In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Schistosomal Potential of Ginger-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Schistosoma mansoni: Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Immunological Changes

Chemotherapy is the most widely advocated method of Schistosome control. However, repeated chemotherapy leads to the emergence of drug-resistant Schistosoma strains. Therefore, efforts to find alternative drugs, especially those of natural origin, have risen globally. Nanoparticles (NPs) have received special interest as efficient drug delivery systems. This work aimed to investigate the anti-schistosomal potential of Zingiber officinale (ginger, Zingiberaceae)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GCsNPs) on Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice that were exposed to 80 ± 10 cercariae/mouse. The study groups are: (G1) negative control; (G2) positive control; (G3) praziquantel in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for two consecutive days; (G4) ginger in a dose of 500 mg/kg treated; (G5) chitosan nanoparticles in a dose 3 mg/kg (G6) GCsNPs in a dose 250 mg/kg; and (G7) GCsNPs in a dose 500 mg/kg. The anti-schistosome potential was assessed using histopathological scanning electron microscopically and immunological parameters. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in cellular granuloma count (p < 0.05) and granuloma diameter (p < 0.001) in all infected treated mice groups, in comparison to the infected non-treated group with the highest reduction in both G3 and G7. SEM of S. mansoni adult worm recovered from G3 showed mild edema of oral and ventral suckers with some peeling and blebs around them, while that recovered from G7 showed abnormal oedematous oral and retracted ventral sucker, edema of the tegument, rupture of many tubercles with vacuolation and complete loss of spines. All infected treated mice groups, in comparison to positive control G2, showed a significant reduction in IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α levels (p-value < 0.001), especially groups G6 and G7 (p-value < 0.05); both G6 and G7 values were nearer to the normal that indicated recovery of the liver tissue.

Ginger supplementation does not increase energy expenditure in female adults

Food components with thermogenic properties are promising antiobesity agents. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) bioactive compounds have a capsaicin-like vanillyl portion, which has been attributed to thermogenic effect in previous experimental studies. However, studies conducted in humans have evaluated only the acute thermogenic effect of ginger, and demonstrated contradictory results. We evaluated the effect of long-term consumption of dry ginger extract on the resting energy expenditure (REE) of female adults with high body adiposity.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT02570633). Participants age 18 to 60 y were randomly assigned into two groups: Intervention (600 mg of ginger extract daily) and placebo (cellulose). The intervention lasted 3 mo. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and REE were assessed at each visit.

RESULTS

A total of 66 female participants with high body adiposity were included in the analysis (mean age: 29 y [range, 20-55 y]; body mass index: 23.3 ± 2.7), with 30 participants in the ginger group and 36 in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. No differences were observed for group × time interaction on REE. Body composition and blood pressure followed the same pattern (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ginger extract consumption for 3 mo did not change the REE, anthropometric, and clinical data of female adults with excess adiposity.

Embryonic Toxicology Evaluation of Ginger- and Clove-mediated Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles-based Dental Varnish with Zebrafish

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the embryonic toxicology of ginger- and clove-mediated titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs)-based dental varnish with zebrafish (Danio rerio).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dental varnish was formulated using ginger, clove extract, and titanium dioxide NPs followed by the introduction of this test solution at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 µL along with a control group with medium zebrafish embryos into a 6-well culture plate. After 2 hours of incubation, the embryos of zebrafish were tested and analyzed for hatchability and mortality rate using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software.

RESULTS

The hatching rate of zebrafish embryos was greatest at 1 µL in a declining order when compared to the control group, whereas the mortality rate was greatest at 16 µL compared to the control group. On intergroup comparisons, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) has revealed a significance (p = 0.00) between the concentrations and testing parameters such as hatchability and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the study, the zebrafish embryos exposed acutely to TiO2 NPs at experimental doses have shown significant changes in their rate of deformity and capacity to hatch at 16- and 1-µL concentrations of the dental varnish formulation, respectively. Furthermore, studies are required to prove the efficacy of the formulation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Research and development of new formulations of various dental products is an ongoing process. One such segment is dental varnishes, wherein herbal resources and NPs mediated for improved efficacy against dental caries is an emerging alternative aiming to counteract the limitations posed by the traditional agents. To develop a new formulation of dental varnish, which is herbal resourced and NPs mediated, for an improved efficacy against dental caries.

