Abstract

In the present study, the ameliorative hepatoprotective effect of 10-gingerol (5 and 10 mg/kg)was examined in albino rats using the model of acute hepatotoxicity induced by diclofenac sodium (DCFS). Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of DCFS in a dose of 150 mg/kg. Rats received 10-gingerol by i.p. injection for 6 consecutive days before induction of hepatotoxicity. Animals were sacrificed at 6 h post intoxication and blood and liver samples were obtained. Liver injury was assessed biochemically and histologically. It was found that injection of DCFS to rats induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in serum. The liver homogenate of intoxicated animals had increased levels of the malondialdehyde (MDA). Histological data presented marked damaged in sections of liver form DCFS-treated rats. Intraperitoneal dosing of 10-gingerol (10 mg/kg) to rats for 6-days before DCFS-intoxication reversed the altered serum parameter near to normal and silymarin control values. The elevation of MDA level in liver homogenate was significantly inhibited by 10-gingerol. In addition, 10-gingerol attenuated DCFS-induced hepatic histological alterations.

Key words: Diclofenac sodium, 10-gingerol, lipid peroxidation, hepatotoxicity, histopathology.