Ameliorative Effect of Dietary Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on Lead-Induced Gastrointestinal Damage in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the protective effects of a Zingiber officinale (ginger)-supplemented diet against lead (Pb)-induced gastrointestinal damage in female Wistar rats. We assigned twenty-four rats to four groups for 28 days: Control, Lead-Only (30 mg/kg), Lead + 5% Ginger diet, and Lead + 10% Ginger diet. Serum biomarkers for oxidative stress (MDA, TAC) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6) were assessed alongside gastric and intestinal histopathology. Lead exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 and depleted TAC, causing severe gastric necrosis and intestinal villous atrophy. Both 5% and 10% ginger diets dose-dependently reversed these biochemical changes and promoted significant histological repair. Notably, the 10% ginger diet normalized IL-6 levels and nearly restored the intestinal villous architecture. In conclusion, dietary ginger confers potent, dose-dependent protection against lead-induced gastrointestinal toxicity by combating systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings support its use as a functional food for chemoprevention against heavy metal toxicity.