Teratogenic potential of ginger extract using chicken embryo development model

Background: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is widely used as a food and folk remedy, including during pregnancy, and is often presumed safe, yet evidence on its developmental toxicity is limited. This study evaluated the teratogenic potential of ginger extract using the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryo model. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Philippine Science High School Ilocos Region Campus, Ilocos Sur, from November to December 2024. Seventy-two fertilized native chicken eggs were allocated to six groups (n=12) with four ginger extract concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 mg/ml), saline (negative control), and retinol (positive control). Each received a single 0.1 ml injection on day 3 of incubation, and eggs were opened on days 12, 15, 18, and 21 to assess mortality, heart rate, weight, and crown-rump length (CRL). Data were analyzed by MANOVA with LSD post hoc tests. Results: Mortality was 0% at 0.01 mg/ml and in the negative control, 16.66% at 0.1 mg/ml, and 33.33% at 0.25 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, and in the positive control. Weight differed significantly among groups on day 15 (p=0.039) and day 21 (p=0.021); the multivariate effect was significant only on day 21 (p=0.002). Heart rate and CRL showed non-significant dose-related trends. Conclusions: Higher ginger extract concentrations were associated with greater embryonic mortality and altered weight, whereas the lowest concentration had no observable effect. Ginger is not established as a teratogen, and findings cannot be extrapolated directly to human intake, larger studies are warranted.