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Published on: December 26, 2013
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A ginger extract improves ocular blood flow in rats with endothelin-induced retinal blood flow dysfunction
Nana Takahashi1, Kota Sato1,2, Naoki Kiyota1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1, Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|December 20, 2023
Summary
Ginger extract improved optic nerve head blood flow (ONH BF) in rats, even under endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced ischemia. This natural supplement shows promise for treating retinal ischemic diseases like glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Optic nerve head blood flow (ONH BF) is crucial for retinal health.
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in conditions causing ONH BF impairment.
- Glaucoma and other retinal ischemic diseases are associated with reduced ONH BF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a ginger extract on ONH BF.
- To assess ginger extract's efficacy under ET-1 induced ischemia.
- To evaluate a novel supplement for improving ONH BF.
Main Methods:
- Laser speckle flowgraphy was used to measure ONH BF in brown Norway rats.
- ET-1 was administered intravitreally to induce ONH BF impairment.
- Ginger extract was administered sublingually to assess its effects.
Main Results:
- ET-1 injection caused a dose-dependent decline in ONH BF, significant at 2.50 pmol.
- Intraocular pressure and systemic factors remained unchanged post-ET-1 injection.
- Ginger extract significantly improved ONH BF in both normal and ET-1-stimulated rats.
Conclusions:
- Ginger extract demonstrates a protective effect on ONH BF.
- The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for ginger extract in retinal ischemic diseases.
- This study supports the development of ginger-based supplements for glaucoma and related conditions.
