Introduction/ Background: This study was conducted to survey the effects of moderate-intensity endurance training (MIET) combined with ginger (Zingiber officinale) or Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), oxidative damage, and spermatogenesis in male rats.
Methods: Forty-two male rats (220 ± 20 g, 10 to 12 weeks) were randomly divided into the control, MIET, Maca (100 mg/kg body weight), ginger (100 mg/kg body weight via gavage), MIET+ Maca, and MIET+ ginger. MIET protocol for 8 weeks began at a speed of 15 m/min for 10 min, and the speed and time were gradually increased to 28 m/min for 60 min. Testosterone level in serum along with malondialdehyde (MDA) and DFI in testis were measured using detection kits. The stage of spermatogenesis was also assessed using the Johnson scoring method under a light microscope.
Results: Testosterone level in serum significantly increased in the ginger, MIET+ginger, and MIET+Maca groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). MDA and DFI significantly decreased in the MIET+ginger, MIET+Maca, and ginger groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). The numbers of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes were significantly increased in the MIET+ginger and MIET+Maca groups compared with the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that moderate endurance exercise combined with ginger or Maca supplementation reduced MDA and DFA levels and increased serum testosterone levels and spermatogenesis. These findings emphasize that lifestyle modifications, including physical activity and natural antioxidants, are low-cost and non-pharmacological self-care strategies for the management of male fertility.