Antihyperlipidemic effects of ginger extracts in alloxan-induced diabetes and propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in (rats)

Effect of zinc oxide nanocomposite and ginger extract on lipid profile, glucose, pancreatic tissue and expression of Gpx1 and Tnf-α genes in diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a life-threatening health condition that requires expensive treatment and places a significant financial burden on society. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the potential of low and high concentrations of ginger extract, ZnO-NPs, and a combination of both to help manage diabetes and reduce high levels of lipids in diabetic rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The research focused on agglomerated nanoparticles under 100 nm, specifically ZnO nanoparticles. The size of the nanoparticles was determined using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis, with a monodisperse particle size distribution of 20 to 48 nm and an average size of 38 nm, as shown by dynamic light scattering. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of typical peaks of ginger extract and ZnO-NPs in the nanocomposite structure. The pancreatic tissue histopathological study indicated that a concentration of 10 mg/kg of the composite had the most significant antidiabetic effect compared to other treatments. Lower concentrations could significantly reduce and balance fasting blood sugar and triglycerides levels while also increasing the high-density lipoproteins levels. However, all treatments induced a significant decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins levels. Only metformin and ZnO-NPs in lower concentrations could decrease very low-density lipoproteins levels. The molecular technique showed that a low concentration of the composite led to the most significant decrease in Tnf-α gene expression compared to the diabetic group. The expression of the glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) gene in treated groups had no significant difference with the level of Gpx1 expression in the control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, this study demonstrated that lower concentrations of the treatments, especially composite, were more effective for treating diabetic rats due to reduced pancreatic tissue damage.

Safety Evaluation of the Polyherbal Formulation NawaTab: Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity Studies in Rats

NawaTab is a tablet formulation developed from the Nawametho polyherbal formula used in Surat Thani province, Southern Thailand, for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This study aims at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity of NawaTab in rats. In the acute toxicity study, NawaTab was evaluated in female rats following the OECD Guideline No. 423. In the subacute toxicity study, NawaTab was tested in both male and female rats following the OECD Guideline No. 407. In the acute toxicity study, no lethal effects or toxic signs were observed during the duration of the study. In the subacute toxicity study, there was no mortality and no abnormality in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, relative organ weight, and hematological parameters of NawaTab-treated rats. Significantly increased water consumption by male rats (500 mg/kg BW) and female rats (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg BW) was observed. In addition, globulin and total cholesterol of female rats (1000 mg/kg BW) significantly increased. These alterations were within normal physiological ranges. Moreover, necropsy and histopathological findings of NawaTab-treated rats demonstrated no obvious alterations attributable to NawaTab administration. The present study revealed that NawaTab has no significant acute oral toxicological effects. The lethal dose with a 50% mortality rate (LD₅₀) was higher than 5000 mg/kg BW in rats. The subacute oral administration of NawaTab for 28 days did not have any major toxicological effects. Based on this study, NawaTab could be safe to use with caution pending its chronic toxicity study.

Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) intake on human serum lipid profile: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Dyslipidemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Effect of ginger supplementation on lipid profile in humans remains controversial particularly in diabetic patients. A systematic search was performed covering PubMed, Medline, and Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), and Google scholar from January 2010 to January 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) study design, at least one of lipid profile components triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) measured before and after ginger consumption. For quantitative data synthesis, a random-effects model was applied. Pooled data showed that ginger intake reduced TC (SMD -0.44; 95% CI: -0.86, -0.02; p = 0.025) and TG (SMD -0.61; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.08; p = 0.024) levels significantly, but it has no significant effect on improving HDL-C (SMD 0.40; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.80; p = 0.057) and LDL-C (SMD -0.34; 95% CI: -0.81, 0.13; p = 0.153). Ginger supplementation decreased TG in obese and diabetic subjects more efficiently. In terms of ginger dose, the result of meta-regression found to be significant only for TC, so that increasing daily doses of ginger reduces TC levels by (β: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.07; p = 0.028). Therefore, ginger could be considered as an effective lipid lowering nutraceuticals.

The effects of ginger and its constituents in the prevention of metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hypertension risk factors. Moreover, metabolic syndrome is the most ordinary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous chemical drugs are being synthesized to heal metabolic risk factors. Still, due to their abundant side effects, herbal medicines have a vital role in the treatment of these abnormalities. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) plant has been traditionally used in medicine to treat disorders, including CVD. The unique ginger properties are attributed to the presence of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol, and [6]-shogaol, which through different mechanisms can be beneficial in metabolic syndrome. Ginger has a beneficial role in metabolic syndrome treatment due to its hypotensive, anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. It can significantly reduce atherosclerotic lesion areas, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and elevate adenosine deaminase activity in platelet and lymphocytes. Also, it promotes ATP/ADP hydrolysis. In the current article review, the critical properties of ginger and its constituents' effects on the metabolic syndrome with a special focus on different molecular and cellular mechanisms have been discussed. This article also suggests that ginger may be introduced as a therapeutic or preventive agent against metabolic syndrome after randomized clinical trials.

