Ginger supplementation supports liver health during aging through regulation of lysosomal function and molecular markers

Abstract Aging is marked by hepatic structural deterioration, inflammation, and impaired autophagy. This study evaluated the effects of dietary ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) on liver aging in Swiss Webster mice across three age groups (3, 6, and 12 months) supplemented with 0.6% or 1.8% ginger powder for three months. Liver samples were assessed for lysosomal enzyme activity, expression of PI3K and TNF-α, histology, and ultrastructure of hepatocytes. Aging induced hepatocellular hypertrophy, mitochondrial damage, and increased lysosomal enzyme activity, particularly arginyl aminopeptidase and acid phosphatase, and β-galactosidase - a widely recognized marker of aging, particularly cellular senescence. Ginger supplementation preserved liver morphology in young and middle-aged mice, while high doses showed mild subcellular stress in older mice. Ginger also suppressed age-related PI3K upregulation and influenced TNF-α expression, indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that ginger modulates hepatic aging through lysosomal, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways in an age- and dose-dependent manner. Moderate intake appears most beneficial, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical for liver health during aging.