Ameliorative effect of ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe)‎ on thyroid gland activity in rats

Abstract EN

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Ginger administration and thyroid gland function.

Ginger was orally administered daily to male albino rats at a dose level of either 50 or 100 mg/kg for one month.

Blood samples and thyroid glands were collected after 15 and 30 days and also 10 days after stopping Ginger administration for hormonal analysis and histopathological examination.

It was found that T3 elevated significantly 15 days after administration regardless of the dose.

Moreover, this elevation became non-significant after 30 days.

Interestingly, this change in T3 is reversible and returned to normal level after stopping Ginger administration.

Regarding to T4, both doses of Ginger elevated T4 after 15 and 30 days.

Likewise, T4 decreased and returned to normal level after stopping Ginger administration.

Both dose level, 50 and 100 mg/kg of Ginger elevated TSH after 15 and 30 days, but this elevation after 100 mg/kg was less potent.

During the recovery period, almost no change in TSH level was observed.

The effect of Ginger for a long period has a deleterious effect on thyroid follicles which appear dilated and empty from colloidal materials.