Positive Health Online

Abstract

SHUKLA and SINGH, Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, P.O. Box 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226 001, Uttar Pradesh, India, yogeshwer_shukla@hotmail.com, have reviewed (70 references) the cancer-preventing properties of ginger.

Abstract: Ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinalis, is a common spice for various foods and beverages. Ginger has a long history of medicinal use dating back 2500 years. It has been traditionally used from time immemorial for varied human ailments in different parts of the globe, to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhoea, and nausea. Some pungent constituents present in ginger and other zingiberaceous plants have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and some of them exhibit cancer preventive activity in experimental carcinogenesis. The anticancer properties of ginger are attributed to the presence of certain pungent vallinoids, such as 6-gingerol and 6-paradol, as well as some other constituents like shogaols, zingerone etc. A number of mechanisms that may be involved in the chemopreventive effects of ginger and its components have been reported from laboratory studies in a wide range of experimental models.

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Methodology

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Conclusion

References

Shukla Y, Singh M. Cancer preventive properties of ginger: a brief review. Food & Chemical Toxicology 45 (5): 683-690, May 2007.

Comment

Ginger is indeed a remarkable spice, not only delicious but also a powerful medicine.