Therapeutic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Zingiber officinale (Ginger Rhizomes) on Selected Biochemical Parameters and Some Electrolytes in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger rhizomes) on selected biochemical parameters and electrolytes in male Wistar rats. Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats weighing about 150 g were randomly assigned to four groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control and received standard feed and distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale orally at low, medium and high doses, corresponding to 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, alongside normal feed. The animals were maintained under a 12 h light/dark cycle and sacrificed on day 29, after which blood samples were collected for serum analysis. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, AST, ALT, ALP and selected electrolytes were evaluated. The 200 mg/kg ginger-treated group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL-C compared with the control group. HDL-C was significantly reduced in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg groups, while LDL-C increased significantly at 100 mg/kg and decreased at 200 mg/kg compared with the 100 mg/kg group. AST was significantly reduced only at 200 mg/kg, while ALT was significantly reduced at 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. ALP increased significantly at 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Sodium, potassium and bicarbonate were not significantly altered, whereas calcium decreased significantly at 200 mg/kg.