EFFECTS OF ZINGINBER OFFICINALE (GINGER TEA) IN LIVER BIOMARKERS OF ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition known for causing various metabolic complications, often affecting organs like the liver due to persistent hyperglycemia. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Zingiber officinale (ginger), are increasingly studied for their potential therapeutic properties. This study investigates the effects of aqueous extracts of ginger on liver biomarkers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, focusing on the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with one group treated with ginger extract following the induction of diabetes. Over a 28-day period, parameters such as fasting plasma glucose levels, body weight, and liver biomarkers were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in the ginger-treated group compared to untreated diabetic controls. Additionally, liver enzyme activity (ALT, AST, and ALP) significantly decreased in the ginger-treated group, indicating both hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects. Specifically, ALT levels dropped from 28.90 ± 0.41 U/L in diabetic control rats to 12.40 ± 0.20 U/L in gingertreated rats, AST decreased from 102.40 ± 0.36 U/L to 52.31 ± 0.67 U/L, and ALP levels were reduced from 118 ± 0.78 U/L to 108 ± 0.62 U/L. Furthermore, the ginger-treated group exhibited an improvement in body weight compared to the untreated diabetic group. These findings suggest that ginger may serve as an effective adjunctive therapy in managing diabetes and its hepatic complications. Further research is recommended to explore the specific mechanisms by which ginger exerts these protective effects.