Abstract
PURPOSE:
To determine the
therapeutic effect of Ginger (Zingiber
officinale) on increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
METHODS:
Twenty male and
female New Zealand rabbits divided into 5 groups (A,
B, C, D and E) were used. Groups B and D were
administered with topical atropine 1% for 2 weeks while
groups A and C were not so treated and group E was used
as control. After increased IOP was achieved in groups
B and D, oral ginger (1.00 ml) obtained by hot (100
oC) extraction was administered to each rabbit in
groups A and B while 1.0 ml of cold (37 oC)
extracts of ginger was administered to groups C and D
all twice daily.
RESULTS:
There was
significant decrease in mean IOP (within the range of
3.0 ± 1.0 mmHg daily which finally stabilized at 7.00 ±
1.0 mmHg) in all groups treated with both hot and cold
extracts of ginger.
CONCLUSION:
Ginger lowers IOP
in rabbits’ eyes and may be a useful agent in reducing
IOP in humans as it is cheap, commonly available,
relatively free from adverse effects and beneficial to
all the major tissues of the body.
Keywords:
Intraocular
pressure, Ginger, Zingiber officinale, Topical
application
