PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) AND CLOVE (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM) AGAINST INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY BY DIMETHOATE IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Abstract

Usage of pesticides is world wide spread have harmful effect on human health via environmental or occupational exposure, that pollute water, soil and food. This experimental study aims to investigate possible antioxidant and protective activities of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) aqueous extracts against induced injury of liver hepatocytes using the organophosphate Dimethoate (DM) in rabbits. Thirty adult male rabbits from local market were divided into five groups (6 animals in each). (1) control rabbits, (2) rabbits were given DM (20 mg/kg B. w daily dose 1/20 of half the lethal dose), (3) rabbits were given ginger extract (400 mg/kg B.W) daily dose and then DM, (4) rabbits were given clove extract (100 mg/kg B.W) daily dose and then DM, (5) rabbits were given ginger with clove extracts and then DM as previous dose for 30 days. At the end of the experiment animals were anesthetized and then sacrificed. The blood sample was collected for biochemical analysis. Dimethoate resulted in significant increase in the activity of aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared with control. Significantly increased level of both total and direct bilirubin were observed. However, the total protein and albumin were decreased. The ginger and clove extracts either separately or combined in groups 3,4 and 5 showed significantly improvement and decrease activity of liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP. On the other hand, decreased in total bilirubin compared with DM group were recorded. While increased the serum levels of total protein and albumin were observed. It could be included that ginger and clove extracts were effective in protecting against induced hepatotoxicity by treating liver functions. Therefore, we recommend these two plants by moderate amounts to be added in the daily meals and drinks.