Antioxidant and Hepato-protective effects of Ginger in Comparison with Atorvastatin in Hyperlipidemic Albino mice.

Objective: This study was aimed to observe the effects of high fat diet on lipid levels and histomorphology of liver and detecting the preventive effects of ginger and atorvastatin on high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in albino mice. Also the comparison between the two protective agents was observed.Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at Department of Anatomy and Pathology, LUMHS Jamshoro and Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam for six months. This research comprised of 60 adult male mice, divided into four groups (each having 15 animals). Group A, normal control was given standard chow while Groups B, C and D were given high fat diet (cheese) along with chow for eight weeks followed by administration of ginger (15mg/30gm) to Group C and atorvastatin (0.3mg/30gms) to Group D for another eight weeks. Animals of Group B, hyperlipidemic control were left untreated. Weight of animals was measured weekly. Samples for serological and histological changes were taken before and after the induction of high fat diet and at the end of experiment.Results: The research revealed deranged lipid profile with increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and Alanine transaminases, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and distorted hepatic architecture after high fat diet which were significantly improved by the administration of ginger in Group C animals and to a lesser extent by atorvastatin in Group D.Conclusion: Ginger only or concurrently with drug therapy proved to be effective hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective agent, reducing the vulnerability to chronic co-morbidities. Keywords: Atorvastatin; Ginger rhizome; Hepatic ballooning; Lipid profile; Liver; Steatosis.