Effects of Zingiber officinale Aqueous Leaf Extract on Vincristine-Induced Kidney Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Background: Vincristine, although used as a chemotherapy drug, has been reported to induce nephrotoxicity, while Zingiber officinale, a medicinal plant, possesses antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antitumorigenic properties. Aim and Objectives: In this study, we examined the effects of Z. officinale against vincristine-induced kidney damage by analyzing renal function, enzymatic antioxidants, and renal tissue. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult Wistar rats, weighing between 140 g and 185 g, were assigned into six groups of five animals each. Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F received 1 ml of distilled water, 200 mg/kg of Z. officinale aqueous extract, 1000 mg/kg of Z. officinale aqueous extract, 50 μg/kg of vincristine only, 200 mg/kg of Z. officinale aqueous extract and 50 μg/kg of vincristine, and 1000 mg/kg of Z. officinale aqueous extract and 50 μg/kg of vincristine, respectively. Administration of vincristine was by a 10-day intraperitoneal injection, while that of Z. officinale was by gavage, for a period of 28 days. Food and water were provided across all groups, ad libitum. Results: Vincristine significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of creatinine, urea, chloride, and malondialdehyde while having a reducing effect on the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The histology revealed that vincristine caused a distortion of the renal architecture. Conclusion: The administration of Z. officinale mitigated the aforementioned debilitating effects of vincristine.