article · Trends in Pharmacology and Toxicology
Garlic and ginger are widely consumed in traditional medicine and nutraceutical products, yet high doses carry potential toxicity risks. Evaluating these botanicals using combined laboratory and computational methods reveals specific safety concerns. In mice, acute and sub-chronic exposure to garlic and ginger resulted in dose-dependent shifts in liver and kidney enzymes, alterations in haematological parameters, and tissue damage in vital organs. Chemical analyses highlighted active compounds including allicin, ajoene, gingerol, and shogaol. Computational modelling through molecular docking and pharmacokinetic profiling mirrored the animal results, predicting risks of liver and kidney toxicity through interactions with metabolic enzymes and oxidative stress pathways. Together, the findings establish that while both plants offer therapeutic benefits, elevated intakes lead to adverse physiological effects. Establishing safe, standardised dosing regimens remains necessary before these natural extracts can be applied reliably across health contexts.
Natural supplements are frequently presumed harmless, but active botanical constituents can harm vital organs at high concentrations. By clarifying the organ-level effects of ginger and garlic in living systems and computational models, this work highlights the need for clear safety limits. Understanding these thresholds helps consumers, healthcare providers, and regulators avoid organ damage caused by unmonitored herbal intake.
The findings could inform nutraceutical manufacturers and regulatory bodies seeking to establish safe upper intake limits and standardised formulations for garlic and ginger supplements. Because the findings derive from early-stage animal models and computational predictions, commercial application remains at a preclinical stage. Additional investigations into chronic and reproductive toxicity are still needed before these safety thresholds can directly shape consumer product formulations.
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The widespread use of Allium sativa (garlic) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) in traditional medicine and nutraceuticals has prompted increased interest in their safety profiles, particularly concerning dosage and long-term effects.This study employs both in vivo and in silico approaches to evaluate the potential toxicity of these plants.Phytochemical analysis identified key bioactive compounds such as allicin, ajoene, gingerol, and shogaol, known for diverse pharmacological effects, but also possessing toxicity risks at elevated doses.In vivo toxicity studies in mice, including acute and sub-chronic exposures, revealed dosedependent alterations in liver and kidney function enzymes, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in major organs.Simultaneously, in silico ADMET profiling and molecular docking against toxicity-relevant targets, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes and oxidative stress mediators, predicted hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity potential in some phytochemicals.Comparative analysis confirmed correlations between experimental and computational findings, supporting the integration of both models for comprehensive toxicological evaluation.This study underscores the dual nature of these botanicals, advocating for standardized dosing and further research into chronic toxicity, reproductive effects, and systems toxicology frameworks.
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DOI: 10.21124/tpt.2025.1.11
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