Antioxidant activity of the volatile oils of Zingiber officinale (ginger)

Abstract

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) extract on diminish hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis and it had antioxidant activity. METHODS: Lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in the homogenate aorta and in serum of hypercholesterolemic animals were estimated. The development of atherosclerosis in aortic tissues and anti-oxidant effect of ginger extract by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay were evaluated in albino mice. RESULTS: The present results revealed a significant reduction in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and both levels of VLDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in serum and tissue of aorta with high levels dose of ginger extract (P < 0.01). Moreover, the antioxidant effect of ginger extract was studied by measuring its radical scavenging activity (RSA), using rapid 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed strong antioxidative activity with high levels dose of ginger extract (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The ginger extract has reduced in serum LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids levels, as well as cellular cholesterol accumulation , reduce DPPH absorption , scavenge free radicals and it has potential to improve the histopathological lesion occurring in different layers of the arterial tissue. In the other word it is effective in attenuating of atherosclerosis development.