Hypoglycemic effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in alloxan induced diabetic rats (Rattus norvagicus).

A study was conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) aqueous extract at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight (BW) once a day for six weeks. The rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (65mg/kg BW once) which induced diabetes in albino rats after 8 days. Albino rats (n=24) each weighing 150-180g were divided in 3 equal groups. Group A served as control, group B was diabetic and was not given ginger whereas group C rats were diabetic and given ginger extract (500mg/kg BW). Serum of each rat was analyzed by enzymatic kits to estimate serum glucose on 1st day (after making them diabetic), 21st and 42nd day. Blood glucose level remained unaltered in group A and B over time. However, group C, given ginger extract, showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum glucose level after day 21 and 42 post treatment. It may be concluded that ginger extract has hypoglycemic effect on diabetic rats.