Comprehensive insights into the influence of supplemental green light on the photosynthesis of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Although green light is not considered to contribute to the photosynthesis of plants, the photosynthesis of ginger, a dual-purpose vegetable used as a medicine and food, is affected by the green wave band. In this study, the supplementary green band of sunlight (SG) increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (Y(II)) compared with the sunlight treatment (S). The Pn and Fv/Fm of the SG treatment were higher than those of the white light (W) treatment, while the Pn and Fv/Fm of the green light (G) treatment alone were lower than those of the W treatment. Further analysis found that the minimal fluorescence (Fo) of the S treatment increased, especially at noon, while the Fo of the SG treatment decreased. Similarly, the Fo of the W treatment increased significantly, while the Fo of the white-green mixed light (WG) treatment decreased. The relative fluorescence values of the K-J-I bands in the SG and WG treatments were lower than those in the S and W treatments, respectively. The photochemical quenching (qP) of the WG treatment was higher than that of the W treatment, while the primary thermal losses corresponded to the sum of nonregulated heat dissipation and fluorescence emission (Y(NO)) of the WG treatment was lower than that of the W treatment. The SG treatment reduced the accumulation of plastoglobules but increased the accumulation of starch granules and leaf thickness. Moreover, the green band supplemented with white light significantly increased the biomass of the aboveground plant parts and promoted the active growth of the aboveground parts. Supplementing green light plays a regulatory role in ginger based on the following four points. First, it effectively promotes the transfer of electrons between the acceptor side of photosystem II; second, it optimizes ginger photosynthesis; third, it alleviates strong light stress by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species; and fourth, it promotes heat dissipation and reduces the rapid burst of active oxygen in the chloroplast caused by excess energy. In summary, green light can significantly optimize the photosynthetic characteristics of ginger.

Ginger polysaccharides relieve ulcerative colitis via maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and gut microbiota modulation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease afflicting an increasing number of patients and increasing demands towards the development of efficacious and safe drugs. Recently, with increasing interest in alternative medicines, natural resources have become a hotspot for drug discovery against UC. In addition to being consumed as a food and spice, ginger is also widely used as a well-recognized gastrointestinal herbal medicine. With a long history in the treatment of digestive disorders, the potential of ginger in alleviating UC has been documented in several experimental models and clinical trials. However, as a major active constituent of ginger, ginger polysaccharides (GP) and its effect on UC has yet to be reported. In this study, GP was firstly separated and characterized. In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, GP alleviated UC symptoms by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines levels to regulate intestinal inflammation, repairing the intestinal barrier as indicated by occludin-1 and ZO-1, as well as regulating gut microbiota. Taking these results together, we believe GP could be an innovative option in developing functional foods or therapeutic agents for UC management.

Complete chloroplast genome of Boesenbergia rotunda and a comparative analysis with members of the family Zingiberaceae

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. is a medically important ginger species of the family Zingiberaceae but its genomic information on molecular phylogeny and identification is scarce. In this work, the chloroplast genome of B. rotunda was sequenced, characterized and compared to the other Zingiberaceae species to provide chloroplast genetic resources and to determine its phylogenetic position in the family. The chloroplast genome of B. rotunda was 163,817 bp in length and consisted of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,302 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 16,023 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) of 29,746 bp each. The chloroplast genome contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Several genes had atypical start codons, while most amino acids exhibited biased usage of synonymous codons. Comparative analyses with various chloroplast genomes of Zingiberaceae taxa revealed several highly variable regions (psbK-psbI, trnT-GGU-psbD, rbcL-accD, ndhF-rpl32, and ycf1) in the LSC and SSC regions in the chloroplast genome of B. rotunda that could be utilized as molecular markers for DNA barcoding and species delimitation. Phylogenetic analyses based on shared protein-coding genes revealed that B. rotunda formed a distinct lineage with B. kingii Mood & L.M.Prince, in a subclade that also contained the genera Kaempferia and Zingiber. These findings constitute the first chloroplast genome information of B. rotunda that could be a reference for phylogenetic analysis and identification of genus Boesenbergia within the Zingiberaceae family.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40415-022-00845-w.

Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in exhaled air by antiseptic chewing gum: a pilot trial

PURPOSE

The dominant route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is airborne, through respiratory transmission by aerosols or droplets which can be measured by viral load in exhaled air. Several natural substances have shown antiviral activity. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a chewing gum containing natural antiseptic ingredients (cinnamon-, peppermint- and lemon-oil, quercetin, spermidine, ginger and ginseng) on viral load in exhalative air in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

Nine patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled and exhaled forcefully into a special mouthpiece at different time points before and after chewing the antiseptic gum. The mouthpiece contained a filter paper serving for extraction of coronaviruses following real-time PCR to quantify the viral load.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Cycle threshold (Ct) values of all patients increased after chewing the gum. The mean difference between the Ct values at baseline (before chewing the antiseptic gum) and time point 30 min (15 min after chewing) was 3.8 ± 2.6; (93% viral load reduction; p = 0.002). Time point 15 min (2.7 ± 1.7 (83% viral load reduction; p = 0.003)), 60 min (3.0 ± 3.4 (88% viral load reduction; p = 0.028)), 90 min (3.7 ± 1.8 (92% viral load reduction; p = 0.004)) and 120 min (3.0 ± 3.7 (91% viral load reduction; p = 0.05)) showed similar results. The antiseptic chewing gum demonstrated a significant potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in exhalative air and, in this way, reduce further spread and infection risk. Larger placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to confirm these findings further.

Genome-wide identification of type III effectors and other virulence factors in Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum causing bacterial wilt in ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum causes bacterial wilt in ginger, reducing ginger production worldwide. We sequenced the whole genome of a highly virulent phylotype I, race 4, biovar 3 Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain GRsMep isolated from a severely infected ginger field in India. R. pseudosolanacearum GRsMep genome is organised into two replicons: chromosome and megaplasmid with a total genome size of 5,810,605 bp. This strain encodes approximately 72 effectors which include a combination of core effectors as well as highly variable, diverse repertoire of type III effectors. Comparative genome analysis with GMI1000 identified conservation in the genes involved in the general virulence mechanism. Our analysis identified type III effectors, RipBJ and RipBO as present in GRsMep but absent in the reported genomes of other strains infecting Zingiberaceae family. GRsMep contains 126 unique genes when compared to the pangenome of the Ralstonia strains that infect the Zingiberaceae family. The whole-genome data of R. pseudosolanacearum strain will serve as a resource for exploring the evolutionary processes that structure and regulate the virulence determinants of the strain. Pathogenicity testing of the transposon insertional mutant library of GRsMep through virulence assay on ginger plants identified a few candidate virulence determinants specific to bacterial wilt in ginger.

Comparative Evaluation of the Remineralization Potential of Fluoride-containing Toothpaste, Honey Ginger Paste and Ozone. An In Vitro Study

Introduction

A drop in pH of the oral cavity results in demineralization, which, if continued, leads to loss of minerals from tooth structure, resulting in dental caries. A goal of modern dentistry is to manage noncavitated caries lesions noninvasively through remineralization in an attempt to prevent disease progression.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 extracted premolar teeth were selected for the study. The specimens were divided into four groups, group I, the control group; group II, remineralizing agent as fluoride toothpaste; group III, the treatment material as ginger and honey paste; and group IV, the treatment material as ozone oil. An initial reading of surface roughness and hardness was recorded for the group (control group). Repeated treatment has continued lasting 21 days. This saliva was changed each day. Following the lesion formation procedure, the surface microhardness was measured for all specimens. The parameters were 200 gm force for 15 seconds with a Vickers indenter and the roughness of the demineralized area of each specimen was obtained by using the surface roughness tester.

Results

Surface roughness was checked by using a surface roughness tester. Before starting the pH cycle, the baseline value for the control group was calculated. The baseline value for the control group was calculated. The surface roughness average value for 10 samples is 0.555 µm and the average surface microhardness is 304 HV; the average surface roughness value for fluoride is 0.244 µm and the microhardness is 256 HV, 0.241 µm, and 271 HV value for honey-ginger paste. For ozone surface roughness average value is 0.238 µm and the surface microhardness average mean value is 253 HV.

