Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei root ethanolic extracts: effects on reproductive parameters in diabetes-induced infertile male albino rats

Abstract Background Medicinal plants are widely utilized as alternatives for the treatment, management, and prevention of a number of illnesses, including diabetes and infertility, because of their accessibility, affordability, and form of ingestion. They are also important sources of phyto-bioactive compounds that are utilized in contemporary medicine. Diabetes is becoming a key risk factor for diabetic induced male infertility; hence, the frequency of infertility is projected to grow. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the global diabetes prevalence is estimated to rise by 55% between 2019 and 2045, with the highest increases forecast in developing countries like Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 annual report, promotes the use of medicinal plants in the healthcare system to treat and manage a variety of illnesses. While both Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei are known to possess phytochemicals and antioxidant properties, there's a lack of comprehensive data on their ethanolic extracts specifically regarding their phytochemical profiles, antioxidant capacities, and potential therapeutic effects on reproductive health in diabetic conditions. There is little scientific information to compare the effects of ethanolic extracts from the roots of Z. officinale and M. whitei on diabetic infertile men. While both species have been shown to improve fertility, especially in non-diabetic males, there is little study on their comparative impact on diabetic infertile males. Existing research primarily focuses on individual plants and different extraction methods, rather than comparing ethanolic extracts. The present study focused on the phytochemical analysis and effect of Z. officinale rhizome and M. whitei root ethanolic extract on reproductive functions in diabetes- induced male infertility in white albino rats. Methodology Fresh samples of Z. officinale rhizomes and M. whitei roots were collected from Jubilee Market in Kisumu city, cleaned, chopped into small pieces, weighed, air dried and blended using 70% Ethanol, methanol and aqueous solvent separately for extraction. The mixtures were shaken using an orbital shaker for 24 h, followed by separation using a muslin piece of clothing to form a solution. The solutions were filtered using 125 size Whitman’s filters followed by air-drying using a vacuum pump/rotary evaporator and hot air oven to obtain the final yield. The data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Data was presented as mean ± standard error. Means were compared using one-way ANOVA and statistical differences between groups were determined by Tukey’s multiple pairwise test as the post-hoc test at p  < 0.05. Results Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed high levels of alkaloids (15 mg/g), same levels of phenolic compounds (220 mgGAE/g) and lower levels of flavonoids, tannins and saponins in Z.offinale (125 mgQE/g, 7.5%(w/w) and 15 mgTAE/g respectively) compared to those of M. whitei (140 mg QE/g, 15% (w/w) and 22 mg TAE/g respectively).The antioxidant contents of Z.offinale rhizome and Whitei root ethanolic extract showed a lower IC 50 and higher levels of Fe 2 ⁺ equivalents per gram of extract and Trolox equivalents per gram in Z.offinale (76 µg/mL, 400 µmol and approximately 2500 µmol respectively) compared to M. whitei (120 µg/mL, 400 µmol and approximately 2000 µmol). Administration of 200 mg/kg of Whitei also improved all semen parameters measured, and hormonal levels in the present study, which were even significantly higher at 800 mg/kg that are either close to or slightly higher than those of the positive control respectively. The current study analyses illustrated the potential of both plants as sources of beneficial bioactive compounds, which possess both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hence of medicinal value for management and treatment of diabetic induced male infertility. Conclusion The results provide insights into the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacities of Z. officinale and M. whitei . Further research is, however, required to analyze the mechanisms of action of these therapeutic and nutritional compounds in the user.