Antioxidant and inflammatory-modulating properties of ginger and bitterleaf teas

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated the effects of ginger and bitterleaf tea infusions on redox and inflammatory balance in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats with weights of between 160 and 180 g were assigned into four (4) groups (n = 6). The control group received distilled water, while the remaining groups were administered tea infusions of ginger, bitterleaf, or a combination of both at 5 mg/mL, respectively. Bitterleaf and ginger teas elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione in rat plasma and liver, while malondialdehyde levels decreased. Furthermore, ginger tea caused an increase in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The GC-MS analysis of the teas identified 77 chemical compounds, among which gingerol and precocene I were predominant. Collectively, the findings indicate, in particular, that ginger tea may boost antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity by increasing Nrf-2 levels.

KEYWORDS:

• Antioxidant & anti-inflammation
• health-promoting
• medicinal biochemistry
• herbs & spices
• non-communicable diseases

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Conceptualization, OSA.; methodology, DER, HDF, VOA; formal analysis, OSA., DER, OA; investigation, HDF, VOA resources, IOE, OLA, OA; writing – original draft preparation, DER, HDF, VOA; writing – review and editing, OSA, DER, IOE, OLA, OA, MAA; supervision, OSA and DER. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Availability of data and material (data transparency)

Available on request

Ethics approval and consent to participate

All animal procedures in this study were carried out in compliance with the institution’s principles and guidelines as stated in the Guidelines for the Use and Care of Laboratory Animals by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Ethical approval number LUAC/2021/002A was obtained from the Research and Ethical Committee, Landmark University.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.