Conclusion

The future of dentistry will rely on the regeneration of tooth structure. There is no significant difference seen between each treatment group. Considering the adverse effect of fluoride, we can consider honey-ginger and ozone as good remineralizing agents for fluoride.

How to cite this article

Kade KK, Chaudhary S, Shah R, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Remineralization Potential of Fluoride-containing Toothpaste, Honey Ginger Paste and Ozone. An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):541-548.

Comparison of ultrasound and ethanol pretreatments before catalytic infrared drying on physicochemical properties, drying, and contamination of Chinese ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pretreatment methods on the drying process and quality of catalytic infrared dried ginger slices, particularly the safety quality. Four different pretreatments strategies were used: sample submerged in distilled water, water + US pretreatment, ethanol pretreatment, and ethanol + US pretreatment. The results showed that all pretreatments reduced drying time, and sample pretreatment by ethanol + US had the highest drying efficiency, hardness, highest total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content retention. However, these pretreatments slightly decreased the rehydration ratio and gingerol content. The possible explanation for these results has been put forward by microstructure analysis. CIR-dried ginger samples were pretreated by four methods required by the agricultural standards of China. This study provides a new perspective on the commercial application of ethanol + US pretreatment for CIR-dried ginger slices.

Cytochemical and comparative transcriptome analyses elucidate the formation and ecological adaptation of three types of pollen coat in Zingiberaceae

BACKGROUND

The pollen ornate surface of flowering plants has long fascinated and puzzled evolutionary biologists for their variety. Each pollen grain is contained within a pollen wall consisting of intine and exine, over which the lipoid pollen coat lies. The cytology and molecular biology of the development of the intine and exine components of the pollen wall are relatively well characterised. However, little is known about the pollen coat, which confers species specificity. We demonstrate three types of pollen coat in Zingiberaceae, a mucilage-like pollen coat and a gum-like pollen coat, along with a pollen coat more typical of angiosperms. The morphological differences between the three types of pollen coat and the related molecular mechanisms of their formation were studied using an integrative approach of cytology, RNA-seq and positive selection analysis.

RESULTS

Contrary to the 'typical' pollen coat, in ginger species with a mucilage-like (Caulokaempferia coenobialis, Cco) or gum-like (Hornstedtia hainanensis, Hhn) pollen coat, anther locular fluid was still present at the bicellular pollen (BCP) stage of development. Nevertheless, there were marked differences between these species: there were much lower levels of anther locular fluid in Hhn at the BCP stage and it contained less polysaccharide, but more lipid, than the locular fluid of Cco. The set of specific highly-expressed (SHE) genes in Cco was enriched in the 'polysaccharide metabolic process' annotation term, while 'fatty acid degradation' and 'metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides' were significantly enriched in SHE-Hhn.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cytological and comparative transcriptome analysis showed that different types of pollen coat depend on the residual amount and composition of anther locular fluid at the BCP stage. The genes involved in 'polysaccharide metabolism' and 'transport' in the development of a mucilage-like pollen coat and in 'lipid metabolism' and 'transport' in the development of a gum-like pollen coat probably evolved under positive selection in both cases. We suggest that the shift from a typical pollen coat to a gum-like or mucilage-like pollen coat in flowering plants is an adaptation to habitats with high humidity and scarcity of pollinators.

Bioactive characterization of ultrasonicated ginger (Zingiber officinale) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) freeze dried extracts

