Aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale enhances libido, sperm kinematics, and reproductive organ development in African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus)

Objectives: African giant rats (AGRs) exhibit low reproductive performance in captivity due to infertile copulation or lack of mating. In this study, we investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on libido, sperm cell kinetics, and reproductive organ development in AGRs. Methods: Twenty-four animals weighing 861.20 ± 65.44 g were individually housed in concrete cages with ad libitum access to water and food. The animals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. G 0 was the control group, whereas G 250 , G 500 , and G 1000 , which received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of ZOAE daily, respectively, mixed with 10 g of avocado paste. After 49 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed for data collection. Results: The results showed that ZOAE supplementation significantly ( P <0.05) enhanced libido, as indicated by a reduced reaction time. Additionally, testosterone levels increased with higher ZOAE concentrations. Sperm cell count was nearly twice as high ( P <0.05) in the treated groups compared with the control. Sperm kinetic parameters (overall mobility, progressive motility, path velocity, and linear motility) were significantly greater in the ZOAE-treated groups than in the control ( P <0.05). However, the weights of the reproductive organs (testes, vas deferens, and accessory glands) were not significantly affected ( P >0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, ZOAE effectively enhances libido, sperm count, and sperm kinetics in AGRs.