IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO STUDY OF TURMERIC-GINGER SYNERGY IN DIABETIC OXIDATIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT

Prince Ogochukwu Alaebo; Anthony Cemaluk Chinedum Egbuonu; Precious Uchechi Okpara; Juliet Chinonso Njoku; Chimaobi Anthony Nwede; Chidera Nnamdi Abalihe; Thankgod Chidumije Ugboaja; Livinus Chinonso Chukwu; Enyinna Wisdom Chukwuka; John Chiemelie Uchegbusi; Kenneth Ifechukwu Ataka

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v10i4.1389

Prince Ogochukwu Alaebo Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Anthony Cemaluk Chinedum Egbuonu Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Precious Uchechi Okpara Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Juliet Chinonso Njoku Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chimaobi Anthony Nwede Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chidera Nnamdi Abalihe Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Thankgod Chidumije Ugboaja Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Livinus Chinonso Chukwu Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Enyinna Wisdom Chukwuka Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
John Chiemelie Uchegbusi Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Kenneth Ifechukwu Ataka Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v10i4.1389

Keywords:

Antioxidant, curcumin, diabetes mellitus, gingerol, oxidative stress, synergistic effect

Abstract

Background and aim: Oxidative stress is a major factor in both the progression and the adverse effects of diabetes mellitus. Natural Bioactive substances like curcumin (derived from turmeric) and gingerol (from ginger) possess antioxidant properties that may offer therapeutic benefits by enhancing the body's defense mechanisms against oxidative damage.

This study investigates the synergistic antioxidant effects of co-administered curcumin and gingerol in managing oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus.

Method: Oxidative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and glutathione were evaluated in experimental rat groups treated with varying doses of curcumin and gingerol. Additionally, in vitro antioxidant activities of turmeric and ginger extracts were assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays.

Results: The combination of 400 mg/kg curcumin and gingerol significantly increased SOD (24.49±6.85 IU/g protein) and catalase (19.02±1.76 kU/g protein) activities (p<0.05) compared to other groups. Glutathione levels also rose notably (5.31±1.26 µg/L), indicating enhanced endogenous antioxidant capacity. Although MDA levels (75.05±24.76 nmol/g protein) were higher than in lower dose groups, they remained lower than in the 200 mg/kg group (135.35±8.51 nmol/g protein), suggesting a dose dependent response. In vitro assays confirmed strong radical scavenging and reducing activities, with turmeric slightly outperforming in FRAP, while ginger matched in DPPH scavenging.

Conclusion: Co-administration of curcumin and gingerol enhances antioxidant defenses more effectively than individual treatments or metformin. This synergy presents a potential adjunct therapy for mitigating oxidative damage in diabetes and merits further clinical investigation.

Peer Review History:

Received 7 June 2025; Reviewed 11 July 2025; Accepted 18 August; Available online 15 September 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com