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) are one of the most popular spices having a wide range of bioactive compounds that have varied biological and pharmacological properties. The study was aimed to extract polyphenols from Himalayan medicinal herbs ginger and licorice in different solvents using ultra-sonication technique. The extraction efficiency (EE) was determined, and the extracts were characterized for physical properties (particle size, colour values), total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant properties, and structural and morphological features. Ultra-sonicated ginger in aqueous phase had the highest EE of polyphenols (15.27%) as compared to other solvents. Similar trend was observed in licorice with EE of 30.52 % in aqueous phase followed by ethanol: water (50: 50), and methanol: water (50:50) with 28.52% and 26.39%, respectively. The preliminary screening showed the presence of tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates, steroids and alkaloids in all the extracts. The phenolic and flavonoid content of dried ginger was found higher in ethanolic extracts compared to fresh ones as revealed by HPLC. Similarly, for licorice, the ethanolic fractions had the highest polyphenolic content. The representative samples of ginger (ethanol: water 75:25 and ethylacetate: water 75:25) and licorice (ethanol: water 70:30 and methanol: water 50:50) were studied for FESEM and particle size. The results showed the agglomerated extract micro-particles with a diameter of 0.5-10 µm and increased particle size (ginger: 547 and 766 nm), and (licorice: 450 and 566 nm). The findings could be beneficial for the advancement of ginger and licorice processing, for the comprehension of these herbs as a source of natural antioxidants in different food formulations.

Do ginger footbaths improve symptoms of insomnia more than footbaths with warm water only? - A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects between warm water (WW) and ginger footbaths (WW+ginger) on sleep quality and warmth regulation in adults with self-reported insomnia symptoms.

METHODS

A prospective randomized-controlled study in which 28 participants (mean age 50.9 years, 64.3% women, insomnia symptom duration 11.4 years) were randomized to receive WW (n = 13) or WW+ginger (n = 15) daily for 2 weeks. Treatment involved nightly footbaths (12 liters of 38-42 °C warm tap water, maximum duration 20 min) with and without topical ginger (80 g of powdered ginger rhizomes).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was self-reported sleep quality (global score from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included measures of insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and warmth regulation (Herdecke Warmth Perception Questionnaire, HWPQ and 24-hour distal-proximal skin temperature gradient, DPG).

RESULTS

WW+ginger had no greater effect on PSQI (mean between-difference 0.0 [95% CI -3.0 to 2.9], Cohen's d=0.0) or ISI (-0.2 [-3.9 to 3.4], 0.0) than WW. Nor were there any significant differences in HWPQ perceived warmth (0.1 ≥d≥0.5) or DPG (0.1 ≥d≥0.4) between WW and WW+ginger. Both groups improved over time in PSQI (WW+ginger: d=0.7, WW: d=1.3) and ISI (WW+ginger: d=0.8, WW: d=1.0). Perceived warmth of the feet increased only in WW+ginger over time (d=0.6, WW: d=0.0).

CONCLUSIONS

This dose of ginger (6.67 g/liter) did not have greater effects on sleep quality, insomnia severity or warmth regulation than WW. Considering effect sizes, costs and risks, the use of WW would be recommended over WW+ginger in this patient population.

Anti-tumor effects of PEGylated-nanoliposomes containing ginger extract in colorectal cancer-bearing mice

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop a nanoliposomal formulation containing ginger ethanolic extract with a higher therapeutic effect for cancer treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study aimed to prepare PEGylated nanoliposomal ginger through the thin film hydration method plus extrusion. Physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, and the toxicity of the prepared liposomes was assessed using the MTT assay. In addition, tumor size was monitored in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. Also, the anticancer effects of liposomal ginger were evaluated by gene expression assay of Bax and Bcl-2 and cytokines including TNF-α, TGF-β, and IFN-γ by Real-time PCR. Also, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) were counted in spleen and tumor tissue by flow cytometry assay.

RESULTS

The nanoliposomes' particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were 94.95 nm and 0.246 nm, respectively. High encapsulation capacity (80 %) confirmed the technique's efficiency, and the release rate of the extract was 85% at pH 6.5. In addition, this study showed that liposomal ginger at 100 mg/kg/day enhanced the expression of Bax (P<0.05) and IFN-γ (P<0.01) compared with ginger extract in the mouse model. Also, the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CTLs cell count in tumor tissue showed a significant increase in the LipGin group compared with the Gin group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that the liposomal ginger enhanced the antitumor activity; therefore, the prepared liposomal ginger can be used in future clinical trials.

