The protective effect of Zingiber officinale L. extract on kidney tissues and blood factors of kidney functions after the damage caused by Azathioprine

The most commonly prescribed medication for autoimmune disorders is Azathioprine (AZA), which negatively affects renal function and tissue structure. The aim of this work was to measure the therapeutic impact of Zingiber officinale L. extract (ZOE) on improving the function and structure of AZA-induced renal damaged tissue. Methods: 70 rats with a weight range of 200±10 g and an age of 95±5 days were chosen for this experimental study. The animals were grouped into seven groups of ten, with two groups receiving no treatment (control groups) and five groups receiving ZOE, AZA, “AZA + ZOE”, and normal saline. AZA was given intraperitoneally, and ZOE was given by gavage (i.e., nasogastric tube) for 21 days. Finally, urea, uric acid, creatinine parameters, and the diameter of some key or important parts of the kidney were measured in different animal groups. Results: it was found that the use of AZA (50 mg/kg) increased serum urea and creatinine concentrations, blood uric acid in comparison to the group of control (P<0.05). Whereas injecting ZOE (200 mg/kg) induces a considerable decrease in the concentration of the compounds mentioned above as compared to control animals and animals given AZA (P<0.05). Furthermore, the findings revealed that AZA caused inflammation and kidney tissue destruction, while ZOE improved, restored, and recovered the affected kidney tissue. Conclusion: according to the research findings, it can be decided that ZOE has a protective and therapeutic impact on kidney tissue owing to its strong antioxidant attributes and its ability to inhibit free radicals produced by azathioprine