Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases

Intra-peritoneal lavage of Zingiber officinale rhizome and its active constituent gingerol impede inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis following post-operative peritoneal adhesion in male rats

Post-operative peritoneal adhesions (PA) are a common and important clinical problem. In this study, we focused on the ameliorative efficacy of ginger and gingerol compounds on surgical-induced peritoneal adhesion, and their strategies that disrupted the PA formation pathways to suppress their incidence. First, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was established to separate and identify several chemical groups of ginger rhizome extract. In the next steps, male Wistar albino rats were randomly selected and divided into various groups, namely sham, control, ginger extract (0.6, 1.8, 5 %w/v), and gingerol (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 %w/v). Finally, we investigated the macroscopic parameters such as wound healing, body weight as well as spleen height and weight. In addition, visual peritoneal adhesion assessment was performed via Nair et al and Adhesion Scoring Scheme. Moreover, the microscopic parameters and biological assessment was performed via and immunoassays. The present findings revealed significant improvement in wound healing and reduction of the adhesion range, as Nair et al. and Adhesion Scoring Scheme scoring, in both the ginger and gingerol groups compared to the PA group (P < 0.05). Whereas, gingerol (0.3 % w/v) was able to increase the body weight in rats (P < 0.0001) at end stage of experiment. Also, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis were significantly decreased due to the downregulation of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively, in the ginger and gingerol groups compared to the PA group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of IL-10 were increased in the ginger and gingerol groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Our results proved that ginger rhizome and gingerol, as novel therapeutic compounds, could be used to prevent PA for their beneficial anti-inflammatory as well as anti-fibrosis properties in clinical trials. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of ginger and gingerol.

Chemometrics and antioxidant activity assisted nontargeted metabolomics for the identification of ginger species

An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was developed for the separation and identification of phenols, organic acids, flavonoids and curcumin in different species of ginger. The parameters affecting the separation and response of liquid chromatography, including the stationary phase and mobile phase, were systematically investigated and optimized. To further identify the differential metabolites in the six types of samples, a chemometric approach was introduced. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify the major components in the samples and to compare the compositional differences between the various samples. In addition, antioxidant experiments were designed to investigate the differences in antioxidant activity among the six ginger samples. The method showed good linearity (R2 ≥0.9903), satisfactory precision (RSD% ≤ 4.59 %), low LOD (0.35-25.86 ng/mL) and acceptable recovery (78-109 %) and reproducibility (RSD% ≤ 4.20 %). Therefore, the method has great potential for application in the compositional analysis and quality control of ginger.

Antioxidant Activity in Extracts from Zingiberaceae Family: Cardamom, Turmeric, and Ginger

An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is even more remarkable in elder populations, to whom these become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one's diet that can prevent oxidative stress. Previous studies and clinical data suggest that some plant-based products can slow and reduce the cellular degradation associated with aging and age-related diseases. Many plants from one family present several applications that range from the food to the pharmaceutical industry due to their characteristic flavor and scents. The Zingiberaceae family, which includes cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiemetic activities and properties that help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These products are abundant sources of chemical substances, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids. The main bioactive compounds found in this family (cardamom, turmeric, and ginger) are 1,8-cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, β-turmerone, and α-zingiberene. The present review gathers evidence surrounding the effects of dietary intake of extracts of the Zingiberaceae family and their underlying mechanisms of action. These extracts could be an adjuvant treatment for oxidative-stress-related pathologies. However, the bioavailability of these compounds needs to be optimized, and further research is needed to determine appropriate concentrations and their antioxidant effects in the body.

Extraction, Purification, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities, and Applications of the Polysaccharides from Zingiber officinale Roscoe. (Ginger): A Review

Zingiber officinale Roscoe. (ginger) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Ginger can be used as a spice, condiment, food, nutrition, and as an herb. Significantly, the polysaccharides extracted from ginger show surprising and satisfactory biological activity, which explains the various benefits of ginger on human health, including anti-influenza, anti-colitis, anti-tussive, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor effects. Here, we systematically review the major studies on the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from ginger in recent years, the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity, and structure-activity relationships, and the applications of ginger polysaccharides in different fields. This article will update and deepen the understanding of ginger polysaccharide and provide a theoretical basis for its further research and application in human health and product development.

IDO/Kynurenine; novel insight for treatment of inflammatory diseases

Inflammation and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, neurological diseases, and inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammatory mediators such as interleukins (ILs), interferons (INF-s), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are related to an extended chance of inflammatory diseases initiation or progression due to the over expression of the nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STAT), nod-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP), toll-like receptors (TLR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. These pathways are completely interconnected. Theindoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) subset of the kynurenine (KYN) (IDO/KYN), is a metabolic inflammatory pathway involved in production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ). It has been shown that IDO/KYN actively participates in inflammatory processes and can increase the secretion of cytokines that provoke inflammatory diseases. Data were extracted from clinical and animal studies published in English between 1990-April 2022, which were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane library. IDO/KYN is completely associated with inflammatory-related pathways, thus leading to the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and ultimately development and progression of various inflammatory disorders. Inhibition of the IDO/KYN pathway might be a novel therapeutic option for inflammatory diseases. Herein, we gathered data on probable interactions of the IDO/KYN pathway with induction of some inflammatory diseases.