The effects of ginger and its constituents in the prevention of metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hypertension risk factors. Moreover, metabolic syndrome is the most ordinary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous chemical drugs are being synthesized to heal metabolic risk factors. Still, due to their abundant side effects, herbal medicines have a vital role in the treatment of these abnormalities. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) plant has been traditionally used in medicine to treat disorders, including CVD. The unique ginger properties are attributed to the presence of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol, and [6]-shogaol, which through different mechanisms can be beneficial in metabolic syndrome. Ginger has a beneficial role in metabolic syndrome treatment due to its hypotensive, anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. It can significantly reduce atherosclerotic lesion areas, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and elevate adenosine deaminase activity in platelet and lymphocytes. Also, it promotes ATP/ADP hydrolysis. In the current article review, the critical properties of ginger and its constituents' effects on the metabolic syndrome with a special focus on different molecular and cellular mechanisms have been discussed. This article also suggests that ginger may be introduced as a therapeutic or preventive agent against metabolic syndrome after randomized clinical trials.

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.

Effects of standardized [6]-gingerol extracts and [6]-gingerol on isolated ileum and lower esophageal sphincter contractions in mice

Standardized [6]-gingerol extracts were prepared by microwave-assisted extraction using 20% v/v glycerin in ethanol and 20% v/v eutectic mixture of sucrose and citric acid in ethanol as alternative green solvents. The extracts obtained from 20% v/v glycerin in ethanol (GEE) and 20% v/v eutectic mixture of sucrose and citric acid in ethanol (EMSCEE) were standardized by HPLC to contain 17.0 mg/g of [6]-gingerol. The effects of the extracts on mouse ileal contractions via M3 and 5-HT3 receptors as well as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) contraction were determined in vitro relative to the marker compound, [6]-gingerol. [6]-Gingerol, GEE and EMSCEE demonstrated significant and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on ileal contraction in mice via M3 and 5-HT3 receptors in a noncompetitive manner. In addition, [6]-gingerol and EMSCEE tend to increase the LES tone. These results indicated the potential of GEE and EMSCEE to attenuate nausea and vomiting and might be used as nutraceuticals.

Kidney injury and oxidative damage alleviation by Zingiber officinale: pharmacokinetics and protective approach in a combined murine model of osteoporosis

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is considered as a nutraceutical spice, which possesses several health promotion and benefits. This study was carried out to investigate the phyto-chemical composition, the antioxidant capacities, the drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic properties of ginger extract on kidney injury-associated osteoporosis in rats. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed by standard chemical analysis methods and HPLC. In vivo protective effect was based on the use of female rats to evaluate the effect on renal injury as a result of combined osteoporosis using biochemical markers, oxidative status, and histological analyses. Results showed that ZO contained appreciable amounts of phenolics and flavonoids and it exhibited high scavenging activity. Ovariectomy-associated corticotherapy induced severe renal injury marked by altered biochemical markers (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), reduced GFR, significative oxidative damage signs, and disrupted antioxidant status in the combined osteoporotic rats. The histopathological examination revealed structural modifications of kidney tissues. However, all these changes were reversed following the use of ZO. These results confirm the renoprotective and antioxidant potential of ginger against renal injuries in osteoporotic rats.

The effect of ginger supplementation on metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence regarding the positive effects of ginger supplementation on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, they are conflicting. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize earlier findings for the effect of ginger supplementation on metabolic profile in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched up until September 2021 to collect all randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of ginger supplementation on FBS, HbA1c, TC, TG, LDL, HDL, SBP and DBP in patients with T2DM. We conducted our study according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We included only English language publications. Pooled effect sizes were measured using a random-effects model and were reported as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. In addition, the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was used to evaluate quality of the trials.

RESULTS

In overall, 10 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our pooled meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in FBS following ginger supplementation by polling 8 effect sizes [weighted mean difference (WMD): - 18.81; 95% CI: - 28.70, - 8.92), I2 = 77.4%] and in HbA1C through 7 effect sizes (WMD: -0.57; 95% CI: -0.93, -0.20, I2 =88.6%). Pooling 5 effect sizes, we found a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: -4.20; 95% CI: -7.64, -0.77, I2 =97%) and DBP [WMD: - 1.61; 95% CI: - 3.04, - 0.18), I2 = 93.2%] after supplementation with ginger. However, our pooled meta-analysis indicated that ginger supplementation had no significant influence on lipid profile involving TG, TC, LDL and HDL.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant reductions in FBS, HbA1C, SBP and DBP after supplementation with ginger in patients with T2DM compared to control group, with no significant changes in serum lipids. Further large RCTs are required to shed light on this issue.

