Aim: To evaluate the protective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in rats and to study the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Methods: Ethanol extracts of H. sabdariffa or Z. officinale [1 g/(kgday)] were given p.o. to male albino rats for 26 days, which began 21 days before a single cisplatin i.p. injection (10 mg/kg body weight).

Results: Extracts of H. sabdariffa and Z. officinale reduced the extent of cisplatin-induced sperm abnormality and enhanced sperm motility. Both extracts restored the control level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (lipid peroxidation marker) in the cisplatin-treated testis. The cisplatin injection induced decline in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly reversed to control levels in groups where cisplatin was preceded by the administration of either H. sabdariffa or Z. officinale.

Conclusion: Both H. sabdariffa and Z. officinale treatment increased the activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes and restored sperm motility of cisplatin-treated rats. The protective effects of tested plants are, therefore, suggested to be mediated by their potent antioxidant activities.

Keywords: cisplatin, testicular toxicity, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Zingiber officinale, herb, sperm motility, reproductive toxicity

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