Modulating effect of ginger extract on rats with ulcerative colitis

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ginger rhizomes are used traditionally for management of different gastrointestinal disturbances. Several Studies proved that the rhizome possesses diverse biological activities such as cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, interest in ginger for treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions has been renewed. Aim of the study: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the potential role of ginger extract [GE] in modulating the extent and severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronically recurrent inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats received 3 different doses of GE, sulfasalazine, or vehicle for 3 consecutive days before induction of UC by intra-rectal acetic acid administration, and continued further for 7 days after the induction. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring, and histological examination. Furthermore, the mucosal content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) with the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were appraised as parameters of the redox state. Acute inflammatory response was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)). Results: All parameters were altered in ulcerated rats, and improved in animals receiving GE, an effect that was comparable to that of the standard sulfasalazine, especially at the highest dose level. Colonic mucosal injury parallels with the histological and biochemical evaluations. Conclusions: Results showed a valuable effect of ginger extract against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis possibly by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.