Modulatory Effect of Aqueous Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract on Gentamicin Sulfate Induced Oxidative Stress and Nephrotoxicity in Female Albino Rats

Acute renal failure is a common complication of gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used against gram-negative infections, often mediated by oxidative stress. This study investigates the potential protective effects of aqueous ginger extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in female albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control (distilled water and feed), ginger extract (2.14 ml/kg), gentamicin (100 mg/kg), and combined ginger extract with gentamicin. The combination of ginger extract with gentamicin has garnered attention in recent research due to its potential protective effects against the nephrotoxic side effects of gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Biochemical assays measured blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, white blood cell count, and packed cell volume. Kidney homogenates were analyzed for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological evaluations of kidney tissues were also performed. Gentamicin administration significantly increased BUN and creatinine levels, decreased GSH levels, and increased MDA levels, indicating severe nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. Ginger extract administration did not alleviate gentamicin-induced renal damage or oxidative stress, despite reducing serum cholesterol levels. The study also observed a reduction in CAT activity with ginger extract administration. Histopathological analysis revealed clear nephritis in the gentamicin-treated groups, particularly exacerbated in the group receiving both gentamicin and ginger extract. These outcomes suggest that while aqueous ginger extract did not mitigate gentamicin-induced renal injury in this study, its cholesterol-lowering effects highlight potential benefits in managing atherosclerosis. Further research is necessary to explore under varying conditions which ginger extract may discuss renal protection.