Haemoprotective Effects of Dry Ginger Powder (Zingiber officinale) on Wistar Rats Fed with Iron Treated Water

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased iron concentration in water and the potential protective efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) against hematological disturbances. A cohort of 24 Wistar rats, aged 6-8 weeks before dosage with an average weight of 100-120g and of both genders, was divided into four groups and treated for four weeks. The experimental rats were grouped into four groups, each comprising six animals.

Group A (-ve control) received 8.75mg of ferrous sulphate containing 2.8mg of Iron in one liter of distilled water.

Group B (+ve control) received 2% of dry ginger powder mixed with basal diet.

Group C received a combination of 2% dry ginger powder in basal diet + 2.8mg iron in one liter of distilled water.

Group D (normal control) received an un-supplemented diet with distilled water.

The study monitored the Heamatology profile (complete blood count), such as the packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin(Hb), white blood cell (WBC) count, mean cell volume (MCV), Red blood cells (RBC), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelets (PLT) in the serum and change in body weight following the administration of various treatment which includes ginger powder, Iron, distilled water and combination therapy of both ginger powder and Iron supplement. All the data collected were subjected to statistical analyses. Results were expressed as mean ±SD. Post-hoc tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the results.

Hence, the administration of dry ginger powder suggests that its polyphenolic compound, specifically 6-gingerol, may enhance iron absorption in humans, mitigate iron deficiency anemia, and provide protection against iron-induced oxidative damage in various tissues. Iron supplementation improves hematological parameters and prevents morbidity and mortality.

The research findings indicate that the chemoprotective effects of ginger and Iron, when administered to Wistar rats, showed no significant alternation in the hematological parameters; thus, ginger administration is not significant if the p-value is> 0.05.