Comparative Study of Male and Female Reproductive Hormones of Methanolic Extract of Ginger and Turmeric on Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study aims to address the gap by evaluating the effects of methanolic extracts of ginger and turmeric on reproductive hormone levels in Wistar rats. Specifically, we investigated changes in the serum levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH following treatment with these extracts. Twenty (20) male and female wistar rats weighing between 130-180g were used. The animals were kept under observation in a standard cage at temperature between 25 to 28oc. The animals were feed with normal laboratory feed and provided with distilled water. The animals were acclimatized for one week and then randomly divided into five groups of four (4) rats in each group. The animals was randomly separated into five groups of four animals each (2 males and 2 females). Group 1 served as positive control (Received only distilled water and laboratory feed). Group 2 received 200mg/kg of methanolic ginger extract. Group 3 received 200mg/kg of methanolic turmeric extract. Group 4 received 200mg/kg of methanolic ginger and turmeric extract. Group 5 received 300mg/kg of methanolic ginger and turmeric extract. After 14 days of treatment, the rats were Anaestacized using chloroform. Blood sample was collected for hormonal analysis for testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH assay in both sexs. All data for this study were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and expressed as mean Standard Error Mean+ (SEM) and one-way Anova. The mean values P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The methanolic extracts of ginger and turmeric significantly modulate reproductive hormone levels in Wistar rats, with effects including reduced testosterone, increased progesterone, and elevated FSH and LH levels. These findings suggest that ginger and turmeric may have therapeutic potential in managing reproductive health conditions associated with hormonal imbalances. However, the reduction in testosterone highlights the need for cautious use, particularly for male reproductive health.