EFFECT OF GINGER OIL ON THERMAL NOCICEPTION AND REDUCED GLUTATHIONE LEVELS IN PACLITAXEL INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER FLIES

Abstract Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a debilitating condition affecting millions of cancer patients worldwide, characterized by damage to peripheral nerves and symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness. Current treatments for PIPN are limited and often ineffective, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects of ginger oil on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in Drosophila melanogaster flies. Ginger oil, extracted from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Using larval thermal nociception assays and biochemical analysis, we assess the effects of ginger oil on thermal nociception and reduced glutathione levels in Drosophila melanogaster flies subjected to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our study aims to provide insights into the potential therapeutic applications of ginger oil for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The findings of this study may contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of natural products in managing PIPN. If ginger oil proves effective, it could offer a safer and more affordable treatment alternative for PIPN, reducing the reliance on current medications with undesirable side effects.