Abstract

Background: Ginger has been shown to have a positive effect on the function of the male reproductive organ. Studies have shown that ginger possess antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticholestereolemic, anticancerous, antiemetic, anti-rhinoviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-insecticidal properties. Dietary patterns in Africa especially Ghana are characterized by a high consumption of ginger. However, there is very little information on the effects of ginger on semen characteristics. Aims: The study was designed to investigate the effects of ginger on the semen parameters of the male rats using quantitative and qualitative methods. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male wistar rats were divided into four groups designated as control, A, B and C and administered daily by gavage with 1 ml distilled water, 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of ethanolic ginger extract respectively for 30 days. Results and Discussion: The present study showed that there was a numerical increase in sperm count, sperm morphology, sperm viability and sperm motility in the extract-treated rats in a dose dependent manner which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that ginger extract may be potentially useful in the management of male infertility especially those with low sperm count.

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