Combined Effect of Ginger and Pumpkin Seed Extracts on Rat Testis and Serum Biochemical Parameters after Cyclophosphamide Treatment

Introduction: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug with several side effects on various organs such as male reproductive system that can cause infertility. In this study, we assessed combined effect of ginger and pumpkin extractson rat testis after CP injection. Methods: Forty adult male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: The control group received intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline solution. The cyclophosphamide (CP) group received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg kg_1BW) intraperitoneally. Combined extracts (ginger+ pumpkin) group received orally 300 mg combined extracts and combined extracts(ginger+ pumpkin) +CP groups received orally 300 mg combined extracts for a period of 6 weeks after CP injection. Results: Our results showed that although ginger extract could not change testis weight, testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS, antioxidant level in serum was increased significantly. Epithelium thickness and tube diameter were decreased in combined groups with or without CP in comparison to control group. The combined extract could improve histological changes in both combined extract and combined extract+ CP compared to CP group, which could be attributed to the higher serum level of antioxidants. Conclusion: The administration of combined extracts