The effect of Ginger powder on the elimination of Acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity in adult male rats

Acetaminophen has been recognized as an analgesic, but its overuse can cause renal and hepatic toxicity. Ginger as a spice has been used in traditional medicine since the year 2000 in China and Iran. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ginger on renal function in toxicity induced by Acetaminophen. This experimental study was performed on 24 male Wistar rats. After 24 hours of fasting, animals were allocated into four groups as follows: the control and Ginger groups each receiving normal saline; the Acetaminophen and Acetaminophen+Ginger groups each receiving Acetaminophen (1000 mg/kg) via the gavage. After eight hours, the control and Acetaminophen groups received normal saline and the Ginger and Acetaminophen+Ginger groups received Ginger powder (500 mg/kg). After twelve hours, animals were sacrificed and blood samples were taken to evaluate the serum urea and creatinine. Moreover, the measurement of creatinine in the urine was done. Serum creatinine levels were increased and decreased in the Acetaminophen group (P<0.01) and urine (P<0.001), respectively. In the Acetaminophen+Ginger group, the serum creatinine was decreased (P<0.05) and its excretion in the urine was increased. Creatinine clearance was decreased in the Acetaminophen group (P<0.05); however, it was increased in the Acetaminophen+Ginger group. Ginger results in the improvement of renal function in Acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity.