Ginger mitigates acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide (ACR), a toxic compound commonly found in heat-processed foods, poses a serious risk to liver health due to its oxidative and inflammatory effects. AIM: To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ginger extract in mitigating ACR-induced liver toxicity in a rat model. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into control, ACR-treated, and ACR + ginger-treated groups. Liver function enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and histopathological assessments were performed. In addition, gene expression analyses of key antioxidant and inflammatory markers were conducted using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: ACR administration significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA, while reducing levels of GSH, CAT, and SOD. Histological analysis revealed hepatic degeneration and inflammation. Co-administration of ginger extract significantly reversed these effects, restoring antioxidant enzyme levels, reducing oxidative stress, and improving liver histoarchitecture. CONCLUSION: Ginger extract exhibited strong hepatoprotective effects against ACR-induced toxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings support the potential role of ginger as a natural dietary intervention for mitigating liver damage caused by environmental toxins. Further clinical studies are recommended to confirm its efficacy in human populations.