Effect of White Turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) Rhizome Ethanol Extract on Fertility in Male Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, and affects testicular function and spermatogenesis, causing sexual dysfunction and fertility disorders in men. Traditional medicines, such as white turmeric rhizome, can interfere with normal function of the seminiferous tubules, and affects fertility; hence, the administration of white turmeric rhizome to diabetic patients may worsen infertility. This study aimed to assess the effect of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) rhizome ethanol extract on fertility in diabetic male Wistar rats. The study employed a laboratory-based experimental approach with a post-test only control group design. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of four animals each, consisting of negative control (K-): untreated normal rats, positive control (K+): untreated diabetic rats, treatment groups (P1, P2, and P3): diabetic rats treated with white turmeric rhizome ethanol extract at doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/200 g body weight, respectively. The treatment was administered orally once daily for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanized, their testes were removed, evacuated, and the testicular volume was measured. Thereafter, the testes were prepared for microscopic examination. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to assess the expressions of androgen receptor, and p53. The results showed that the ethanol extract of white turmeric rhizome affects fertility through a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in androgen receptor expression, and reduction in testicular volume compared to the control. Thus, the administration of white turmeric rhizome extract may have adverse consequences on fertility in male diabetic patients.