Dietary supplementation with Powdered Ginger root ameliorates Lead Carbonate-induced Ovarian Injuries in Adult Wistar Rats

 Hassan Luqman Adepoju¹, Folorunso Kolade Pelumi¹, Kehinde Emmanuel Adetoro², Afolabi Olayemi³, Olawale Aishat Abidemi¹, Lawal Muhsinat Bisola¹

1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

3. Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Lead contamination has remained a persistent global health issue; with lead being known to disrupt biological systems such as the reproductive system by inducing oxidative stress and ovarian damage. Plants containing antioxidant molecules such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) are promising remedies due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the protective effects of powdered ginger root against lead-induced ovarian toxicity in female Wistar rats. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups of six (6) rats each: Animals in Group A served as the healthy control and received standard diet plus distilled water, animals in Group B (lead control) received standard diet and lead carbonate (30 mg/kg) via gavage. Groups C and D received lead carbonate (30 mg/kg) and 1% and 5% ginger supplemented diets respectively. The experiment lasted 28 days, after which the animals were euthanised, and blood and ovarian tissue samples were collected. Biochemical assays were conducted to evaluate oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Tumor NecrosisFactor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Histological analysis of ovarian tissues was performed to assess morphological changes. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Lead exposure significantly increased MDA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while reducing TAC compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Rats whose diet were supplemented with ginger had a dose-dependent reduction in MDA and inflammatory cytokines; alongside an increase in TAC. Histological examination of the ovaries of Lead-Carbonate treated rats revealeddegenerative changes, including follicular atresia and stromal damage, which were mitigated in ginger-treated groups, particularly at the 5% supplementation level. Ginger supplementation protected against lead-induced ovarian toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, while preserving ovarian morphology. These findings suggest that ginger may serve as a naturaltherapeutic agent for mitigating heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective properties.

KEYWORDS: Gonadotoxicity, Food supplements, Plumbum, Environmental Toxicants, Oxidative stress