Affiliations: [a] Department of Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| [b] Department of Human Anatomy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: N.I. Dibal, Department of Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Tel.: +2348069088308, E-mail: nathandibal@unimaid.edu.ng.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Chronic hyperglycemia results in decrease glucose metabolism leading to nephropathy, hepatotoxicity and neuropathy. Diabetic complications are regarded globally as one of the leading cause of disability and mortality. OBJECTIVE:The study aims to evaluate the role of Zingiber officinale (ZO) on diabetic nephropathy and hepatotoxicity in rats. METHODS:Thirty diabetic rats and six non-diabetic rats were distributed into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 & 2 (nondiabetic and diabetic) received distilled water at 1 ml/kg. Groups 3–5 received (12.5, 25& 50) mg/kg of ZO respectively while group 6 received 100 mg/kg metformin. All treatments lasted for 28 days and rats were euthanized on day 29. Biochemical parameters, kidney and liver histology were evaluated. RESULTS:No significant change (P > 0.05) was noticed in blood glucose and creatinine levels of diabetic rats treated with 25 mg/kg ZO compared to control. The liver of 25 mg/kg ZO treated diabetic rats showed mild distortion of hepatocytes while kidneys of ZO treated diabetic rats showed mild distortion of renal tubules with few collagen deposits and intact Bowman’s capsule. CONCLUSIONS:ZO ameliorates diabetic complications by regulating biochemical parameters and preventing renal tubules and hepatocytes damage in rats.