Response of modified microclimates on growth, yield, and incidence of rhizome rot disease of ginger in Assam, India

Field experiments were conducted at Biswanath, Assam, India (26° 42' N and 93° 15' E), during 2016, 2017, and 2018, to evaluate the effect of microclimates on growth, yield, and disease incidence in the ginger crop. The ginger variety Nadia was grown under six microclimates, viz., under shade net for the entire crop season (T1), under shade net from planting to mid-October (T2), with pigeon pea (T3), with maize (T4), with okra (T5), and as a sole crop (T6) in three replicated RBD. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), net radiation (Rn), temperature above the ginger canopy, soil temperature, and soil moisture were measured during the critical crop growth period under different microclimates. Recording of rhizome rot disease incidence was done periodically and genomic analysis of pathogen was carried out. PAR recorded above the ginger canopy under T6 was 1688.1 μ mol s-1 m-2, which was attenuated up to 80.1% in other microclimates. The Rn load of the ginger canopy was maximum (446.4 W m-2) under T6, which reduced to below 50 W m-2 under both T3 and T4. Both air temperatures above the ginger canopy and soil temperatures under T3 and T4 were reduced by 3.3 °C and 4.6 °C, respectively, as compared to T6. The pathogen causing the disease in the experimental site was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Considerable increase in soil and air temperature and soil moisture favored disease incidence (90.3%) under shade net (T1 and T2) treatments, while opposite reason causing significant reduction in disease incidence (16.1%) was observed under T3 and T4. More yield of ginger recorded in treatments T3 (6.21 t ha-1) or T4 (6.48 t ha-1) was attributed to better crop growth and diminutive disease incidence, while the crop was almost damaged due to severe disease incidence under shade net (T1 and T2) treatments.

Toxicity and tissue accumulation characteristics of the herbicide pendimethalin under silicon application in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Environmental health and food safety issues potentially caused by the dinitroaniline herbicide pendimethalin (PM) are a worldwide concern. The toxicity response of ginger and tissue accumulation effects of PM on ginger biomass were studied by utilizing PM (CK (clean water), PM1 (0.4%), PM2 (0.67%), PM3 (1.0%), and PM4 (1.67%)) in a dose-response study. It significantly reduced the biomass of ginger under PM4, which is attributed to root damage. The net photosynthetic rate of ginger under PM4 was 11.37% lower than that of CK, which is mainly caused by stomatal limitation. In addition, the ultrastructure of chloroplasts has changed. PM4 caused the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ginger. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) increased accordingly, maintaining the dynamic balance of ROS content. PM had no significant effect on the expression of ginger α-tubulin genes. PM was significantly accumulated in ginger roots, but not rhizomes. Si increased the productivity of ginger under PM4, which is mainly related to the increase of root development (root application of silicon) and photosynthetic efficiency (foliar application of silicon). Si reduced the ROS content due to the increase in SOD, POD, and catalase (CAT) activity and photosynthetic efficiency.

Comparative analysis of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) to induce resistance in wheat against drought stress

In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O2-NPs) synthesized from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cumin seeds (Cuminum Cyminum L.) extracts were investigated to reveal their potential to enhance the growth and drought resistance of wheat plants under drought stress. In an In Vitro experiment, four different concentrations for Fe3O2-NPs (0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 0.9 mM, and 1.2 mM) of ginger and cumin seeds were tested. Among all the concentrations tested, ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective to enhance wheat germination, biomass, and survival percentage under drought stress and irrigated conditions than the non-treated control plant. In a pot experiment, wheat plants under induced water stress showed marked up-regulation in the biochemical resistance mechanisms when treated with ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) than the non-treated control. Cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective than ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) in ameliorating adverse effects of drought stress in wheat. Results demonstrated that cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) exhibited a higher increase in chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (72%, 265% and 96% respectively), proline (127%), superoxide dismutase (115%), peroxidase (43.8%), ascorbate peroxidase (44.6%). This also showed higher reduction in lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage and increased soluble sugars and total Fe content in the roots and shoots than non-treated plants under drought. Hence, nano-priming can be considered an effective strategy for sustainable food production in marginal soils.

