The methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale causes hypoglycemia and proinflammatory response in the rat pancreas

Zingiber officinale (Ginger) is a commonly used plant for food and herbal treatment of different ailments. There is proof of ginger’s antioxidative and hypoglycemic activity, but the mechanism of action is yet to be understood, especially in a non-disease model. The present study assessed the effects of the methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale (MEZO) on blood glucose, pancreatic antioxidant levels, and histopathological changes.

Fifteen (15) female Wistar rats with an average weight of 147 g were randomly divided into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A was given no treatment and served as the control group. Groups B and C received only oral administration of 400 mg/kg and 800mg/kg of MEZO, respectively. MEZO was administered once a day for 21 days. The animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation for blood collection and retrieval of pancreatic tissue for oxidative stress and histopathological assessment.

The serum glucose level was significantly decreased in group C compared to the control (P=0.012). There were no significant changes in the levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), and Catalase (CAT) in all the MEZO groups compared to
the control (P>0.05). Pancreatic histology showed signs of acute pancreatitis, with dense aggregates of polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating the surrounding stroma.

A high-dose ginger extract induces hypoglycemia, but a proinflammatory response is elicited in the pancreas at a lower dose. Thus, ginger extracts should be consumed with caution.