RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINGER ON WISTAR ALBINO RAT FED WITH DRINKING WATER CONTAINING NITRATE

RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINGER ON WISTAR ALBINO RAT FED WITH DRINKING WATER CONTAINING NITRATE
 
ABSTRACT
This work is to check for the renal protective effect of ginger on rats which were given nitrate-treated drinking water. 21 wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Group A which contains 5 rats served as the control group. They were fed with normal feed and normal drinking water. Group B (made up of 6 rats) were fed with feed formulated with 2.4g of ginger and water treated with 400mg/l of NaNo3. Group C (containing 5 rats) were fed with normal feed and water treated with 400mg/l of NaNO3. Group D (containing 5 rats) were fed with feed formulated with 2.4g of ginger and 2% ascorbic acid, and water treated with 400mg/l of NaNo3. Kidney function tests-urea and creatinine, were carried out on the blood samples of all the 4 groups. The results of the analysis were as follows: urea level; for group A (control) = 4.42mmol/l; group B (nitrate + ginger) = 6.03mmol/l, group C (nitrate only) = 5.36mmol/l, group D (nitrate + ascorbic acid = 6.06mmol/l. creatinine level; group A (control) = 96µmol/l, group B = 106.33µmol/l, group C = 105.4µmol/l, group D = 92.2µmol/l. Using creatinine which is strong biomarker for kidney dysfunction, there was no significant difference between the normal control and the treatment groups (p>0.05). So 400mg/l level of nitrate administered to the rats did not have significant adverse effect on them and the 2% ginger helped in the proper functioning of the kidney as shown in their increased final weights.
 
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The contamination of drinking water sources with environmental pollutants poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. One such pollutant is nitrate, a common component of agricultural fertilizers and sewage discharges, which can leach into water supplies, leading to potentially harmful levels in drinking water. Chronic exposure to elevated nitrate levels has been associated with various adverse health effects, particularly renal impairment.
The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining body homeostasis by filtering and excreting waste products and toxins from the bloodstream. However, prolonged exposure to nitrate can