Effect of Ginger and Propranolol on Experimentally Induced Portal Hypertension in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: The incidence and prevalence of portal hypertension in Egypt is very high. Propranolol is one of the most commonly used drugs for lowering portal pressure and preventing variceal bleeding. Ginger was reported to have anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ginger and its co-administration with propranolol in prehepatic portal hypertension in male albino rats. Design: One hundred fifty six adult male albino rats weighting 140-220 gm were divided into 7 groups. Group1 (Sham group), the remaining groups were subjected to partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). Group2 (control group): received orally distilled water. Group 3 (propranolol 75mg/Kg/ day). Group 4 (ginger 90mg/Kg/ day). Group 5 (ginger 180mg/Kg/ day). Group 6 ginger (90mg/kg/day) plus propranolol (75mg/kg/day). Group 7 ginger (180mg/kg/day) plus propranolol (75mg/kg/day). Propranolol was given orally one day before portal vein ligation (PVL) while ginger powder was given orally 30 days before PVL. These medications were given maximally for 90days after PVL. The following parameters were measured in all previous groups after PVL either at 14, 45 or 90 days: mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate, portal pressure, then rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to assess liver function tests and hepatic and gastro-intestinal tissues were obtained for histopathological examination. Results: Group (2) showed significant increase in portal pressure, heart rate, liver functions as well as pathological changes in liver, esophagus, stomach and intestine while MABP was reduced. The other groups from the 3 rd group to the 7 th group showed significant reduction in portal pressure and in the mean values of the pathological changes.Conclusion: Ginger especially in a dose of 90mg/kg/day has a protective effect against portal hypertension induced in adult male albino rats. In addition, co-administration with propranolol enhances its protective effect especially hepatic and gastro-intestinal lesions however ginger at a dose of 180mg/kg/day carries risk of drug-herb interaction.Recommendations: Further clinical studies on ginger extracts are needed to evaluate the effect of ginger on portal hypertension.