Role of Ginseng on mercury chloride induced testicular lesions Mahmoud et al. 506 Introduction Obviously heavy metals released into the environment affect the fertility of animals. Toxic metals affect female and male reproductive systems directly or indirectly [1]. Mercury is a toxic metal that results in various adverse neurological, respiratory, dermatological, immune, renal, reproductive, and developmental disorders [2]. Mercury is recognized as an industrial hazard. It is used in agriculture as a fungicide, in medicine as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant, and in chemistry for the production of other mercury compounds. However, less information is available about the underlying pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction [3]. Ginseng is commonly used in herbal medicine. It is a potent antioxidant and effective for reducing tissue damage, which was impelled by the free radicals. It is also free from any harmful side effects [4]. The biological name of Ginseng is Panax quinuefolium and the Latin name is Panax ginseng. The most important part is the root. Taking Ginseng orally may strengthen male fertility by reducing prolactin production or by increasing dopaminergic actions [5]. Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismaileya, Egypt Correspondence to Omayma M. Mahmoud, MD, Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41111, Ismaileya, Egypt Tel: +20 643 210 003; fax: +0643208543; e-mail: omima34@hotmail.com Received 15 November 2013 Accepted 15 June 2014 The Egyptian Journal of Histology 2014, 37:506-513 46 (1476-2014) Background Mercury is a toxic metal causing various adverse neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Mercury exposure occurs through contaminated water and food. Ginseng (herbal medicine) can improve male fertility by acting directly on the pituitary gland and central nervous system. Aim of the work The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Materials and methods Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight rats each: group I (the Control group): the animals in this group received 1.5 ml of distilled water; group II (the Ginseng group): the animals in this group received 100 mg/kg body weight of Ginseng; group III (the Mercury Chloride group): the animals in this group received mercury chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Group IV (the Ginseng and Mercury Chloride group): the animals in this group received both Ginseng and mercury chloride at the same dose and route of administration as the previous group. The testes were removed and fxed. Paraffn sections were prepared and stained with H&E and Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Morphometric study was conducted and results were statistically analyzed. Results The study showed signifcant increase in body weight in group II and decrease in body weight in groups III and IV compared with the Control group. The gonadal index of group III showed signifcant decrease compared with both the Control group and group II. H&E sections of group III showed loosely packed vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Some germ cells showed a hyperchromatic nucleus, whereas others showed chromatolysis. Absence of mature sperms was noticed. Some tubules showed massive loss of germ cells. In the treated group (group IV) germ cells regained more or less a normal appearance. Conclusion Ginseng can ameliorate the toxic changes of mercury chloride on the rat testis. Keywords: Ginseng, mercury chloride, rat, testis Egypt J Histol 37:506-513 © 2014 The Egyptian Journal of Histology 1110-0559 Role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular lesions in adult albino rat: a histological and immunohistochemical study Omayma M. Mahmoud, Manal H. Al Badawi and Noha A. Salem Original article Copyright © The Egyptian Journal of Histology. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.