Garcinia extract, which is extracted from the rind of Garcinia cambogia, is available as an herbal supplement and is used to reduce weight. Ca-type Garcinia extract (GPCR) was reported to harm testis of rats fed at a dose of 5.0% as a dietary administration. This study was investigated effects of zinc supplementation on improvement of testicular toxicity in F344/DuCrj male rats fed 5% GPCR containing diet. In 5% of GPCR given group, slight atrophy of spermatids were observed. On the contrary, no testicular toxicological changes were observed in zinc supplemented groups. Serum calcium levels were significantly increased in GPCR given groups than that in control. Zinc level was reduced in 5% GPCR given group compared to control, but not in 0.01 % zinc supplemented group. Mg, Fe, Na and K levels in serum were not changed. The level of inhibin B in serum was reduced in GPCR given group compared to control, but not in zinc supplemented group. As testicular toxicity of GPCR in F344 male rats was prevented by zinc supplementation of diet, zinc deficiency in diet may induce the testicular toxicity of GPCR. The present study suggested inhibin B measurements may provide a useful tool to investigate the testicular toxicity by GPCR.
