Ginger extract alleviates behavioral and cognitive impairments in autism.
Ginger extract alleviated behavioral and cognitive impairments characteristic of autism spectrum disorders in a mouse experiment. This conclusion was reached by researchers who published their work in the journal Food & Function (F&F).
The scientists studied an autism model induced by in utero exposure to valproic acid — one of the most common experimental approaches to studying neurodevelopment. Starting at six weeks of age, the mice were given ginger extract for a month, after which their social behavior, anxiety levels, and memory were assessed. Compared to the control group, the animals showed a greater interest in social interaction, reduced anxiety, and better performance in cognitive tests.
Molecular analysis revealed that the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, associated with neuron development and synapse formation, plays a key role in the effects of ginger. Under the influence of the extract, the activation of this pathway in the hippocampus was enhanced, the number of young neurons increased, and signs of synaptic impairments decreased. At the same time, markers of neuroinflammation, including glial cell activation and the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, were reduced.
The authors emphasize that this is exclusively an animal experiment, and the obtained data do not mean that ginger can be used to treat autism in humans. Nevertheless, the results indicate a potential role of natural compounds in influencing neurobiological mechanisms related to developmental disorders.
