Zahia Birem; Nacira Amara; Souad Touati; Naima Omari & El-Hadj Ahmed Koceir

Summary

Palm oil, rich in fatty acids, is extensively used in the food industry. Excessive intake of high-fat diets (HFD) can lead to ectopic lipid accumulation, adversely affecting tissue structure and function, particularly in the liver and thyroid. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) possesses various biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects. This study aimed to investigate whether ginger powder exerts protective effects against lipid and hormonal disturbances induced by a HFD and its impact on cellular architecture of the thyroid and liver in male rabbits. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified, and phenolic compounds were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hormonal levels were measured using appropriate assays. Histological examinations of the thyroid and liver tissues were performed, with immunohistochemistry applied specifically to thyroid tissue to assess cellular changes. Ginger supplementation demonstrated protective effects by improving lipid and hormonal profiles and restoring cellular architecture in both tissues. Histologically, cells exhibited reduced cytoplasmic vacuolation, and there was a re-establishment of blood capillaries, along with the disappearance of hemorrhages. The high vitamin C content in ginger likely contributed to its antioxidant activity, protecting tissues from oxidative stress. The phenolic compounds, including rutin, kaempferol, and caffeic acid, appeared to mediate these effects by decreasing fibrosis and inflammation. These findings suggest that ginger has significant protective effects against HFD-induced tissue alterations, primarily through its antioxidant properties and phenolic constituents. The results provide insights into the mechanisms by which phenolic compounds mitigate fibrosis and inflammation. Future research should explore the therapeutic potential of specific compounds such as rutin, kaempferol, vitamin C, and caffeic acid for protecting thyroid and liver tissues under metabolic stress conditions.

KEY WORDS : Zingiber officinale / phenolic compounds; Thyroid function ; Liver function; Lipid metabolism; Free thyroxine-cortisol.

How to cite this article

BIREM, Z.; AMARA, N.; TOUATI, S.; OMARI, N. & KOCEIR, E-H. A. Beneficial effects of Zingiber officinale rhizome powder on thyroid and liver of male rabbit fed a high fat diet. Int. J. Morphol., 44(2):480-492, 2026.