Bioactive Compounds and Diabetes Mellitus: Prospects and Future Challenges

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that influences the endocrine framework. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are two of the most widely recognized metabolic irregularities in diabetes, just as two of the most well-known reasons for diabetic intricacies. Diabetes mellitus is a persistent illness brought about by metabolic irregularities in hyperglycemic pancreatic cells. Hyperglycemia can be brought about by an absence of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas (Type 1 diabetes mellitus) or inadequate insulin creation that does not work effectively (Type 2 diabetes mellitus). Present diabetes medication is directed toward directing blood glucose levels in the systemic circulation to the typical levels. Numerous advanced prescription medicines have many negative results that can bring about unexpected severe issues during treatment of the bioactive compound from a different source that is beneficially affected by controlling, adjusting metabolic pathways or cycles. Moreover, a few new bioactive medications disengaged from plants have shown antidiabetic action with more noteworthy adequacy than the oral hypoglycemic agent that specialists have utilized in clinical treatment lately. Since bioactive mixtures are collected from familiar sources, they have a great activity in controlling diabetes mellitus. This study discusses bioactive compounds and their activity to manage diabetes mellitus and their prospects. Though bioactive compound has many health beneficial properties, adequate clinical studies still need to gain large acknowledge that they are effective in the management of diabetes mellitus.

The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Improving Blood Lipids and Body Weight; A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Beneficial effects of ginger consumption on metabolic biomarkers has been reported previously. The current research aimed to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on lipid profile and body weight using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

METHODS

Online databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched until December 2021 to identify eligible articles. Twenty-six trials were included.

RESULTS

The results showed that ginger consumption could significantly improve lipid profile including total triglyceride (-12.54 (-20.01 to -5.08)), cholesterol (-6.53 (-10.76 to -2.31)), LDL (-5.14 (-8.79 to -1.50)), and HDL (1.13 (0.35 to 1.91)). Moreover, ginger supplementation could significantly decrease body mass index (BMI) (-0.49 (-0.79 to -0.18)). However, the small number of sample studies that investigated reductions in body weight (-0.52 (-1.48 to 0.43)) were not statistically significant. Sub-group analysis of treatment dose and duration showed that in most of the analyzed lipid profiles, both ≤1500 and >1500 mg/d for both of ≤8 and >8 weeks could be effective; however, in the case of weight control dose of >1500 mg/d for more than 8 weeks was more effective. Besides, the results of multivariate meta-analysis revealed the effect of the intervention on all lipid profiles simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis and review revealed that ginger supplementation can improve lipid profile and body weight if used at the appropriate dose and duration. More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effect of ginger supplements' different doses and duration on lipid profile and BMI.

Efficacy of Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan in dyslipidemia: a single blind randomized standard controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan, a compound Unani formulation, has been indicated in disease conditions simulating dyslipidemia. The present study was done to substantiate the efficacy of Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan (MSAK) in dyslipidaemia on scientific parameters.

METHODS

A randomized, single-blind, Standard controlled, clinical trial was carried out on 40 patients of dyslipidemia who were randomly allocated into test (n=30) and control (n=10) groups. The test drug, MSAK, and control drug, tablet Atorvastatin was given to the respective group for 60 days along with lifestyle modification.

RESULTS

The test drug significantly alleviated the symptoms of subjective parameters (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction in lipid profile of the patients in the test group (p<0.05) than control drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study evidenced that Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan is potentially effective and safe in the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, a multicentre study with a robust study design is required to generalize the results.

Efficacy of Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan in dyslipidemia: a single blind randomized standard controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan, a compound Unani formulation, has been indicated in disease conditions simulating dyslipidemia. The present study was done to substantiate the efficacy of Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan (MSAK) in dyslipidaemia on scientific parameters.

METHODS

A randomized, single-blind, Standard controlled, clinical trial was carried out on 40 patients of dyslipidemia who were randomly allocated into test (n=30) and control (n=10) groups. The test drug, MSAK, and control drug, tablet Atorvastatin was given to the respective group for 60 days along with lifestyle modification.

