Lowering Effect of Ginger and Selenium on Oxidative Stress in Experimental Rats

The effect of combination of ginger and selenium on oxidative stress in rats was studied. Oxidative stress was induced in rats by single intraperiotoneal injection of potassium bromate (KBrO3) at a dose 125 mg/kg b.wt. Seven groups (n=7) of rats were used in this study. One of them was kept negative control and the others were given KBrO3. One was kept positive control and the others were given orally ginger, selenium and their combination for 8 weeks. Results showed that rats with oxidative stress had significant decreases in weight gain and feed efficiency, blood hemoglobin and packed cell volume; serum GSH, SOD and CAT and liver SOD, GST and GPX. There were also increases in liver AST and ALT, serum uric acid, urea nitrogen, creatinine, MDA and NO concentrations. Administration of ginger powder or extract in combination with selenium increased weight gain, feed efficiency, hemoglobin content and packed cell volume. It reversed the biochemical markers of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and liver and kidney functions to normal levels In conclusion, combination of ginger plant with selenium produces a protective effect in rats with oxidative stress. Therefore, intake of ginger with selenium may be useful for patients who suffer from oxidative stress. [Dalia A. Hafez, Abor M. Abd El Rahman and Safaa M. Faid Lowering Effect of Ginger and Selenium on Oxidative Stress in Experimental RatsLife Sci J 2012;9(4):4490-4495]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 675