Levels of heavy metals in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) from selected districts of Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia and associated health risk

In this study, we investigated the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn; and their associated health risks through consumption of ginger. After the ginger samples digested with a mixture of HNO₃ and HClO₄ at 200 °C for 2:00 h, the amount of metals were investigated by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Efficiency of the analytical measurement was validated on spiking the sample with standard solutions of metals and the recovery for all studied metals were ranged from 91.60% to 99.94%, which is in the acceptable range of validation. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) were ranged from 4.63 to 5.43 for Cd, 2.17 to 4.44 for Cr, 62.52 to 65.14 for Cu, 77.71 to 81.12 for Fe, 6.49–7.58 for Ni and 16.74–19.31 for Zn. However, the concentration of Pb was not detected. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of all metals from all samples are substantially lower than their corresponding maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). Target hazardous quotient (THQ) values of all metals are lower than 1 in all the sampling sites, revealed that there are no health risks for the users due to the intake of these metals. The health index (HI) values were slightly higher than unity, which implying that there is significant health effects to the population from consuming ginger at the study.

Effect of variety, location & maturity stage at harvesting, on essential oil chemical composition, and weight yield of Zingiber officinale roscoe grown in Sri Lanka

Our study investigated whether the chemical intensity and weight yield of essential oil fraction of Zingiber officinale roscoe was significantly affected by variety, maturity stage or cultivated location in Sri Lanka. Two varieties, Rangoon and Siddha planted in two geographical locations of Sri Lanka were harvested at three maturity stages. Chinese variety was studied as the control. Study revealed that the ginger essential oil (GEO) weight yield decreased with increasing maturity stage. Maturity stage and location of cultivation was significantly affecting GEO weight yield while chemical intensities were significantly affected by maturity stage only. Variety factor was not significantly affecting any of the dependent variables. Interaction effects between factors suggested that Siddha and Rangoon were the best varieties to cultivate in Sri Lanka. Best time to harvest rhizomes was at 5 months maturity for any tested variety. 13 major compounds were identified in Siddha while 12 major compounds were identified in Rangoon. It was suggested that variety Siddha was better than Rangoon from its antibacterial chemical profile and composition.

Antimicrobial activity of ginger on cariogenic bacteria: molecular networking and molecular docking analyses

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus have been implicated as the primary causative agents of dental caries in humans. This study aimed to screen the antibacterial activity of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Ginger against mentioned bacteria and investigate chemical constituents of the extracts, and their activity against some drug targets in S. mutans. Antimicrobial tests including biofilm inhibition, time-kill kinetics, and adherence inhibition alongside cytotoxicity of extracts, were assessed. A molecular networking technique was used to find chemical constituents of the extracts. Molecular docking analysis on the Schrodinger package was applied to identify the binding interactions of the compounds to targeted enzymes. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Different compounds including polyphenols, alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, and reducing sugars dereplicated from Ginger extracts. The binding affinity of ligands with free hydroxyl groups was better than other ligands against all tested enzymes. This study introduces a wide range of Z. officinal extracts compounds to be used in different drug discovery studies. Some Ginger compounds with high affinity to investigated enzymes can be considered as candidate compounds for anti-caries drug development studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Zingiber officinale ethanolic extract attenuates oxidative stress, steroidogenic gene expression alterations, and testicular histopathology induced by sodium arsenite in male rats

Arsenic (As) indelibly exists in the environment and may reach to a food chain. Flavors and herbs are recognized sources of natural antioxidants that play imperative against harmful chemical pollutants. Ginger is utilized around the world as a zesty condiment. This study assessed the ability of ginger extract (GE) as a protector to improve regenerative disabilities initiated by sodium arsenate in reproductive functions in male rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats weighted 240 ± 10 g were arbitrarily relegated into four experimental groups (n = 8): the control group; the GE-treated group received at 100 mg/kg BW; the As-treated group received sodium arsenite at 10 mg/kg BW; the fourth group received sodium arsenite additionally GE at mentioned doses for 4 weeks. Phytochemical results of GE revealed that GE had good antioxidative characteristics and high content of total flavonoid, tannins, alkaloids, and total phenolic components. Simultaneously, treatment of GE showed protection against oxidative stress induced by As and restoration of the serum cholesterol, testosterone, LH, and sperm parameter to normal levels. GE significantly improved the antioxidant activities (GSH, SOD, and CAT) as well as H2O2 and MDA in rats received concurrently the GE and As compared with control group. Moreover, the expression of genes controlling the cholesterol transportation and testosterone synthesis (SR-B1, StAR, CYP11A1, 3b-HSD, 17b-HSD, and CYP17a) as well as LHR showed a meaningful improvement in rats treated by GE plus As compared with their expression in the As-treated group. Besides, GE treatment exhibited significant recovered testis histopathological alterations, reduced the arsenic content in testes, and improved the sperm parameters.

