Abstract

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale R., family: Zingiberaceae) is used medicinally and as a culinary spice. Gentamicin is synthetic antibacterial agent antibiotic with a very broad spectrum against microbial pathogens, especially the gram-negative. The aim of this study was to investigate the recovery effect of ginger on testis after treatment with gentamicin in rats. The forty male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 30) groups. The experimental groups were split into three groups. First group, second experimental group which received 50 mg/kg (IP) gentamicin and one group treated with 100 mg/kg/rat/day of ginger rhizome via gavages daily for 30 days, respectively. However, the control group just received normal saline (IP). On the thirteeth day, after taking biopsy from testis of each group, tissue preparation was performed and analyzed for apoptosis. There was a significant increase in apoptosis in gentamicin groups when compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Gentamicin antibiotic have negative effect on sperm parameters and testis histology in rats. However, these side effects are less seen in the gentamicin group that received 100 mg/kg/rat of ginger. Therefore, it is recommended that usage of ginger with gentamicin has fewer side effects on male fertility.

Key words: Apoptosis, gentamicin, Zingiber officinale, testis tissue.