Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism
Open Access

Abstract

Background/Aim: Alzheimer?s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an increased oxidative stress. Ginger is a medicinal plant with antioxidant activities. The present study aim to investigate the effect of Ginger in Alzheimer?s disease induced in rats. Materials and Methods: 90 Male rats were classified into 9 groups 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 daily for 12 successive 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. Results: This study indicated that AD-induced rats exhibited reduction in the activity, decreased ability to maintain balance on the Rotaroad and significant delay in T-Maze test, significant 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 in brains. Conclusion: This study revealed that the treatment of AD-induced rats with Rivastagmine, and Ginger significantly ameliorates the neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer?s diseases in rats.

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