Efficacy and Safety of Ginger regarding Human Milk Volume and Related Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Ginger has been used as a galactagogue in Southeast Asian countries. However, limited evidence of its effect has been reported. This systematic review summarizes the efficacy and safety of ginger regarding human milk volume.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which studied the effect of ginger on human milk volume were included. The primary outcome was 24-h human milk volume.

RESULTS

We found five RCTs. Two studies reported ginger as a single intervention, while three studies reported ginger in a combination with other herbs. We found that ginger could enhance human milk volume in mothers with vaginal births. It failed to improve human milk volume in mothers with cesarian section (C-section). Ginger in several combination products has been shown to be effective in enhancing human milk volume, including ginger with pandan, with turmeric and fenugreek, and with Xiong-gui-tiao-xue-yin. No adverse effect directly related to ginger was reported.

DISCUSSION

Ginger could be used to enhance human milk volume in mothers with vaginal births, but not in mothers with C-section. Combined ginger products could also be considered to improve human milk volume. These findings could guide healthcare providers or mothers to consider using ginger to increase human milk production.

Rapid and practical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of non-fumigated ginger and sulfur-fumigated ginger via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods

A strategy was developed to distinguish and quantitate nonfumigated ginger (NS-ginger) and sulfur-fumigated ginger (S-ginger), based on Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) and chemometrics. FT-NIR provided a reliable method to qualitatively assess ginger samples and batches of S-ginger (41) and NS-ginger (39) were discriminated using principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis of FT-NIR data. To generate quantitative methods based on partial least squares (PLS) and counter propagation artificial neural network (CP-ANN) from the FT-NIR, major gingerols were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the data used as a reference. Finally, PLS and CP-ANN were deployed to predict concentrations of target compounds in S- and NS-ginger. The results indicated that FT-NIR can provide an alternative to HPLC for prediction of active components in ginger samples and was able to work directly on solid samples.

In vitro assessment of anti-Trichomonas effects of Zingiber officinale and Lavandula angustifolia alcoholic extracts on Trichomonas gallinae

Trichomonas gallinae is a parasite that acts as a canker-causing agent and leads to significant loss and mortality, especially in young birds. Metronidazole is the approved drug used for the treatment of trichomoniasis. A non-chemical alternativess such as medical plant extracts are also used to treat this disease due to drug resistance. This study aimed to assess in vitro antitrichomonal effects of Lavandula angustifolia and Zingiber officinale extracts on T. gallinae compared with metronidazole. The T. gallinae samples were obtained from infected pigeons. Multi-well plates filled with different concentrations (5.00, 10.00, 25.00, 50.00, and 100 μg mL^-1) were used to perform in vitro analysis. The Z. officinale extract's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the 24-hr period was 25.00 μg mL^-1, while it was 50.00 μg mL^-1 for metronidazole. The MIC value obtained for L. angustifolia extract in 24-hr was 50.00 μg mL^-1. The results indicated that the extracts of Z. officinale and L. angustifolia could act as potential natural agents against trichomoniasis. Furthermore, this study delineated the equal efficiency of L. angustifolia and Z. officinale with that of metronidazole in inhibiting the growth of Trichomonas gallinae trophozoites in culture media.

Molecular and biological functions of gingerol as a natural effective therapeutic drug for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common and important gynecological cancers, which has a global concern with an increasing number of patients and mortality rates. Today, most women in the world who suffer from cervical cancer are developing advanced stages of the disease. Smoking and even exposure to secondhand smoke, infections caused by the human papillomavirus, immune system dysfunction and high-risk individual-social behaviors are among the most important predisposing factors for this type of cancer. In addition, papilloma virus infection plays a more prominent role in cervical cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy or radical hysterectomy, and radiotherapy are effective treatments for this condition, the side effects of these methods endanger a person's quality of life and cause other problems in other parts of the body. Studies show that herbal medicines, including taxol, camptothecin and combretastatins, have been shown to be effective in treating cervical cancer. Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae) is one of the plants with valuable compounds such as gingerols, paradols and shogoals, which is a rich source of antioxidants, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents. Numerous studies have reported the therapeutic effects of this plant through various pathways in cervical cancer. In this article, we look at the signaling mechanisms and pathways in which ginger is used to treat cervical cancer.

