Effects of Ginger ( <i>Zingiber officinale</i> ) and Locust Bean ( <i>Parkia biglobosa</i> ) Supplementation on Hepatic Caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 Expression in Wistar Rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) and locust bean ( Parkia biglobosa ) dietary supplementation on liver function indices and the expression of apoptosis and inflammation. Sixty‐four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups and fed diets supplemented with graded amounts of ginger and locust beans for 8 weeks. Hepatic function parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers (GGT, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) were comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore, hepatic gene expression analysis was performed to assess caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2. The results showed that diets supplemented with graded levels of ginger and locust beans significantly improved liver enzyme activities and modulated albumin and bilirubin levels. In addition, the supplemented diets decreased lipid peroxidation, reduced caspase‐3 expression, and increased Bcl‐2 expression. These findings suggest that ginger and locust beans possess significant hepatoprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties.