Aqueous rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale: Assessing its efficacy against arsenic-induced liver damage in Wistar rats.

Abstract

The liver is especially vulnerable to toxins due to its role in metabolizing and clearing chemicals. Heavy metals like arsenic, found in contaminated water, food, and industrial processes, are well-documented hepatotoxic agents. Traditionally, medicinal plants like Zingiber officinale have been used to treat liver ailments. Known for its gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects, Zingiber officinale, with its safety profile and ability to mitigate oxidative stress, is a promising candidate for preventing and treating hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Zingiber officinale against arsenic trioxide-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A–F). Group A served as control; Group B - 10 mg/kg As₂O₃ only; Group C - 190 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract and 10 mg/kg As₂O₃; Group D - 380 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract and 10 mg/kg As₂O₃; Group E - 50 mg/kg body weight of standard drug (silymarin) and 10 mg/kg As₂O₃; Group F - 380 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract. The administration lasted 28 days. Afterwards, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed, and samples were taken for oxidative stress-related parameters, liver function assessments, and histological evaluation. Findings showed significant changes (p<0.05) in the arsenic trioxide-only group, including decreased SOD and GSH levels, increased MDA levels, and elevated levels of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin, indicating liver damage. Histological analysis showed severe liver damage evidenced by vasodilation and congestion, zonal necrosis, and periportal infiltrates of inflammatory cells. However, pre-treatment with Zingiber officinale protected against these effects, leading to increased (p<0.05) SOD and GSH levels, decreased (p<0.05) MDA levels, and improved histological architecture with relatively normal liver histology. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Zingiber officinale possesses a protective effect against arsenic trioxide-induced hepatotoxicity, possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.