"GC-MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Their Impact on Serum Cortisol and Reproductive Hormones in Rabbits."

Abstract: This study investigated the phenolic profile of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and evaluated its effect on selected serum hormonal parameters in rabbits. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of six major phenolic compounds with well-defined chromatographic peaks and characteristic mass fragmentation patterns. The identified compounds included guaiacol (Rt 12.45 min), zingerone (Rt 18.20 min), [6]-gingerol (Rt 24.15 min), [6]-shogaol (Rt 26.80 min), [8]-gingerol (Rt 32.10 min), and [10]-gingerol (Rt 35.45 min), confirming the richness of the extract in bioactive gingerols and related phenolics. In the biological assessment, ginger extract administration resulted in a significant decrease in serum cortisol levels in the treated rabbits (3.12 ± 0.25 µg/dL) compared to the control group (4.85 ± 0.42 µg/dL; P < 0.05). Conversely, serum testosterone levels were significantly elevated in the ginger-treated group (3.84 ± 0.31 ng/mL) relative to controls (2.15 ± 0.18 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Although progesterone levels showed a slight increase following ginger treatment (1.45 ± 0.12 ng/mL) compared to the control group (1.12 ± 0.14 ng/mL), this change was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Overall, the results demonstrate that ginger extract contains a diverse array of phenolic compounds and exerts measurable effects on stress- and reproduction-related hormones in rabbits, supporting its potential biological and pharmacological relevance.