Ginger Extract Attenuates Ethanol - Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Small Intestine

Chronic alcohol consumption can exert deleterious effects on the structures and functions of all parts of the Gastro intestinal tract (GIT). This study evaluates the protective effect of ethanol extract of ginger on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the small intestine of rats. Oxidative stress in the intestine tissue was evaluated by estimation of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidation (Se-GSH-Px). In the present study GST activity was significantly (p<0.001) increased whereas GR, Se-GSH-Px, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in the intestine of rats treated with ethanol alone (6g/kg). Ethanol extract of ginger (200mg/kg) administration exerts a significant (p<0.001) increase in GR, Se-GSH-Px, SOD and CAT activities, a marked reduction in the GST. However, ginger administration ameliorated the effects of ethanol, suggesting that ginger is a potential antioxidant against ethanol-induced oxidative stress.