Protective effects of Kaempferia Parviflora against fenitrothion-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice

Ong, Shawn Samson Tze Xian (2026) Protective effects of Kaempferia Parviflora against fenitrothion-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice. Master dissertation/thesis, UTAR.

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Abstract

Long-term exposure to fenitrothion (FNT), an agricultural pesticide, has been linked to male reproductive toxicity, including reduced sperm count and testosterone levels. However, specific reproductive parameters in FNT-induced male mice remain underexplored. Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger), traditionally used for male fertility enhancement, has shown promising results in rat models. Still, its protective effects against FNT-induced toxicity in mice have not been established. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of K. parviflora rhizome extract and its protective effect against FNT-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Firstly, the K. parviflora rhizome was extracted using three solvents, namely, ethanol, hexane, and water (aqueous). The extraction yield, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the three extracts were tested. This was followed by an assessment of antioxidant activity via DPPH radical scavenging activity. The plant extract that possess the most prominent antioxidant activity was selected for phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and in vivo study. A total of 24 male ICR mice (4-weeks-old) were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 6/group): control (EVOO), FNT-treated (20 mg/kg bw), KPE-treated (50 mg/kg bw) and FNT + KPE co-treated in the in vivo study. Treatments were administered orally once daily for 28 days. Three of the mice from each treatment group were paired with females to assess mating success, duration and further post-parturition parameters in terms of litter size and pups’ survival rate. The remaining three males were subjected to the evaluation of body weight, mortality rate, relative testis weight, sperm concentration, motility, viability, testosterone level, lipid peroxidation and testicular histology assessment. The in vitro results showed that aqueous extract of K. parviflora has the highest extraction yield, while ethanolic extract demonstrated highest phenolic content and hexane extract exhibited the highest flavonoid content. Meanwhile, the ethanolic extract (KPE) showed the best DPPH scavenging activity among other extracts. It is also revealed that all phytochemicals present in KPE except anthraquinone, while 8 peak compounds were detected in GC-MS analysis. The in vivo results showed that all mice experienced weight gain throughout the treatment period, with no mortality observed. FNT exposure significantly increased lipid peroxidation and impaired reproductive parameters. Mice treated with KPE treatment showed the highest testosterone levels, while mice subjected to co-treatment of KPE and FNT significantly enhanced sperm quality, testicular morphology and reduced mating duration compared to mice subjected to FNT alone. However, assessment of relative testis weight, mating success or post-parturition outcomes between the four treatment groups did not show any significant difference (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, KPE demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and partial protective effects against FNT-induced reproductive toxicity.

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