Ginger mitigates acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in rats

Acrylamide (ACR), a toxic compound commonly found in heat-processed foods, poses a serious risk to liver health due to its oxidative and inflammatory effects.

To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ginger extract in mitigating ACR-induced liver toxicity in a rat model.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into control, ACR-treated, and ACR + ginger-treated groups. Liver function enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and histopathological assessments were performed. In addition, gene expression analyses of key antioxidant and inflammatory markers were conducted using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

ACR administration significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA, while reducing levels of GSH, CAT, and SOD. Histological analysis revealed hepatic degeneration and inflammation. Co-administration of ginger extract significantly reversed these effects, restoring antioxidant enzyme levels, reducing oxidative stress, and improving liver histoarchitecture.

Ginger extract exhibited strong hepatoprotective effects against ACR-induced toxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings support the potential role of ginger as a natural dietary intervention for mitigating liver damage caused by environmental toxins. Further clinical studies are recommended to confirm its efficacy in human populations.