Ginger Protects the Liver against the Toxic Effects of Xenobiotic Compounds: Preclinical Observations

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, chronic liver disease is a major ailment and causes significant morbidity and mortality in both western and developing countries. However, till date no ideal hepatoprotective agents are available in the modern system of medicine to effective prevent and cure liver ailments. This has necessitated the need to depend on complementary and alternative systems of medicine for liver ailments and diseases. Zingiber officinale Roscoe commonly known as ginger is arguably one of the most commonly used spice, and is an integral part of our diet. In addition to its dietary use, ginger is also reported to possess myriad health benefits, and has been used in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine to treat various ailments and illnesses. Preclinical studies carried out in the past decade have shown that ginger possesses hepatoprotective effects, and to protect against diverse xenobiotic compounds like alcohol, acetaminophen, fungicides, tetracycline, heavy metals and organophosphorus compounds. Mechanistic studies have shown that the protective actions are mediated through free radical scavenging, antioxidant, cytoprotective, and to modulate the levels of the detoxifying enzymes. This review for the first time summarizes the results related to the beneficial properties of ginger in ameliorating the toxic effects of hepatotoxins, and also emphasizes the aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility as a broad spectrum hepatoprotective agent.

Gingerol and/or sorafenib attenuates the DAB-induced HCC and hepatic portal vein dilatation via ATG4/CASP3 and COIIV/COX-2/NF-κB expression

“…The observed phenomenon may be attributed to the anti-cancer action of Gin/Sor, which mitigates liver damage. Several further investigations have corroborated our results, demonstrating agreement that the concurrent administration of Sor and Gin may effectively reduce blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)-derived nanoparticles in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice: Hepatoprotective and enhancer of etiological treatment

“…Treatment with ginger extract and GNPs in the different experimental groups increased the activity of the hepatic tissue CAT significantly as compared to the infected non treated mice group (G2) (P < 0.001), which is in agreement with many researches, which have also shown that ginger enhances the level of antioxidant enzyme [8,35,36,37] In the present study, the level of MDA, lipid peroxidation end product, was notably elevated in the liver of the positive control mice group (G2). This elevated MDA level indicates strong lipid peroxidation with a failure of the host antioxidant defense mechanisms to prevent excessive free radical formation and tissue damage [38,39].…”

Protective Effect of <b><i>Zingiber Officinale</i></b> against CCl₄-Induced Liver Fibrosis Is Mediated through Downregulating the TGF-ß1/Smad3 and NF-&#954;B/I&#954;B Pathways

“…The underground rhizomes of ginger are the medicinally useful part [11]. Many studies were carried out on the pungent constituents of fresh and dried ginger rhizomes [13]. Among the pharmacological effects demonstrated are anti-platelets, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-rhino viral, hepatoprotective, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory [14,15].…”

“…Therefore, there is a worldwide trend to go back to traditional medicinal plants. Many natural products of herbal origin are in use for the treatment of liver aliments [13]. Zingiber officinale (ginger) is gaining popularity among modern physicians.…”