The Histological Effect of Aqueous Ginger Extract on Kidneys and Lungs of Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a disorder affecting various-aged humans and which can with time cause serious problems for the patient. Medicinal plants are known for their hypoglycemic effects; and among which is ginger (Zingiber officinale) known also for its culinary uses. This study, therefore, was undertaken to evaluate the histological effect of 21-day treatment of aqueous ginger extract used at 500 mg / kg BW on female diabetic rats. Fifteen female albino rats were divided into three groups; Group I: control, Group II: non-treated diabetic, and Group III: ginger extract-treated diabetic rats. The ginger extract-treated diabetic group received the daily dose orally for three weeks. Results show that organ weight was not significantly changed. Light microscopic examination of 5µm sections of extract-treated Kidney and Lung of the diabetic rats revealed approximately normal histological structure compared with the untreated ones. The normal appearance of glomeruli and alveoli as well as the normal alveolar wall assumed the ameliorative effect ginger aqueous extract could have on kidney and lung of diabetic rats. These results indicated that this dose of ginger extract may be effective in the treatment of diabetic rats.