Effects of <i>Zingiber officinale</i> extract on antioxidation and lipid peroxidation in mice after exposure to ⁶⁰Co-γ-ray

Abstract

Zingber officinale extract (ZOE) has been demonstrated to protect mice against radiation-induced sickness and mortality. In this study, we investigated protective ability of ZOE against anti-oxidative damage induced by non-lethal dose of ⁶⁰Coγ-ray. The optimum dose was selected by giving mice 0, 100, 200, 400, 800 or 1600 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) of ZOE (oral gavage) p.o. once daily for five days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased along with an increase in the ZOE dose of up to 800 mg/kg body weight. ZOE at dose of 800 mg/kg B.W. showed the best effect by enhancing anti-oxidative function and reducing lipid peroxidation. The activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased significantly, while MDA content decreased significantly in ZOE (800 mg/kg) + irradiation(IR) group when compared with double distilled water (DDW) + IR group (p<0.05). These results indicate that ZOE at 800 mg/kg body weight could provide protection against anti-oxidative damage in irradiated mice.

Key words: Zingiber officinale extract, 60Co, γ-ray, mice, free radical, superoxide dismutase (SOD), radiation, antioxidants.