Abstract

The possible protective effect of Ginger on Alzheimer’s disease induced in rats was investigated. Ninety rats were used as follows: control group, AD protective group using AlCl₃, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups rats were received orally Rivastigmine, Ginger (108 and 216 mg/kg/day) respectively, for two weeks followed by combination of each treatment for another 4 weeks. 6th group is a therapeutic AD group, while 7th, 8th & 9th groups are AD rats treated with the same doses of Rivastigmine and Ginger for 12 weeks. At baseline and after each treatment, behavioral stress tests, Rotarod and T-Maze tests were done. At the end of all experiments rats' brains were dissected and prepared for determination of acetylcholine (Ach), acetycholinesterase (AchE) levels and histopathologic examination. This study indicated that AD-induced rats exhibited reduction in behavior, Rotarod and T-Maze tests, reduction in brain Ach and increase AchE levels. While rats treated with Rivastigmine and Ginger in protective and therapeutic groups exhibited significant improvement in behavior, Rotarod and T-Maze, significant increase in brain Ach and decrease AchE levels. These results were consistent with the histopathological findings and revealed Rivastagmine, and Ginger ameliorates neurodegeneration characters of Alzheimer’s diseases in rats.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Aluminum chloride; Ginger; Therapeutic; Protective; Rats