Investigation of zinc oxide nanocomposite and ginger extract effect on glucose and hemoglobin (HbA1c) blood plasma in diabetic male rats

Diabetes is a recurrent disease defined as a result of a lack of insulin or resistance to its full capacity. The present study aimed to assess the effect of ginger-zinc oxide nanocomposites on HbA1c and fasting blood sugar (FBS) indexes in diabetic rats.

In this investigation, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized based on the sol-gel method, and ginger extract was obtained using the soxhlet method. Thereafter, the nanocomposite of nanoparticles-ginger extract was synthesized, and the nanoparticles were identified by confirmatory tests. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with a mean weight (250±20 g) by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight), and the necessary treatments were then given by gavage to the mice for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were measured from the collected blood samples.

The results of this research demonstrated that among all the treatments, nanocomposite extract and zinc oxide nanoparticles in low concentration (100+10 mg/kg) have a high ability to reduce blood sugar indicators (HbA1c and FBS). This ability was statistically significant compared to other treated groups (P<0.05).

As evidenced by the results obtained, the nanocomposite of ginger extract + zinc oxide in the concentration (100 +10 mg/kg) was a suitable option for controlling and reducing blood sugar in mice. Furthermore, considering the physiological similarity, the mentioned nanocomposite is recommended as a supplement to lower blood sugar in diabetic people.