This study was aimed at evaluating the histological; biochemical and neurobehavioral effects of ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male wistar rats. Twenty five male rats were used in this study. Streptozotocin was used to induce Diabetes mellitus with a single IP injection of 55 mg/kgbw. Sustained hyperglycaemia of 200 mg/dl and above was considered diabetic. The animals were further divided into the following groups: Group A; Normal Control, Group B; Diabetic Control; Group C; (Diabetic+Z. officinale (200 mg/kgbw) for 14 days), Group D; (Diabetic+Z. officinale (200 mg/kgbw) for 21 days) and Group E; (Diabetic+Metformin (500 mg/kgbw)) orally for 21 days. The behavioral study was done as grouped using the elevated plus maze (EPM) Model. After the last day of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected were assayed spectrophotometrically for serum concentration of liver enzymes, intracellular antioxidants Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The brain (hippocampus) and Pancreas were harvested fixed and processed histologically. The result showed significant increased antioxidants and reduced Malondialdehyde in Z. officinale treated groups (C, D) compared with diabetic control and metformin treated groups (B&E). Z. officinale treated groups (C&D) showed repair of neuronal cells injury caused by neuropathy. There was significant behavioural and cognitive improvement in Z. officinale treated group (Day 21) when compared with values obtained for the Diabetic control group. The islets of Langerhans in the Pancreas showed considerable improvement in β cell mass in the ginger treated groups when compared with Diabetic control group.
