CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
The liver is a metabolic organ involved in the regulation of internal chemical environment. its metabolic functions, such as detoxification, predisposes it to a number of toxicants. Therefore damage to the liver inflicted by a hepatotoxic agent is of critical consequence. However, conventional or synthetic drugs (eg Silimarin) used in the treatment of liver diseases are sometimes inadequate and can have adverse effect (Guntupalli et al., 2006). This has necessitated a global search for herbal alternatives with minimal or no side effect (Venkateswaran et al., 1997; Dhuley & Naik, 1997; Mitra et al., 2000).
Researchers have developed systematic methodology to evaluate the scientific basis for the use of herbal alternatives for protecting the liver against hepatotoxic agent. CCL4 is a known drug for induction of liver damage and its effect is comparable to that of acute viral hepatitis (Rubinstein, 1962). Therefore CCL4 mediated hepatotoxicity was employed as the experimental model for liver injury.
Herbal medicines are also in great demand in the developed world for primary health care because of their efficacy, safety and lesser side effects. India despite its rich traditional knowledge, heritage of herbal medicines and large biodiversity has a dismal share of the world market due to export of crude extracts and drugs (Wang &Wang, 2005).
Ginger (Zingiberofficinale, Roscoe Zingiberaceae) is one of the most widely consumed spices worldwide. From its origin in Southeast Asia and its spread to Europe, it has a long history of use as herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments including vomiting, pain, indigestion, and cold-induced syndromes (White, 2007; Wang &Wang, 2005). More recently, it was reported that ginger also possessed anti-cancer, anticlotting, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities (Chrubasik et al., 2005; Ali et al., 2008).
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been known and valued for centuries. The original discovery of ginger’s inhibitory effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis in the early 1970s has been repeatedly confirmed. This discovery identified ginger as an herbal medicinal product that shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ginger is a strong anti-oxidant substance and may either mitigate or prevent generation of free radicals. It is considered a safe herbal medicine with only few and insignificant adverse/side effects.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This study is designed to investigate the effect of Zingiber officinale on;
- the histology of CCl4 damaged liver.
- serum lipid, antioxidant and liver function markers and
- to compare the effect with a known hepatoprotective drugs, Silimarin.
Limitations of study
This study is limited to histology of the liver and some biochemical parameters such as serum lipids, antioxidant and liver function markers.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
The metabolic functions of the liver, such as detoxification, predispose it to a number of toxicants. Therefore damage to the liver inflicted by a hepatotoxic agent is of critical consequence. However, conventional or synthetic drugs (eg Silimarin) used in the treatment of liver diseases are sometimes inadequate and can have adverse effect (Guntupalli et al., 2006). This has necessitated a global search for alternatives for herbal alternatives with minimal or no side effect (Venkateswaran et al., 1997; Dhuley & Naik, 1997; Mitra et al., 2000).
