Zingerone Enhances Fertility Markers in Both Male and Female Rats and Increases Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Expression

Abstract

Background and Objective: Recently, the major active constituents of ginger were subject to extensive research. Zingerone is a major active ingredient of ginger, sharing many of its therapeutic effects. This study investigated the fertility enhancing activity of zingerone in male and female Wistar rats as well as the relationship between zingerone and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, that is actively involved in genital physiology. Materials and Methods: Morphometric values including body weights and gonadal weights, in addition to sperm counts were measured. Furthermore, indirect immunohistochemical methods were applied using peroxidase enzyme activity to assess the expression and tissue localization of the proliferation marker Ki67 and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in gonadal and uterine specimens. Results: The results revealed a marked dose-dependent enhancement of fertility in male and female rats. This was evidenced by increments in gonadal weights and sperm counts, body weights showed a significant increase in male rats but not in female ones. Immunohistochemical studies revealed elevated cellular expression of Ki67 proliferation marker protein and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in gonads after zingerone oral administration. Conclusion: Therefore, zingerone is a potent fertility boosting compound that could be exerting its pharmacologic effects through modulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as an exogenous ligand.