Preparation and Evaluation of 6-Gingerol Derivatives as Novel Antioxidants and Antiplatelet Agents

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is widely used as a spice and a traditional medicine. Many bioactivities have been reported for its extracts and the isolated compounds, including cardiovascular protective effects. Different pathways were suggested to contribute to these effects, like the inhibition of platelet aggregation. In this study, we synthesised fourteen 6-gingerol derivatives, including eight new compounds, and studied their antiplatelet, COX-1 inhibitor, and antioxidant activities. In silico docking of selected compounds to h-COX-1 enzyme revealed favourable interactions. The investigated 6-gingerol derivatives were also characterised by in silico and experimental physicochemical and blood-brain barrier-related parameters for lead and preclinical candidate selection. 6-Shogaol (2) was identified as the best overall antiplatelet lead, along with compounds 3 and 11 and the new compound 17, which require formulation to optimize their water solubility. Compound 5 was identified as the most potent antioxidant that is also promising for use in the central nervous system (CNS).

Zingiber officinale Rosc. in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome Disorders-A Review of In Vivo Studies

Inflammation is a protective reaction of the innate immune system as a response to imbalances caused by a specific stimulus, a disease or a pathogen. A prolonged inflammatory condition may lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, which affects more than one-fourth of the world's population. This condition leads to the development of multi-organ disorders based on disrupted blood lipid and sugar levels, hypertension and oxidative stress. The review aims to present Zingiber officinale Rosc. as a plant that exhibits a variety of healing properties and restores the organism's equilibrium. Ginger (GI) rhizomes have been commonly used in traditional medicine to treat arthritis, stomach ache, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, rheumatism, nervous system syndromes, asthma, diabetes and nausea caused by pregnancy or chemotherapy. This review gathers together data from in vivo experiments related to the application of ginger for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, obesity, diabetes and other related disorders as a consequence of metabolic syndrome, including the confirmed molecular mechanisms of action.

Longevity-promoting properties of ginger extract in Caenorhabditis elegans via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway

Ginger is a traditional medicinal and edible plant with multiple health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the effects and potential mechanism of ginger on antiaging remain unknown. The aim of this study was to comprehend the antiaging effects and potential mechanism of ginger in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The current findings showed that the lifespan of C. elegans was prolonged by 23.16% with the supplementation of 60 μg mL-1 ginger extract (GE), and the extension of lifespan was mainly attributed to the major bioactive compounds in GE, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerol and 6-, 8-, 10-shogaol. Subsequently, GE promoted healthy aging by improving nematode movement and attenuating lipofuscin accumulation, and enhanced stress tolerance by up-regulating the expression of stress-related genes and activating DAF-16 and SKN-1. Moreover, lifespan assays of relative mutants revealed that GE mediated extension of lifespan via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. In summary, GE endowed nematodes (C. elegans) with longevity and stress resistance in an IIS pathway dependent manner.

Natural Polyphenols as SERCA Activators: Role in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Diseases

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) is a key protein responsible for transporting Ca²⁺ ions from the cytosol into the lumen of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER), thus maintaining Ca²⁺ homeostasis within cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that impaired SERCA function is associated with disruption of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis and induction of ER stress, leading to different chronic pathological conditions. Therefore, appropriate strategies to control Ca²⁺ homeostasis via modulation of either SERCA pump activity/expression or relevant signaling pathways may represent a useful approach to combat pathological states associated with ER stress. Natural dietary polyphenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, gingerol, ellagic acid, luteolin, or green tea polyphenols, with a number of health-promoting properties, have been described either to increase SERCA activity/expression directly or to affect Ca²⁺ signaling pathways. In this review, potential Ca²⁺-mediated effects of the most studied polyphenols on SERCA pumps or related Ca²⁺ signaling pathways are summarized, and relevant mechanisms of their action on Ca²⁺ regulation with respect to various ER stress-related states are depicted. All data were collected using scientific search tools (i.e., Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar).

Nutritional benefits of ginger for patients with non-communicable diseases

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a famous dietary spice rich in bioactive components like gingerols, and it has been used for a long time as food and medicine. Indeed, clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger. Thus, ginger seems to be an excellent complementary nutritional strategy for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This narrative review aims to discuss the possible effects of ginger on the mitigation of common complications such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis in NCD.

Mechanistic Basis for the Role of Phytochemicals in Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases occur in a large portion of the population and are associated with a poor diet. Key natural products found in fruits and vegetables may assist in lowering inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review seeks to examine the roles of several natural products, resveratrol (RES), quercetin (QUE), curcumin (CUR), piperine (PIP), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol (GIN), in their ability to attenuate inflammatory markers in specific diseases states. Additionally, we will discuss findings in past and ongoing clinical trials, detail possible phytochemical–drug interactions, and provide a brief resource for researchers and healthcare professionals on natural product and supplement regulation as well as names of databases with information on efficacy, indications, and natural product–drug interactions. As diet and over-the-counter supplement use are modifiable factors and patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies, understanding the mechanisms by which natural products have demonstrated efficacy and the types of drugs they interact with and knowing where to find information on herbs and supplements is important for practicing healthcare providers and researchers interested in this field.

10-gingerol, a natural AMPK agonist, suppresses neointimal hyperplasia and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation

Background: Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the intimal region is a key event in the development of neointimal hyperplasia. 10-G, a bioactive compound found in ginger,...

Ginger and its constituents: Role in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with obscure etiology, are rising and are of worldwide concern. Of the various components of IBD pathogenesis and progression, irritation appears to play a major part. Investigations on the molecular and cellular pathways that activate the IBD provide the focus for the development of useful therapies. Ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has a broad spectrum of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenic factors in many diseases, including IBD. The most established components of ginger are phenolic compounds called gingerols. A wide range of pharmacological activities of the potential therapeutic benefit of Z. officinale have been detailed. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger has been documented by many researchers. It was shown that ginger is a potent inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STATs), Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and mTOR (mTOR) pathways, as well as inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present report, the potential application of ginger in the management of IBD is reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of ginger and its bioactive components. The significance of the functions, side effects, and delivery of ginger to the digestive system for particular application in IBD are also considered.