Effect of Aqueous Extract of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on Some Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes Rats

Background: Appreciable number of medicinal plants are used for the treatment of diabetes in Nigeria.

Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Zingiber officinale extracts and its potential mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Study Duration: The period of the study was done on 30th September, 2018 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, university of Jos, Nigeria.

Methodology: Albino rats of Wistar strain weighing between 130 g to 160 g were induced with single freshly prepared streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Diabetes was confirmed after forty eight hours in streptozotocin -induced rats showing fasting blood glucose levels > 10 mmol/l. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) experimental groups (n = 4). A (Control diabetic group fed with normal feed), Group B (Normal control fed with normal feed), Group Group C (Diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/Kg body weight extract of ginger and Group D, (Diabetic rats are treated with 400 mg/Kg body weight of metformin). After 8 days the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analysis. Changes in the animal body weights were also measured within the period.

Results: From the results, it was observed that treatment of rats with extract of ginger compensates for the reduction of body weight, and caused an increase in the body weight of the treated rats (+11.5%) in contrast to 24.8% reduction observed in diabetic control. In the same order, serum glucose significantly decreased (p<0.05) after the 8-day treatment compared to diabetic control. The extent of reversal of hyperglycemia in the ginger extract treated animals compared well with the metformin treated group. The results, therefore, showed that ginger extract has a significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats and moreover, elevations in the measured biochemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in rats treated with ginger extract.

Conclusion: Zingiber officinale extracts has a significant effect on some biochemical parameters and hematological assays. These provide scientific evidence to confirm the traditional use of Z. officinale in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.