European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

GINGER: PHARMACOTHEREPEUTIC SIGNIFICANCE AS AN ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUG

Vivek Sharma*, Anurag Sinh and Vinay Thakur

viveksharma_pharma@yahoo.co.in

Alzheimer's disease, Diabetes, Inflammation, Ginger; Zingiber officinale.

Ginger, (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberacae) is one of the important medicinal plant which naturally occurs in various countries like India, China, South East Asia, West Indies, Mexico and other parts of the world. Ginger is widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibb-Unani herbal medicines all over the world for its endless pharmacological activities that include carminative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, peripheral circulatory stimulant, astringent, appetite stimulant, diuretic, digestive aid, antiemetic, antipyretic, analgesic and antiarthritic. It is also used to relieve muscular aches, rheumatism, pains, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, diarrhea, cramps, indigestion, loss of appetite, motion sickness, fever, flu, chills and infectious diseases. Gingerol and shogaol are two most active constituents of ginger based preparations. Characterized in traditional Chinese medicine as spicy and hot, ginger is claimed to warm the body and treat cold extremities, improve a weak and tardy pulse, address a pale complexion, headaches, nausea, and strengthen the body after blood loss. Ulcer, diabetes, impotency, stroke, hypertension, atherosclerosis and hepatitis are other areas where use of ginger has proved beneficial. The Ginger has a long history of medicinal use dating back 2,500 years in China and India for anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation is mainly, culprit in various disorders (Pulmonary diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes Type-2, cancer, Arthritis, Alzheimer, Neurological diseases and Autoimmune diseases) and anti-inflammatory action of ginger has been confirmed by various scientists. The potent antiinflammatory action of ginger is attributed to its action on NF–ƙB, Cox, Phospholipase, Lox and TNF-α. This review summarizes various actions of ginger as an anti-inflammatory drug and its possible uses in associated ailments.