously assessed in mice. The results of the acute toxicity study at a dose of 5000 mg/kg of each extract showed no signs of toxicity in mice. Pharmacological tests with rats showed that aqueous ginger extract non-significantly increased and decreased rat body weight at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The 600 mg/Kg dose blocked the sexual cycle at the estrus stage and lowered plasma estradiol levels. Whereas the 300 mg/kg dose increases plasma estradiol levels with a more or less regular sexual cycle. Chemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones and steroids.