Comparing the Phytochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Effectiveness, and Mitigating Effects of Mondia whitei Root Ethanolic Extracts and Zingiber officinale Rhizomes on Hormonal and Histomorphological Changes along the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Testicular

Background. Medicinal plants are widely used due to their affordability, accessibility, and ease of consumption, serving as alternatives for managing diseases such as diabetes and infertility. They are vital sources of phyto-bioactive compounds that contribute to modern medicine. With diabetes recognised as a major risk factor for male infertility, global infertility rates are expected to rise alongside the projected 55% increase in diabetes prevalence between 2019 and 2045, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The World Health Organization’s 2021 report supports integrating medicinal plants into healthcare systems. Zingiber officinale and Mondia whitei are known for phytochemicals and antioxidants, yet detailed information on their phytochemical profiles, antioxidant capacities, and therapeutic effects in diabetic reproductive health remains scarce. Research on ethanolic extracts in diabetic infertile men is limited, with most studies focusing on individual species or alternative extraction methods. Although both plants have shown fertility-enhancing properties in non-diabetic males, comparative studies in diabetic conditions are lacking. Methodology: This study addressed the gap by analysing phytochemical composition and evaluating reproductive effects of ethanolic extracts from M. whitei roots and Z. officinale rhizomes using male albino rats with diabetes-induced infertility. Fresh samples were collected from Kakamega forest, identified at the National Museums of Kenya, and processed at Maseno University. Extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, and aqueous solvents, then analysed. Data were processed using GraphPad Prism with ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results. Results showed Z. officinale had higher alkaloids (15 mg/g), equal phenolic compounds (220 mg GAE/g), but lower flavonoids, tannins, and saponins compared to M. whitei. Antioxidant analysis revealed Z. officinale had lower IC50 and higher Fe²⁺ and Trolox equivalents, indicating stronger antioxidant capacity. Administration of M. whitei (200–800 mg/kg) improved semen parameters and hormonal levels, with higher doses approaching positive control values. Conclusion. The findings highlight both plants as sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for managing diabetes-related male infertility. However, further research is needed to clarify their mechanisms of action.