RESULTS

The test drug significantly alleviated the symptoms of subjective parameters (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction in lipid profile of the patients in the test group (p<0.05) than control drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study evidenced that Majoon-e-Seer Alvi Khan is potentially effective and safe in the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, a multicentre study with a robust study design is required to generalize the results.

Effects of pine pollen wall on gut microbiota and biomarkers in mice with dyslipidemia

Pinus yunnanensis pollen is rich in various physiological functions. However, whether the pine pollen wall (PW) plays a beneficial role in the body has not been studied. In this work, we have analyzed its effects on the metabolism and gut microbiota of mouse models of dyslipidemia. We found that the intake of pine PW prevents the liver pathologic changes and reduce the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, TC, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, it can regulate bile acid and fat metabolism, SCFAs content, and the structure of the gut microbiota. According to the change of carbohydrate metabolites, we speculated that cellulose should be the main component to play the above beneficial role, and sporopollenin cannot be utilized in the intestine. Therefore, we consider this study of great significance as it gives a description of biological effects of the pine PW and paves the road to its use in health products.

Vasculoprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and underlying molecular mechanisms

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a common and widely used spice. It is rich in various chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibers. Herein, we reviewed its effects on the vascular system. Studies utilizing cell cultures or animal models showed that ginger constituents alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, increase nitric oxide synthesis, suppress vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, promote cholesterol efflux from macrophages, inhibit angiogenesis, block voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and induce autophagy. In clinical trials, ginger was shown to have a favorable effect on serum lipids, inflammatory cytokines, blood pressure, and platelet aggregation. Taken together, these studies point to the potential benefits of ginger and its constituents in the treatment of hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial diseases, and other vascular diseases.

Protective role of Phyllanthusfraternus in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthusfraternus is a pantropical weed of family phyllanthaceae, mainly found in northeast India. It has been used in the folklore medicine of Manipur tribe for treating type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was commenced to evaluate the anti-diabetic and renoprotective potential of P.fraternus (aerial parts) in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alloxan (130 mg/kg, ip) was used for the induction of diabetes in adult male wistar rats. Animals with blood glucose level greater than 280 mg/dL were treated once daily for 14 days with various test extracts. The biochemical parameters were measured from serum on the 15th day post-treatment. Necropsy samples harvested from pancreas and kidneys were examined for histopathological changes in these organs.

RESULTS

Alloxan-induced diabetes not only caused significant increases in blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, creatinine and urea levels, but also provoked high oxidative stress in pancreas and kidneys. Profound morphological injuries were observed in islets of Langerhans and kidneys of diabetic animals. Administration of methanol extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and mother liquor (200 and 400 mg/kg) ameliorate the elevated levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol as well as other biochemical parameters, but highest reduction in blood glucose concentration was observed with the largest dose of ethyl acetate fraction (400 mg/kg) of P.fraternus. Histopathological examination of pancreas and kidneys also exhibited greater protection by treatment with acetate fraction (400 mg/kg). The HPLC analysis showed the presence of four polyphenols such as catechin, gallic acid, caffeic acid and ellagic acid in ethyl acetate fraction of P. fraternus during HPLC analysis.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that polyphenols present in P.fraternus may be responsible for the anti-diabetic and renoprotective activity in rats. Such protective effects of could be mediated through flavonol-induced anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the pancreas and kidneys.

Hepatoprotective and Renoprotective Properties of Lovastatin-Loaded Ginger and Garlic Oil Nanoemulsomes: Insights into Serum Biological Parameters

Background and Objectives: Dyslipidemia is gaining much attention among healthcare professionals because of its high association with the malfunctioning of a number of normal physiological and metabolic processes in the body. Obesity is directly interconnected with dyslipidemia and is said to be a denouement of hyperlipidemia and, if left untreated, may lead to intense damage to organs that are directly involved in fat metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic antiobesity and anti-hyperlipidemic activities along with hepato- and renoprotective potential of nanoemulsomes (NES) of lovastatin (LTN)-loaded ginger (GR) and garlic (GL) oils. Materials and Methods: LTN nanoemulsomes co-encapsulated with GR oil and GL oil were prepared by a thin hydration technique. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were induced with hyperlipidemia via a high-fat diet (HFD) comprising 40% beef tallow. Body weight, serum biochemical lipid parameters, and those for liver and kidney functions, serum TC, LDL-C, vLDL-C, HDL-C, TG, atherogenic index (AI), ALT, AFT, ALP, γ-GT, total protein (TP), serum albumin and globulin ratio (A/G), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood urea, and histopathology of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained liver and kidney sections of all aforementioned groups were examined in the treated animals. Results: Nanoemulsomes of LTN-loaded GR and GL oils provided synergistic effects with LTN, exerted better ameliorative actions in reducing serum TC, LDL-C, vLDL-C, triglycerides, and AI, and improved serum HDL-C levels. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT levels were in the normal range for nanoemulsome groups. H&E stained liver and kidney sections of these animals confirmed better hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects than LTN alone. Serum biochemical parameters for renal functions also claimed to be in the moderate range for nanoemulsome-treated groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that nanoemulsomes of LTN-loaded GR and GL oils synergistically provided better antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective effects as compared to LTN alone.

