Comparative Study of Male and Female Histology of the Reproductive System of Methanolic Extract of Ginger and Turmeric on Wistar Rats

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of ginger and turmeric in traditional medicine, there remains a notable lack of scientific research on their comparative effects on reproductive health. Most studies have concentrated on the general health benefits of these plants, but few have explored their specific impacts on the histology of reproductive organs. This gap in knowledge limits the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of these plant extracts in managing reproductive health issues. The aim of this study is to determine the comparative study of man and female histology of the reproductive system of methanolic extract of ginger and turmeric on wistar rats. 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 28^oc. 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. Histological and histochemical study, sections were stained with H & E, after which they were passed through a mixture of equal concentration of xylene and alcohol. Following clearance in xylene the sections were oven-dried between 35°C and 40°C.The sections were examined under the light microscope at high power magnification (x10 or 40) and photomicrographs taken. 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 induce significant histological changes in the reproductive tissues of Wistar rats, including hyperemia, exfoliation, fibrosis, and cyst formation. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with high doses of these extracts on reproductive health, particularly in relation to fertility and tissue integrity. While ginger and turmeric offer promising therapeutic benefits at lower doses, their effects at higher concentrations warrant caution and further investigation.