Through the Microscope: The Effects of Torch Ginger (Bunga Kantan) Extracts on Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Damage
Lead acetate which is used as a mordant
in textile printing and dyeing, as a drier in paints and varnishes, and in
preparing other lead compounds, is an environmental and occupational toxicant
which has been known to damage vital organs and suppress cellular processes.
It is hazardous when swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has a risk of cancer depending on the level and duration of its exposure apart from causing skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation. It also has effects on the gum tissue, central nervous system, kidneys, blood and reproductive system. MAHSA University’s Dr Srikumar shares his research work and publication on this interesting area of infertility through his article in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, (ISI Impact factor 2.447), which shows how specific population groups are disproportionately at a high risk for lead exposure, especially the lower age group, such as foetuses, infants and young children, and the working class with direct contact with lead in industries.
Manser et al in 1990 showed
elevated lead levels and provided firm evidence of the contamination of the
water supply, fish and other food sources by industrial effluent in big cities.
Due to health concerns, lead from paints and ceramic products, caulking and
pipe solder has been reduced dramatically in recent years. However, water pipes
in some older homes may still contain lead solder. Lead can leach out into the
water and enter the human body via oral ingestion or skin contact.
Historically, lead is a
known abortifacient and spermicidal agent in the case of high exposure. Studies
have shown that lead exposure affects the endocrine function as well as the
spermatogenesis capability of the testis. Landrigan in 1990 also showed that
occupational exposure of lead to men decreases their fertility. Rodamilans et
al suggested that prolonged lead exposure initially produces a direct
testicular toxicity. Saxena et al concluded that lead exposure during
the growing period when spermatogenesis is proceeding may result in
reproductive impairment during adulthood.
Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) or better known to Malaysians and Indonesians as Bunga Kantan, is a coarse herb widely distributed in Malaysia and Indonesia. Bunga Kantan is consumed by chopping the flower and adding them into various curries or soups popularly known as Laksa, and served with rice or noodles by the local communities. Extracts from Etlingera species are also proven to have high anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activity. A study by Mohamad et al reported that 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,4,6-heptatrienone and 16-hydroxylabda-8,11,13-trien-15,16-olide are the two important bioactive compounds from Etlingera elatior, which are believed to have anti-oxidant properties. However, there are no reports available on the use of this extract in reducing lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity.
Dr Srikumar’s research team studied the effects of Torch Ginger, Etlingera elatior, being effective against lead toxicity. This is a preliminary animal based work, done as part of his Master’s students research project, funded by a financial grant. His team found that it even has beneficial effects against lead toxicity induced infertility, and consumption of torch ginger improves sperm count, sperm production, motility and testosterone levels.
Lead causes damage to the whole body by inducing oxidative stress. This includes the testis, in which spermatogenesis is affected. Etlingera elatior which is being extensively studied for its high anti-oxidant properties, was tested against the effect of lead acetate in experimental rats. Rats were divided into groups consisting of a control, lead acetate only, Etlingera elatior treatment only, concurrent treatment of lead acetate and Etlingera elatior, post-treatment of lead acetate followed by Etlingera elatior and preventive group of Etlingera elatior followed by lead acetate. The substances were administered for 14 days and the effects were measured by protein carbonyl content (PCC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the testis, as well as the testosterone level in the serum.
Histological changes in the testis were observed and the results showed that Etlingera elatior induced a significant reduction in the testis PCC activity, while at the same time it significantly increased the activities of SOD and GPx in the testis, and the testosterone level in the serum. Etlingera elatior also improved the histology of the testis when compared to the lead acetate-treated group. On the whole, Etlingera elatior is effective against oxidative damage caused by lead acetate in the testis.
So the next time you have a bowl of Laksa, and you find Bunga Kantan in it, remember what it can do and don’t forget to share this information on to the rest of the world.
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