A Review on Zingiber officinale

Abstract

Spice and medicinal plants gained an important role in agronomy production, pharmacy and exportation because of their increased use as a raw material for the pharmaceutical industry and in the everyday life. Ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, species of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) has a long history of medicinal use for more than 2000 years as one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity and a common condiment for various foods and beverages. The medicinal properties of ginger are due to the presence of gingerol and paradol, shogaols, etc. Currently, there is a renewed interest in ginger, and several scientific investigations aimed at isolation, identification of active constituents, scientific verification of its pharmacological actions for treatment of several diseases and conditions. This article aims at reviewing the most salient recent reports on ethnobotany, pharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activities of Z. officinale.