Ginger (zingiber officinale) might improve female fertility: A rat model

Background

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a well known and extensively used antioxidant in traditional remedies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ginger powder on ovarian folliculogenesis and implantation in rats.

Methods

There were two study groups. In the 5-day treatment group (one estrous cycle), 100 mg ginger powder, 200 mg ginger powder or distilled water was given for 5 days to the three subgroups each containing seven rats. In the 10-day treatment group, same doses were given for 10 days (two estrous cycle) to the three subgroups each containing seven rats. At the end of the 5th and 10th days, ovarian volumes, ovarian weights, primordial follicles, antral follicles, atretic follicles, and corpus luteum counts were assessed. To evaluate the angiogenic effects of ginger, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and for the antioxidant effects of ginger endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were examined in the ovaries and in the endometrium immunohistochemically.

Results

In the 5-day treatment group, antral follicle count and ovarian stromal VEGF were significantly high in the 100 mg ginger subgroup in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). In the 10-day treatment group, endometrial VEGF and ovarian stromal eNOS were significantly high in the 100 mg ginger subgroup in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference at 200 mg ginger dose both in 5-day and 10-day treatment groups.

Conclusion

The increases in the antral follicle count and ovarian stromal VEGF in the 100 mg/5-day treatment subgroup indicate that ginger have positive effects on folliculogenesis in short term with low dose. Additionally, ginger may enhance implantation in rats in long term with low dose.