Ecstasy-induced caspase expression alters following ginger treatment

Exposure to 3-4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) leads to cell
death. Herein, we studied the protective effects of ginger on MDMA- induced apoptosis.
Methods: 15 Sprague dawley male rats were administrated with 0, 10 mg/kg MDMA, or
MDMA along with 100mg/kg ginger, IP for 7 days. Brains were removed to study the caspase
3, 8, and 9 expressions in the hippocampus by RT-PCR. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16
software using the one-way ANOVA test.
Results: MDMA treatment resulted in a significant increase in caspase 3, 8, and 9 as compared
to the sham group (p<0.001). Ginger administration however, appeared to significantly
decrease the same (p<0.001).
Discussion: Our findings suggest that ginger consumption may lead to the improvement of
MDMA-induced neurotoxicity