INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF 6-GINGEROL ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATION IN RATS MODEL OF CADMIUM-INDUCED SPLENOTOXICITY
MADUAKO I. C.1 AND OSAWE S. O.
ABSTRACT
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and a significant environmental contaminant that causes splenotoxicity through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation. 6 Gingerol (6GR), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 6GR against Cd-induced spleen injury in rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10 per group): Control, negative control (corn oil), 6GR 100, Cd, 6GR 50 + Cd, and 6GR 100 + Cd. Cadmium and/or 6GR were administered orally for 7 consecutive days. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA) and pro-inflammatory indices (NO and MPO) were measured in spleen tissue homogenates. Cadmium exposure significantly decreased splenic antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH, and CAT) and increased MDA, NO levels, and MPO activity. 6GR co-administration dose-dependently ameliorated these pathological alterations, restoring oxidative balance and suppressing inflammation.