EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) ON LIPID PROFILE IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Diabetic dyslipidaemia is a critical complication of diabetes mellitus, elevating cardiovascular risk and driving the search for natural therapeutic adjuvants. This study evaluated the aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) on lipid profiles in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The aim was to assess the extract's effect on serum lipids, with objectives to determine its LD50, measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), evaluate lipid parameters (Total Cholesterol-TC, Triglycerides-TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), and correlate FBG with lipid profile. Thirty rats were allocated into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, metformin-treated (500mg/kg), and three diabetic groups treated with ginger extract (250, 500, 750 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg). After a 21-day treatment period, blood samples were analyzed. Results showed the extract was non-toxic (LD50 >5000mg/kg). It significantly reduced elevated FBG and dose-dependently corrected dyslipidaemia, lowering TC, TG, and LDL-C while raising HDL-C, with the 750 mg/kg dose being most effective. A strong correlation was found between FBG and lipid abnormalities. In conclusion, aqueous ginger extract exhibits safe, potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Recommendations include conducting long-term toxicity studies and investigating its synergistic potential with conventional antidiabetic drugs for improved therapeutic outcomes.