Panax ginseng ameliorate toxic effects of cadmium on germ cell apoptosis, sperm quality, and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Panax ginseng is known to potentiate the immune system via its antioxidant properties. Cadmium as an environmental pollutant has destructive effects on body organs especially the reproductive system. This study investigated the effects of P. ginseng extract against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats. In this experimental study, 50 male adult rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: A significant decrease was observed in sperm count and viability in the cadmium group versus the control group. Ginseng extract could repair these defects. Increases in apoptotic germ cells due to cadmium were significantly reduced by ginseng extract. Our results demonstrated that P. ginseng extract reduces cadmium-induced testicular toxicity, via anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic processes.

Keywords:

• Panax ginseng
• cadmium
• testes
• oxidative stress
• apoptosis

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Malcolm Hayes, Department of Pathology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada for his assistance with the editing of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, under grant number [98000349].