An overview on chemical constituents and biological activities of Zingiber officinale

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a common kitchen spice that belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. It is rich in phytochemistry that is promoting health benefits. It is used as a home remedy to support the common cold, headaches, and pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiemetic, antiulcer, and anti-cancer, antiplatelet, anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering activities. Gingerols are key ingredients found in ginger that convert into zingerone, shogaol, and parasols, giving flavor and odor. Zingerone and shogaol are present in limited quantities in fresh ginger and more in dried or extracted goods. Especially 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol are pharmacological properties that are effective in antipyretic, analgesic and hypotensive. The present review is about different therapeutic properties of ginger, including antioxidant properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-cancer properties etc.