Histomorphometric Assessment of Uterine Endometrial Changes in Female Wistar Rats Administered an Aqueous Ginger Extract

Ginger is one of the most widely consumed spices and herbal remedies in Nigeria, used medicinally for nausea, dysmenorrhoea, and as a general health tonic. Its bioactive constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormonal modulatory effects in vitro, raising questions about their influence on uterine endometrial morphology. This study aims to evaluate histomorphometric changes in the uterine endometrium of female Wistar rats administered an aqueous ginger extract at low, medium, and high doses during the oestrous cycle. Thirty-six adult female Wistar rats with confirmed regular oestrous cycles will be assigned to four groups. Uterine sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff will be examined for endometrial thickness, glandular density, glandular epithelial height, and stromal cell density. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining will assess glandular proliferation rates across groups. Serum oestradiol and progesterone levels will be correlated with histological changes. The study anticipates determining whether commonly consumed doses of ginger extract produce measurable endometrial structural alterations, contributing evidence relevant to counselling women using ginger as a medicinal remedy during the reproductive years.

Keywords: ginger extract, endometrial histomorphometry, uterus, oestrous cycle, phytotherapy