EFFECT OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALEETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTIONS IN RATS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinaleon the level of plasma ALT,AST, ALP, total cholesterol, total albumin, total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine and bilirubin in nomal Wistar albino rats. The ethanolic extract was prepared using one kilogram of dried powder of Z.officinaleand extracted with ethanol (80%).Twenty four healthy Wistar albino rats of either sex were used inthis experiment. They were divided into four groups of six rats in each group, the average weight of rats in each group100 g. Group A was kept as control and received only basal diet. Group B, C and D received basal diet and Z.officinaleethanolic extract, which was administrated orally at dose of 200,400 and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Blood samples werecollected after 3 weeks and used to estimate some biochemical parameters in plasma. This study showed that Z.officinaledecreased numericallythe plasma level of ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea and total cholesterol in group B,C and D when compared to the control group. Z.officinaleincreased numerically the level of plasma total albumin and total bilirubin in group B, C and D when compared to the control group. The level of total protein and direct bilirubin decreased significantly whencompared to the control group. However, the level of uric acid was decreased numerically in group B and decreased significantly in group C and D when compared to control group. The rats' body weight was not affected by the administration of Z.officinale ethanolic extract. From the results of this experiment it can be concluded, Z.officinaleseems to be not toxic.