Potential of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds in Mitigating Aspartame-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Model

Abstract

Aspartame (ASP) consumption has been reported to implicate oxidative stress and antioxidant supplements from plant origin are one of the safest ways of averting their effect in the body. The current study was aimed at ascertaining the ability of aspartame (ASP) to induce oxidative stress in rats as well as assessing the potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds extracts in averting the aspartame induced oxidative stress. This was done using sperm parameters and biochemical assays such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP x ), catalase, melonaldehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate (ALP). Forty eight sexually matured male albino rats were divided into six groups (A-F) with eight rats in each group. Group A served as the positive control and received physiological saline. Group B served as the negative control and were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of aspartame (ASP). Rats in group C were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts while rats in group D were administered with 1000 ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts. On the other hand, rats in group E received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts while rats in group F received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts. The result revealed that administration of ASP reduced sperm viability, sperm count and increased sperm head abnormalities significantly (p<0.05) while sperm motility was not affected by ASP administration in the rats. Superoxide dismutase and GP x levels were increased significantly by ginger and watermelon seeds extracts. Although ginger extract reduced more of lipid peroxidation (MDA), watermelon seeds extract increased the activities of SOD, GP x and reduced AST, ALT and ALP in the liver of rats at 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., than the extract of ginger. Thus, the extracts of these two medicinal plants are possible antioxidant reservoir and may provide reliable solution in averting oxidative stress pathologies.

The influence of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on human sperm quality and DNA fragmentation: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

“…It is also medically used for its immunomodulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties (11). In addition, it was found that Zingiber officinale is associated with a beneficial effect on male reproductive functions in rats, which confirmed by other studies on the increased sperm counts, motility, testosterone, and decreased malonhydialdehyde levels (12-16). …”

“…Ginger also contains [6]-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol and 12-gingerol, which have similar anti-oxidate properties (27, 31). Animal modeling showed that ginger significantly lowered induced lipid peroxidation and amplified the levels of antioxidant enzymes, quantity and quality of sperm and plus serum glutathione (9, 16, 17, 32). …”

Insight into the mechanism of aspartame‐induced toxicity in male reproductive system following long‐term consumption in mice model

“…Experimental studies have revealed that long‐term consumption of ASP leads to toxicity in brain, liver, kidney, and immune organs by induction of oxidative stress (OS) 3‐9 . Recently evidences have indicated that ASP could be toxic for male reproductive system so that high dose administration of ASP at long‐periods causes induction of OS in this system 10,11 . Ashok et al reported that long‐term consumption of ASP, even at acceptable daily intake dosage (40 mg/kg body weight) decreases antioxidants and increases lipid peroxidation in testes of rats and also diminishes sperm parameters 12 .…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Recently evidences have indicated that ASP could be toxic for male reproductive system so that high dose administration of ASP at long-periods causes induction of OS in this system. 10,11 Ashok et al reported that long-term consumption of ASP, even at acceptable daily intake dosage (40 mg/kg body weight) decreases antioxidants and increases lipid peroxidation in testes of rats and also diminishes sperm parameters. 12 However, the mechanism of ASP induced reproductive toxicity is not clearly demonstrated.…”

Investigating the Prenatal Exposure of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Ginger on the Function of Pituitary : Gonad Axis in Male Mature Offspring Rats

“…Ginger causes a significant decrease in the physical signs of initial dysmenorrhoea (10). Studies indicate that the extract of ginger stimulates menstruation, eliminates the irregularities in the menstruation cycle, increases spermatogenesis and enhances sperm fertility factors (11,12). Furthermore, ginger is used to treat fever, rheumatism, neuronal diseases, gingivitis, tooth pain, asthma and coughing (13).…”