Elucidation of antibacterial effect of calcium chloride against Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum race 4 biovar 3 infecting ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Bacterial wilt incited by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (Rps) race 4 biovar 3 is a serious threat to ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) cultivation throughout the ginger growing tracts and warrants effective remedial measures since most of the strategies failed at field level implementation. After a series of experiments, calcium chloride was found to be effective against Rps both in vitro and in planta and its prophylactic effect has been successfully demonstrated under field conditions. CaCl2 at a concentration of > 2% significantly inhibited Rps under in vitro conditions. Calcium is an important nutritional element imparts a major role in plant disease resistance, and numerous studies have demonstrated the mitigating effect of calcium for disease management. CaCl2 being inhibitory to Rps, the mechanism of inhibition by CaCl2 against Rps was elucidated by a series of in vitro assays including swarming motility and biofilm formation. Direct inhibition was also studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration were found to be around 3% while the EC 90 value was found to be 2.25%. The SEM analysis revealed the destruction of cell structure by making perforations on the cell surface. CaCl2 at the targeted concentrations inhibited biofilm formation as well as swarming motility of Rps. These findings suggest that CaCl2 exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Rps and has the potential to be used as an effective bactericide for Rps in managing bacterial wilt in ginger.

Low pH alleviated salinity stress of ginger seedlings by enhancing photosynthesis, fluorescence, and mineral element contents

We investigated the effects of low pH on the photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and mineral contents of the leaves of ginger plants under salt stress. This experiment involved four treatments: T1 (pH 6, 0 salinity), T2 (pH 4, 0 salinity), T3 (pH 6, 100 mmol L⁻¹ salinity) and T4 (pH 4, 100 mmol L⁻¹ salinity). This study showed that photosynthesis (Pn, Gs, WUE and Tr) and chlorophyll fluorescence (qP, Φ PSII, and Fv/Fm) significantly decreased under salt stress; however, all the parameters of the ginger plants under the low-pH treatment and salt stress recovered. Moreover, low pH reduced the content of Na and enhanced the contents of K, Mg, Fe and Zn in the leaves of ginger plants under salt stress. Taken together, these results suggest that low pH improves photosynthesis efficiency and nutrient acquisition and reduces the absorption of Na, which could enhance the salt tolerance of ginger.

Decreased lipoprotein (a) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in male patients with atherosclerosis after supplementation with ginger: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Although the antioxidant properties of ginger have been revealed, there is little available information on the effectiveness of ginger on inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis. This study was carried out to examine the effect of ginger on improving the complication of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted on patients with atherosclerosis. Participants in the ginger and control groups received 1600 mg of powdered ginger or placebo (wheat flour) in capsules daily for 8 weeks. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Ginger consumption in the intervention group significantly reduced serum Lp(a) level (27.25 ± 1.30 ng/ml vs. 23.57 ± 0.97 ng/ml) (P = 0.040) and also the level of hs-CRP in the intervention group was 1.90 ± 0.33 µg/ml and 1.24 ± 0.15 µg/ml (P = 0.010) before and after intervention, respectively, but the levels of Lp(a) and hs-CRP were not decreased significantly in the placebo group. The level of TAC in the ginger group was 0.71 ± 0.05 mM and after the trial was 0.57 ± 0.04 mM (P = 0.050); no significant differences were seen in TAC when ginger was administered at 1600 mg/daily for 60 days. Also the level of Lp(a) and hs-CRP but not TAC reduced significantly in ginger group compared to placebo group after intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that ginger had anti-atherosclerosis and anti-glycemic properties associated through a significant decreased Lp(a) and FBS in patients with atherosclerosis supplemented with ginger.

Relationship between cardiotonic activity of Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) and its fingerprint determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the cardiotonic activity of Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, RALP) and its fingerprint determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

METHODS

First, the fingerprints of six processed products of RALP were established by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) followed by analysis of the principal component of the relative peak area of its common peaks. Next, the scores of the first five principal components were used as input for an artificial neural network (ANN). Additionally, the therapeutic effect of RALP was assessed by measuring the hemodynamic indexes of heart failure model rats. Subsequently, fluorescence semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit were used to determine the effects of RALP-processed products on the serum levels of noradrenaline (NA), angiotensin-Ⅰ (Ang-Ⅰ), and the expression of β-norepinephrine receptor mRNA (β-NRm) in the rat cardiac tissues. P < 0.05 was used as the output of the ANN. Finally, a network was constructed to display the relationship between the LC-MS fingerprints and the cardiotonic activity of the RALP-processed products.

