Antiglaucoma Activity of Aqueous Methanolic Zingiber officinale Extract on Carbomer Induced Glaucoma in Rabbits

Abstract

The present study was aimed to explore the anti-glaucoma activity of aqueous methanolic ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) against carbomer induced experimental glaucoma in rabbits. Aqueous methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale was orally administered to carbomer induced glaucomatous rabbits. Pilocarpine 2% eye drop was used as a standard drug. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) levels were determined after oral administration of a dose of Zingiber officinale (200 mg/kg, p.o.) in glaucomatous rabbits. IOP were determined for four weeks after oral administration of aqueous methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale (200 mg/kg, p.o). An aqueous methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale was found to reduce intra ocular pressure in carbomer induced experimental glaucoma in rabbits. Sufficient reduction in IOP was observed from second week of administration of ginger extract. A significant decrease in IOP (p<0.01) was observed in animals treated with standard pilocarpine and aqueous methanolic ginger extract. The effect of extracts of Zingiber officinale on serum pseudocholineterase was also measured. A significant decrease in the level of pseudocholinestrase (p<0.01) was observed in the rabbit serum treated with aqueous methanolic extract of ginger. Ginger is cheap, readily available, has beneficial effect on all the parts of body. Ginger lowers IOP in rabbits so can be used in human in the management of glaucoma. Based on the results obtained we suggest that after the complete phytochemical analysis and the individual pharmacological evaluation of phytoconstituents, ginger may be useful in improving the glaucoma condition.