Effects of Roselle and Ginger on cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in rats

Aim:To evaluate the protective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa(Roselle)and Zingiber officinale(Ginger)against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in rats and to study the mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods: Ethanol extracts of H.sabdariffa or Z.o fficinale[1g/(kg.day)]were given p.o.to male albino rats for 26 days, which began 21 days before a single cisplatin i.p.injection(10 mg/kg body weight).Results:Extracts of H.sabdariffa and Z.officinale reduced the extent of cisplatin-induced sperm abnormality and enhanced sperm motility.Both extracts restored the control level of malondialdehyde(MDA)(lipid peroxidation marker)in the cisplatin-treated testis. The cisplatin injection induced decline in the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),reduced glutathione(GSH)and catalase(CAT)were significantly reversed to control levels in groups where cisplatin was preceded by the administra- tion of either H.sabdariffa or Z.officinale.Conclusion:Both H.sabdariffa and Z.officinale treatment increased the activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes and restored sperm motility of cisplatin-treated rats.The protective effects of tested plants are,therefore,suggested to be mediated by their potent antioxidant activities.(Asian J Androl 2006 Sep;8:607-612)