Ethanolic extract of ginger enhances liver health and lipid metabolism in high-cystine diet-induced hyperlipidemia by boosting the antioxidant milieu

Background Hypercholesterolemia is a global health concern and a risk factor for metabolic disorders due to its association with oxidative stress. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ginger ethanolic extract (GE) and ginger water suspension (GS) against hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in cystine-fed rats. Methods Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. Control, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group, groups three and four received orally 150 mg/kg of GE or GS for two weeks, respectively. Group five was fed a diet with 5% cystine for two weeks. Groups six and seven were fed cystine for two weeks, followed by two weeks of ginger ethanolic extract (GE) or GS treatment, respectively. Results Rats fed a cystine diet exhibited significant increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, hepatic malondialdehyde, and serum levels of total cholesterol, malondialdehyde, triacylglycerols, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total lipids. They showed significant decreases in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, alpha-1 and -2 globulin, beta-globulin levels, hepatic reduced glutathione content, and activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase. Administration of GE or GS significantly mitigated these effects. Conclusions GE and GS attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative damage by modulating the lipid profile and boosting the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes with GE showing superior efficacy to GS.