Antioxidant and Physiological Responses to Ginger and Turmeric in Cadmium Treated Female Rats: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Weight Modulation

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the protective effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale)—individually and in combination—on cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced oxidative stress and body weight alterations in female Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty female albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 6): control, cadmium-only (5 mg/kg, i.p.), cadmium + turmeric (200 mg/kg), cadmium + ginger (200 mg/kg), and cadmium + turmeric + ginger (200 mg/kg each). Treatments with the aqueous extract were orally administered for 15 consecutive days. Body weight changes were recorded. Serum antioxidant parameters—including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA)—were assayed using standard spectrophotometric methods. Results: Cadmium administration significantly reduced body weight and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) while increasing MDA levels (p< 0.05), indicating oxidative stress. Co-treatment with turmeric and ginger, especially in combination, restored antioxidant enzyme activity and lowered MDA levels toward control values. Turmeric alone preserved body weight, while ginger-treated rats showed moderate weight loss. GPx activity exhibited a non-significant upward trend in treatment groups. Conclusion: Turmeric and ginger mitigate cadmium-induced oxidative damage and weight loss through their antioxidant properties. The combination therapy demonstrated synergistic efficacy, suggesting potential for natural product-based interventions in cadmium toxicity and oxidative stress-related disorders. Further studies are recommended to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize dosage strategies.