Effects of chloropicrin fumigation and azoxystrobin application on ginger growth and phosphorus uptake

Soil chloropicrin (CP) fumigation helps to increase crop yields by eliminating soil-borne diseases which inhibit plant growth. However, little is known about the effect of the CP fumigation combined with fungicide application on plant growth and nutrient uptake. In this study, we conducted a mesocosm experiment with six treatments: CK (untreated soil), AZO1 (a single application of azoxystrobin (AZO)), AZO2 (double applications of AZO), CP (CP fumigation with no AZO), CP+AZO1 (CP combined with AZO1) and CP+AZO2 (CP combined with AZO2) to investigate the effects of CP fumigation and AZO application on ginger growth and phosphorus (P) uptake. Results showed that a single application of AZO had no significant effect on ginger height, biomass and P uptake whether treated with or without CP fumigation, whereas double applications of AZO combined with CP fumigation significantly improved ginger height and the total amount of P in root (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, AZO residues were similar in all treatments with the same number of applications, with less than 50% remaining in the soil after 7 days applied, indicating that CP fumigation treatment did not influence AZO degradation in ginger cultivation. In addition, although the differences in P use efficiency observed across the different treatments were not significant, they nevertheless suggest that the P budget and soil microbial activity may contribute to those differences. Therefore, further studies should be done to link P cycling with microbial communities, and how these related to fumigation and fungicide application.

Developing three-component ginger-cinnamon-cardamom composite essential oil nanoemulsion as natural food preservatives

Plant-based functional lipid ingredients, such as essential oils, with antioxidant and antibacterial activities, have gained substantial attention in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations due to the increasing disquiet about the risks of artificial preservatives. However, similar to other lipid-based bioactives, their application in water-based products is challenging owing to their low water solubility and high chemical instability, especially during exposure to light, heat, moisture, and oxygen. Hence, the incorporation of essential oils into water-dispersible nanoemulsion systems can effectively address these issues. Moreover, combining various essential oils can synergistically enhance their chemical and biological properties. Consequently, the objective of this study was to develop different composite nanoemulsion systems using ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom essential oils, which were considered individually and in binary and ternary combinations. Empirical models to predict the response characteristics based on the proportions of oil phase components were also derived. The numerical multi-goal optimisation analysis suggested that 10 % ginger, 68 % cinnamon, and 22 % cardamom essential oil is the ideal oil phase combination to achieve nanoemulsions with the smallest average particle size and size distribution and the highest zeta potential and antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

Chewing gum reduces visually induced motion sickness

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common side-effect of exposure to virtual reality (VR). Its unpleasant symptoms may limit the acceptance of VR technologies for training or clinical purposes. Mechanical stimulation of the mastoid and diverting attention to pleasant stimuli-like odors or music have been found to ameliorate VIMS. Chewing gum combines both in an easy-to-administer fashion and should thus be an effective countermeasure against VIMS. Our study investigated whether gustatory-motor stimulation by chewing gum leads to a reduction of VIMS symptoms. 77 subjects were assigned to three experimental groups (control, peppermint gum, and ginger gum) and completed a 15-min virtual helicopter flight, using a VR head-mounted display. Before and after VR exposure, we assessed VIMS with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and during the virtual flight once every minute with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). Chewing gum (peppermint gum: M = 2.44, SD = 2.67; ginger gum: M = 2.57, SD = 3.30) reduced the peak FMS scores by 2.05 (SE = 0.76) points as compared with the control group (M = 4.56, SD = 3.52), p < 0.01, d = 0.65. Additionally, taste ratings correlated slightly negatively with both the SSQ and the peak FMS scores, suggesting that pleasant taste of the chewing gum is associated with less VIMS. Thus, chewing gum may be useful as an affordable, accepted, and easy-to-access way to mitigate VIMS in numerous applications like education or training. Possible mechanisms behind the effect are discussed.