Ginger supplementation alleviates autistic behaviors by modulating AKT/GSK3β signaling in mice exposed to prenatal valproic acid

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on autistic behaviors in a prenatal valproic acid-induced mouse model by targeting AKT/GSK3β signaling.
• Used a mouse model exposed to prenatal valproic acid (VPA) to mimic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms.
• Administered ginger extract (GE) to assess its effects on behavior and signaling pathways.
• Conducted network pharmacology analyses and molecular docking to explore the interactions at a molecular level.
• Ginger supplementation improved autistic behaviors in the VPA-exposed mice.
• Modulation of AKT/GSK3β signaling pathways was observed following ginger treatment.
• Findings underscore the role of ginger in potentially mitigating symptoms of autism.