COMPARATIVE HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF Zingiber officinale AND Allium sativum AGAINNST PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity is a major cause of drug-related liver injury worldwide, necessitating the search for safer and more accessible natural hepatoprotective agents. This study evaluated the comparative hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Allium sativum (garlic) in paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Fresh rhizomes of ginger and bulbs of garlic were washed, dried, pulverized, dissolved in methanol, and administered orally. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of four. Group I served as the normal control; Group II received paracetamol (750mg/kg) only (to induce hepatotoxicity); Group III received ginger extract after paracetamol induction; Group IV received garlic extract following paracetamol induction; Group V received Silymarin as standard drug; Group VI received ginger extract and Silymarin while Group VII received garlic and Silymarin. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of ALT, AST, ALP, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and liver tissues were examined histologically using H&E staining. Paracetamol administration caused a marked elevation in ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA levels, reflecting severe hepatocellular injury and oxidative stress. The paracetamol control group showed significant increases in ALT (15.75 ± 0.48 U/L), AST (26.50 ± 0.29 U/L), ALP (93.00 ± 1.47 U/L), and MDA (50.50 ± 2.60 nmol/L) compared with the normal control with ALT (6.75 ± 0.63 U/L)), AST (20.25 ± 0.48 U/L), ALP (84.00 ± 1.42 U/L), MDA (42.25 ± 1.25 nmol/L). Treatment with garlic extract produced the greatest reduction in liver enzyme levels, followed by ginger, indicating restoration of hepatocellular integrity. Group IV (garlic-treated) showed the lowest ALT (4.75 ± 0.25 U/L), AST (21.50 ± 0.65 U/L), and MDA (39.25 ± 1.25 nmol/L), demonstrating superior antioxidant activity. Histopathological examination of the livers from the paracetamol group revealed centrilobular necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, sinusoidal congestion, and hepatocellular degeneration, whereas ginger- and garlic-treated groups showed improved hepatic architecture with reduced necrosis and enhanced hepatocyte regeneration.