Ginger attenuates inflammation in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

This study assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of ginger extract on colitis by 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in BALB/c mice. The mice were administered either distilled water or three doses of ginger extracts for 21 days. We evaluated the change in clinical and histopathological signs and cytokine and gene expression levels. Contrary to the DSS group, the ginger groups increased body weight and inhibited shortening of the colon. DAI values and colon injury in the ginger groups were lower than that in the DSS group. Ginger groups obviously inhibited the myeloperoxidase activity and cytokine and mRNA concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but not of intestinal barrier proteins zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, E-cadherin, mucin-1, and mucin-2 in colon tissues. Our results suggest the protective effect of ginger against DSS-induced colitis and that ginger could be utilized to prevent and treat irritable bowel disease.