Effects of aqueous rhizome extract of <i>Zingiber officinale</i> on arsenic trioxide-induced kidney damage in adult Wistar rats

The kidneys are crucial for eliminating toxins, but exposure to substances like arsenic can damage them. Arsenic trioxide, used in cancer treatment, is nephrotoxic. With few kidney-protective drugs available, interest has grown in plant-based alternatives. Zingiber officinale (Ginger), known for its antioxidants, is one such plant. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ginger against arsenic trioxide-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats (n=5) were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A served as control; Group B - 10 mg/kg As2O3 only; Group C - 190 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract and 10 mg/kg As2O3; Group D - 380 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract and 10 mg/kg As2O3; Group E - 50 mg/kg body weight of standard drug (silymarin) and 10 mg/kg As2O3. Group F - 380 mg/kg body weight of Zingiber officinale stem extract. The administration lasted 28 days, given orally via an orogastric tube. Afterward, the animals were anesthetized, sacrificed, and samples were taken for oxidative stress, kidney function assessments, and histological evaluation. Findings showed significant changes (p<0.05) in the arsenic trioxide-only group, including decreased SOD and GSH levels, increased MDA levels, and elevated levels of potassium, sodium, urea, and creatinine, indicating renal dysfunction. Histological analysis showed severe kidney damage evidenced by vascular stenosis, tubular necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. However, pre-treatment with Zingiber officinale protected against these effects, leading to increased (p<0.05) SOD and GSH levels, decreased (p<0.05) MDA levels, and improved histological findings with relatively normal kidney architecture.In conclusion, these findings suggest that Zingiber officinale possesses a protective effect against arsenic trioxide-induced nephrotoxicity, possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reno-protective properties.