The protective potential of ginseng on ciprofloxacin-induced male gonadotoxicity.

Abstract

Drug-induced infertility is an important etiology and a common side effect. It is, therefore, important to develop newer pharmacological approaches to vanquish this bad effect. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible protective potential of ginseng against ciprofloxacin-induced male gonadotoxicity. Sixty adult Wister albino male rats (8 weeks old, 200 ± 20gm) were randomly divided into six groups of tens. Groups 1 and 2 received 78.23 and 156.46mg/kg/day of ciprofloxacin, respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 156.46 mg/kg/day of ciprofloxacin plus 100 mg/kg/day ginseng, 200mg/kg/day ginseng, and 100 mg/kg/day vitamin E, respectively. However, the sixth group served as control and received NS and CMC. All treatment given orally for 14 days. Half of the animals of each group has been sacrificed on the day 15, while the second half was sacrificed on the day 60 from the start of the treatment, after blood sampling. Immediately after dissection, testis, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicle were removed and weighted. Reproductive organ weights were decreased, sperm parameters were impaired and FSH and LH levels were increased in groups 1 and 2 but still normal in groups 3, 4 and 5 on the two sacrifice days. Testosterone level was significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2. However, higher levels were shown with low and high doses of ginseng treatment. Adding ginseng or vitamin E could protect against ciprofloxacin-induced infertility in the two sacrifice days. Fluoroquinolones Panax ginseng Reproduction Spermatogenesis