BEYOND FLAVOR: THE ROLE OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) IN HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE PREVENTION

Shaik Adeena Parveen*, Uzair Yousf Mir, Rayees Ahmad Mir, Mohd. Nayab, Abdul Azeez and Abdul Nasir Ansari

ABSTRACT

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the most popular spices worldwide known not only for its taste but also for its therapeutic properties. When fresh, it’s known as Adrak (Zanjabeel-e-Ratab), and when dried, it’s called Sonth (Zanjabeel-e-Yabis). Ginger is a widely used medicinal plant known for its rich profile of bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. This review explores ginger’s diverse pharmacological properties, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antihypertensive effects, as demonstrated in in vitro and animal studies. These bioactivities are believed to contribute to ginger’s traditional use in treating various ailments. Despite promising laboratory findings, limited clinical evidence exists to validate these effects in humans. This article emphasizes the need for further research, particularly well-designed clinical trials, to isolate and understand ginger’s bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Future studies may establish ginger’s potential as a complementary therapeutic agent and broaden its applications in modern healthcare.

Keywords: Ginger, Adrak, Sonth, Zanjabeel , Gingerols, Unani.