Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF EXTRACT OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE IN SOCIALLY DEFICIT RATS BY THREECHAMBERED SOCIAL TEST

Sajid Hussain* and Dr. K. K. Maheshwary

Abstract

Present research work was performed to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extract against propionic acid induced social behavior impairment in rats. Neuroprotective potentials of ginger extract were compared with haloperidol. Extraction of ginger was carried out by using soxhlet apparatus. Orally administered propionic acid (PPA) induced sever behavioral abnormalities in experimental animals. Behavioral abnormalities were studied in rats by using three-chambered social test apparatus. Rats of either sex were divided into 8 groups of six animals in each group. Group Iphosphate buffer saline 5ml/kg, Group II- PPA 250mg/kg, Group III- haloperidol 0.3mg/kg, Group IV- ginger extract 100mg/kg, Group V- ginger extract 200mg/kg, Group VI- haloperidol 0.3mg/kg + PPA 250mg/kg, Group VII- ginger extract 100mg/kg + PPA 250mg/kg, Group VIII- ginger extract 200mg/kg + PPA 250mg/kg. All the solutions were freshly prepared daily and animals were pretreated with ginger extract and haloperidol for 15 days by oral route. Pretreated animal was administered propionic acid for three days by oral route and examine for social behavior by using three-chambered social test apparatus. The results were showed that propionic acid treatment decrease the chamber time and sniff time with target rat and cause social behavior impairment due to neurotoxicity in rats. Ginger extract 100mg and ginger extract 100mg + PPA showed significant increased in the chamber time and sniff time. Ginger 200mg and ginger 200mg + PPA treatment also significant increased in chamber time and sniff time. Ginger extract 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg have no significant difference in improvement in propionic acid induced neurotoxicity. Thus, ginger may be included in effective treatment strategy of disorders which is related to social behaviour impairment like autism spectrum disorders.

Keywords: Social behaviour, Autism, Ginger, Haloperidol, Shogoal.