Modulation of female reproductive hormones by Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts administered singly and in combinations in female Wister rats

The reproductive system in females is responsible for producing gametes, sex hormones, and maintaining fertilized eggs as they develop. The female reproductive system is regulated by a balance of hormones. This study was aimed at analyzing the modulation of female reproductive hormones including FSH, LH and prolactin by Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum separately and in combination in female Wister rat models. A total of 40 mature female Wister rats were divided into 8 groups (n=5). Groups 1 were treated with distilled water and served as the normal control. Group 2 were treated with Zingiber officinale ethanol extract alone. Group 3 were treated with Allium sativum ethanol extract alone. Group 4-8 were treated with combined administration of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts in the ratios of ZO:AS = 2:8, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, and 8:2 respectively.. Treatment were administered for 90 days. On the 91st day of treatment after administration of the 90th doses, blood samples were collected by ocular puncture from all the rats from each of groups 1-8 for serum hormone testing. Zingiber officinale monotherapy increased the serum levels of FSH and LH and decreased the level of prolactin. The reverse was the case with Allium sativum monotherapy. The combination of the two herbs increased FSH and LH; or decreased prolactin only when the proportions of Zingiber officinale were higher. In conclusion, only the monotherapy of Zingiber officinale enhanced the serum levels of FSH and LH and modulated prolactin level to a desired level.