The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of ginger intake on weight loss, glycemic control and lipid profiles among overweight and obese subjects. We searched the following databases through November 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I2). Overall, 14 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Fourteen RCTs with 473 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that the supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight (BW) (SMD -0.66; 95% CI, -1.31, -0.01; P = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (SMD -0.49; 95% CI, -0.82, -0.17; P = 0.003), hip ratio (HR) (SMD -0.42; 95% CI, -0.77, -0.08; P = 0.01), fasting glucose (SMD -0.68; 95% CI, -1.23, -0.05; P = 0.03) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (SMD -1.67; 95% CI, -2.86, -0.48; P = 0.006), and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD 0.40; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.70; P = 0.009). We found no detrimental effect of ginger on body mass index (BMI) (SMD -0.65; 95% CI, -1.36, 0.06; P = 0.074), insulin (SMD -0.54; 95% CI, -1.43, 0.35; P = 0.23), triglycerides (SMD -0.27; 95% CI, -0.71, 0.18; P = 0.24), total- (SMD -0.20; 95% CI, -0.58, 0.18; P = 0.30) and LDL-cholesterol (SMD -0.13; 95% CI, -0.51, 0.24; P = 0.48). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ginger intake reduced BW, WHR, HR, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR, and increased HDL-cholesterol, but did not affect insulin, BMI, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels.

Effects of aqueous extracts of dried calyx of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on polygenic dyslipidemia: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Dyslipidemia has been considered as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Alternative medicine has a significant role in treatment of dyslipidemia. There are controversial findings regarding the effects of sour tea on dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of aqueous extract of dried calyx of sour tea on polygenic dyslipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This clinical trial was done on 43 adults (30-60 years old) with polygenic dyslipidemia that were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The control group was trained in lifestyle modifications at baseline. The intervention group was trained for lifestyle modifications at baseline and received two cups of sour tea daily, and both groups were followed up for 12 weeks. Lipid profile was evaluated at baseline, and six and 12 weeks following the intervention. In addition, dietary and physical activity assessed at baseline for twelve weeks.

RESULTS

Mean concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C significantly decreased by up to 9.46%, 8.33%, and 9.80%, respectively, after 12 weeks in the intervention group in comparison to their baseline values. However, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio significantly increased by up to 3.15%, following 12 weeks in the control group in comparison to their baseline values. This study showed no difference in lipid profiles between the two groups, except for HDL-C concentrations.

CONCLUSION

sour tea may have significant positive effects on lipid profile of polygenic dyslipidemia subjects and these effect might be attributed to its anthocyanins and inflation factor content. Therefore, sour tea intake with recommended dietary patterns and physical activity can be useful in regulation of lipid profile in patients with polygenic dyslipidemia.

Insulin Plant (Costus pictus) Extract Restores Thyroid Hormone Levels in Experimental Hypothyroidism

Background:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of Costus pictus leaf extract in experimental hypothyroidism.

Materials and Methods:

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups with ten rats in each group: Control (C), hypothyroid (H), control+extract (C+E), and hypothyroid+extract (H+E). Rats in C group did not receive any intervention throughout the experimental period. The rats in the C+E and H+E groups received pretreatment with C. pictus leaf extract for 4 weeks. Subsequently, for the next 6 weeks, rats in the H group received 0.05% propylthiouracil in drinking water while C+E group received C. pictus leaf extract and H+E group received propyl thiouracil and C. pictus leaf extract.

Results:

Hypothyroid group rats exhibited dramatic increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with concomitant depletion in the levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment with the extract resulted in remarkable improvement in thyroid profile. Extract produced 10.59-fold increase in plasma free T3, 8.65-fold increase in free T4, and 3.59-fold decrease in TSH levels in H+E group in comparison with H group. Treatment with the extract ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, decreased levels of plasma C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha, suppressed tissue oxidative stress and prevented hepatic and renal damage caused due to thyroid hormone depletion in the H+E group. Pentacyclic triterpenes alpha and beta amyrins were identified and quantified in the extract.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to reveal that C. pictus extract has therapeutic potential to restore thyroid hormone levels and prevent the biochemical complications due to thyroid hormone insufficiency in the animal model of experimental hypothyroidism.

