Ameliorative Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Zingiber officinale on the Cadmium-Induced Liver and Kidney Injury in Females Rats

The present study was carried out to determine the protective effect of the orally administered aqueous ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by high dose of cadmium bromide in adult female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). A total of twenty rats were used in the study. The animals were divided into four groups : Control rats received tap water, second group received cadmium as cadmium bromide at a dose (100 mg Cd +2), third group received Cd +2 plus 2g / L aqueous ginger extract, while the last group received only 2g/L ginger extract for 40 days. The result analysis showed that there were several histological changes in the liver and kidney tissue of cadmium treated rats in comparison to control. The cadmium bromide caused degeneration of hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltrated leucocytes and dilation of blood sinusoid lumens in treated rat liver. In kidney, dilatation of tubules, congestion of blood vessels with RBCs and inflammation in cortex of cadmium treated rats were also observed. After administration of aqueous ginger extract to the cadmium treated group, the liver and kidney have approximately returned to the normal histological features. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Z. officinale showed an ameliorative effect against cadmium bromide induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.