EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Zingiber officinale RHIZOMES ON CCl4 –INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the essential dietary products that have been used for the treatment of numerous ailments such as hypertension, migraines, arthritis, nausea and colds. Recently, interest has increased in ginger and its active components as therapeutic agents. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect aqueous extract of Ginger on CCl4 induced oxidative stress in albino rats. The Proximate, antinutrient, and Phytochemical contents of ginger extract were analyzed using standard AOAC methods while mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress markers were also analyzed using colorimetric assay kit. The serum levels of oxidative stress markers were compared between the normal and test groups. Experimental rats were divided into five groups: Normal control group, negative control (CCl4) group, standard drug (Vitamin C) group, ginger low and high dose group. At the end of the experiment, significant increase in malondialdehyde level and decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and glutathione Peroxidase activities were recorded in CCl4-exposed rats as compared to normal control group. In the ginger supplemented groups, the level of MDA along with the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx were comparable with the normal control rats (p>0.05). Thus, it appears that ginger extract ameliorate the effect of CCl4; suggesting that consumption of natural compounds with an antioxidant profile may be a preventive alternative to those diseases associated with oxidative stress.

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