Hematologic Utility of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Anticoagulated Blood

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the hematologic utility of Zingiber officinale (ginger) aqueous extract as a potential anticoagulant by comparing its effects with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on normal blood samples. Utilizing an experimental design, blood samples from a qualified volunteer were divided and treated with 75% aqueous ginger extract and EDTA. The samples were then analyzed for key hematologic parameters, including hematocrit, hemoglobin, red and white blood cell counts, platelet count, and cellular morphology. Laboratory analyses involved standardized manual techniques, peripheral smear evaluations, and scoring by registered medical technologists. Statistical comparisons were made using paired sample t-tests at a 0.01 level of significance. The findings revealed that samples treated with ginger extract exhibited significantly lower values in hematologic parameters— such as RBC and WBC counts, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet viability compared to EDTA. However, differential white blood cell counts and most cellular morphology parameters showed no significant differences, suggesting ginger's moderate ability to preserve cell structure. Despite its inferior performance in certain metrics, ginger extract demonstrated promising anticoagulant effects and preserved morphological integrity to a considerable extent. The results support ginger's potential as a sustainable, plant-based anticoagulant, particularly in resource-limited or environmentally conscious settings. Further studies and clinical validation are recommended to explore its full applicability in medical laboratory practice.