Herbal extracts counteract cisplatin-mediated cell death in rat testis

Aim: To evaluate the protective effects of ginger (Gin) and roselle (Ros) against testicular damage and oxidative stress in a cisplatin (CIS)-induced rodent model. Their protective effects against CIS-induced apoptosis in testicular and epididymal sperms is also investigated. Methods: Ethanol extracts of Gin or Ros (1 g/kg·day) were given orally to male albino rats for 26 days. This period began 21 days before a single CIS intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg body weight). Results: Gin or Ros given orally significantly restored reproductive function. Both tested extracts notably reduced the CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by restoring the testis normal morphology. In Gin and Ros, the attenuation of CIS-induced damage was associated with less apoptotic cell death both in the testicular tissue and in the sperms. CIS-induced alterations of testicular lipid peroxidation were markedly improved by these plant extracts. Conclusion: The present results provide further insights into the mechanisms of protection against CIS-induced reproductive toxicity and confirm the essential anti-oxidant potential of both examined extracts.