SUMMARY

The preventive effect of Costus pictus leaf extract in experimental hypothyroidism was evaluated in the present study.

Hypothyroidism was induced in the experimental animals by giving 0.05% propylthiouracil in drinking water.

Hypothyroid rats exhibited dramatic increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with concomitant depletion in the levels of thyroid hormones.

Treatment with Costus pictus leaf extract in hypothyroid rats significantly improved the thyroid profile. It also ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, decreased the levels of plasma inflammatory markers, suppressed tissue oxidative stress and prevented hepatic and renal damage caused due to thyroid hormone depletion.

The possible active principles alpha and beta amyrins were identified and quantified in the extract through LC-MS.

Abbreviations Used: APCI: Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; C group: Control group; C+E group: Control+extract group; C. pictus: Costus pictus; CRP: C-reactive protein; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; FRAP: Ferric reducing antioxidant power; HDL: High-density lipoprotein; H group: Hypothyroid group; H+E group: Hypothyroid+extract group; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; LC-MS: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; MDA: Malondialdehyde; PTU: 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil; SRM: Single reaction monitoring; TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone; TPTZ: 2,4,6-tri-(2-pyridyl)-5-triazine; TBA: 2-Thiobarbituric acid; TG: Triglyceride; TNFα: Tumor necrosis factor alpha; TAS: Total antioxidant status

Effects of Ginger on Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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BACKGROUND

In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is lipid abnormalities. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on serum lipids and lipoproteins in PD patients. ♦

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 PD patients were randomly assigned to either the ginger or the placebo group. The patients in the ginger group received 1,000 mg ginger daily for 10 weeks, while the placebo group received corresponding placebos. At baseline and at the end of week 10, 7 mL of blood were obtained from each patient after a 12- to 14-hour fast, and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] were measured. ♦

RESULTS

Serum triglyceride concentration decreased significantly up to 15% in the ginger group at the end of week 10 compared with baseline (p < 0.01), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in mean changes of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and Lp (a). ♦

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that daily administration of 1,000 mg ginger reduces serum triglyceride concentration, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in PD patients.

Immunopathological and antimicrobial effect of black pepper, ginger and thyme extracts on experimental model of acute hematogenous pyelonephritis in albino rats

Recent studies showed prominent antimicrobial activity of various plant extracts on certain pathogenic microorganisms, therefore we prepared crude aqueous extracts of black pepper, ginger and thyme and carried out an in vitro study by measuring antimicrobial activity of these extracts using the agar well diffusion method. An in vivo study was carried out on 50 adult healthy male albino rats which were divided into 5 groups, 10 rats each. Group 1: negative control group which received saline solution intragastrically daily; Group 2: Positive control group, injected with mixed bacterial suspension of S.aureus and E.coli as a model of pyelonephritis, then received saline solution intragastrically daily; Group 3: injected with the same dose of mixed bacterial suspension, then received 100 mg/kg/day black pepper extract intragastrically; Group 4: injected with mixed bacterial suspension then received 500 mg/kg/day ginger extract intragastrically. Group 5: injected with mixed bacterial suspension then received 500 mg/kg/day thyme extract intragastrically. All groups were sacrificed after either 1 or 4 weeks. Serum and blood samples were collected for lysozyme activity estimation using agarose lysoplate, measurement of nitric oxide production, and lymphocyte transformation test as well as for counting both total and differential leukocytes and erythrocytes. Kidney samples were tested histopathologically. Both in vivo and in vitro results confirm the efficacy of these extracts as natural antimicrobials and suggest the possibility of using them in treatment procedures.

Atheroprotective potentials of curcuminoids against ginger extract in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

The anti-atherogenic potentials of total ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract (TGE) or curcuminoids extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), members of family Zingiberaceae, were compared in hypercholesterolaemia. Rabbits were fed either normal or atherogenic diet. The rabbits on atherogenic diet received treatments with TGE or curcumenoids and placebo concurrently for 6 weeks (n = 6). The anti-atherogenic effects of curcuminoids and ginger are mediated via multiple mechanisms. This effect was correlated with their ability to lower cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. Ginger extract exerted preferential effects on plasma lipids, reverse cholesterol transport, cholesterol synthesis and inflammatory status. Curcuminoids, however, showed superior antioxidant activity.