Phytochemical Therapeutics and Health Applications of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is enriched in bioactive phytochemicals—chiefly gingerols, shogaols, paradols and related terpenoids—that confer a spectrum of health benefits. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating key signalling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, scavenge reactive oxygen species to alleviate oxidative stress and display immunomodulatory activities through cytokine regulation. Metabolic actions include activation of AMPK, which enhances glucose uptake and lipid metabolism, and protection against insulin resistance. In oncology, ginger constituents induce apoptotic and autophagic cell death, inhibit proliferation and angiogenesis, and sensitise tumour cells to chemotherapy. Clinically, ginger preparations are employed to relieve nausea, support gastrointestinal function, manage diabetic complications and ameliorate symptoms of osteoarthritis and respiratory conditions. Advances in extraction techniques, encapsulation and nanoformulations have improved stability, solubility and targeted delivery, while analytical methods now allow precise quantification of gingerols and shogaols in nutraceuticals and biological fluids. Together, these developments underscore the global significance of ginger as a multifunctional therapeutic agent and a platform for novel drug discovery.

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Phytochemical Therapeutics and Health Applications of Ginger publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical therapeutics and health applications of ginger across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Phytochemical: A bioactive compound produced by plants, often with health-promoting properties.

Gingerols: Phenolic pungent compounds in fresh ginger, responsible for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Shogaols: Dehydrated derivatives of gingerols formed during processing, noted for enhanced cytotoxic and antioxidative potency.

Paradols: Metabolic products of gingerols present after heating, with reported glucose-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects.

AMPK (5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase): A cellular energy sensor kinase that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an ingested compound that enters systemic circulation and can exert a biological effect.

References

1. Gingerols and shogaols: A multi-faceted review of their extraction, formulation, and analysis in drugs and biofluids to maximize their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Food Chemistry X (2023).
2. Promising roles of Zingiber officinale roscoe, Curcuma longa L., and Momordica charantia L. as immunity modulators against COVID-19: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2023).
3. 6-Paradol and 6-Shogaol, the Pungent Compounds of Ginger, Promote Glucose Utilization in Adipocytes and Myotubes, and 6-Paradol Reduces Blood Glucose in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).
4. Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Foods (2019).
5. Anticancer Effect of Ginger Extract against Pancreatic Cancer Cells Mainly through Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Autotic Cell Death. PLOS ONE (2015).
6. Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2007).
7. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition (2018).
8. Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012).