RESULTS

Several types of RALPs can improve diastolic function, systolic function and heart rate. On the basis of the findings from the principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 common peaks of fingerprints of six RALP-processed products, it was revealed that the first five principal components may include 100% of the information of the original data. As observed from the multilayer perceptron neural network analysis, principal component 4 presented with the strongest effects on serum levels of NA and Ang-Ⅰ in rats, while principal component 1 exerted the greatest effect on β-NRm expression in cardiac tissue.

CONCLUSION

The key findings obtained from this study indicated that the network constructed by the PCA-ANN may predict pharmacodynamic effects of the main ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This method may serve as a new approach to identify the relationship between LC-MS fingerprints and the pharmacodynamic effects of TCM ingredients.

Acute effects of dry extract of ginger on energy expenditure in eutrophic women: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The thermic effect of food (TEF) is one of the components of total energy expenditure (TEE). Some bioactive compounds present in food could be useful to increase TEE. In this context, ginger has been extensively used as a thermogenic food despite no clear effect has been demonstrated yet. Herein, we evaluated the acute thermogenic effect of gingerol, a bioactive compound present in ginger, in healthy women.

METHODS

We carried out a randomized double-masked, cross-over and placebo-controlled clinical trial with 20 healthy eutrophic women. Anthropometric, body composition, indirect calorimetry and clinical variables were collected at baseline and throughout the intervention phase. A standardized breakfast was offered together with two dry extract of ginger capsules (5% gingerol) or a placebo (cellulose). Indirect calorimetry, blood pressure, heart rate, axillary temperature and blood collection were assessed at baseline and thereafter, at 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min postprandial. The analyses were repeated with a minimum of seven days' washout period.

RESULTS

Ginger intake did not increase the TEF of a standardized breakfast compared to the placebo. Oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, blood pressure, heart rate, axillary temperature and metabolic profile were not different as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that gingerol did not modify the acute TEF in healthy women. More studies in human subjects, using different concentrations of gingerol, administration methods and intervention type (chronic effect) are necessary to clarify the putative thermogenic effect of ginger. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Thermogenic Effect of Ginger - NCT03089593).

Standardized extract of ginger ameliorates liver cancer by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis through inhibition oxidative stress/ inflammation pathway

Ginger has been proposed as quite a promising candidate for cancer prevention. The purpose of this study was to assess the chemo-preventive effects of ginger. Furthermore, this study investigated the possible mechanisms of a standardized extract drawn from the rhizomes of ginger against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in Wistar rats. The chemo-preventive effects of ginger at doses of 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg per day were determined using a liver cancer model which was induced by DEN (Ali et al., 2008) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in rats. Ginger attenuated carcinogenic changes after 22 weeks of cancer induction by decreasing the quantity and occurrences of hepatic dyschromatic nodules and positive focal areas as well as decreasing the amount of placental glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the livers of DEN/2-AAF-treated rats. Moreover, in rats, ginger counteracts DEN-influenced oxidative stress and decreases myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl concentrations in the liver. This was determined by observing the restoration of superoxide dismutase, catalase, GST and glutathione. Immunohistochemical bleaching in rat livers showed that ginger prevented the increase in cell-positive numbers for Ki-67, cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B p65. Ginger also inhibited the number of positive cells in DEN/2-AAF-treated rats for TUNEL, M30 and caspase-3 liver tissues. This research shows that ginger has an important chemo-preventative impact on liver cancer by inhibiting the growth of cells and inducing apoptosis. By reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage, ginger protects rat liver against cancer.

Ginger and turmeric lipid-solubles attenuate heated oil-induced oxidative stress in the brain via the upregulation of NRF2 and improve cognitive function in rats

In this study, we elucidated the modulatory potentials of lipid-solubles from ginger and turmeric that may migrate to oils during heating on the brain antioxidant defense and cognitive response in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with control diet [including native canola oil (N-CNO), and native sunflower oil (N-SFO)], or experimental diets [including heated canola oil (H-CNO), heated sunflower oil (H-SFO), heated canola oil with ginger (H-CNO + GI), heated canola oil with turmeric (H-CNO + TU), heated sunflower oil with ginger (H-SFO + GI), heated sunflower oil with turmeric (H-SFO + TU)] for 90 days. Memory parameters [Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, novel object recognition test, T-maze (spontaneous alteration)], locomotor skills (open field test and rotarod test), antioxidant defense enzymes, reactive oxygen species, NOS2, ICAM-1, and NRF-2 level in the brain were assessed. Compared to their respective controls, heated oil-fed rats, but not those fed oils heated with ginger or turmeric, showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the memory, motor coordination skills, antioxidant defense enzymes, and NRF-2 activation in the brain. Compared to their respective controls, the brain NOS-2 and ICAM-1 were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in heated oil-fed rats, but not those fed oils heated with ginger or turmeric. Chronic intake of repeatedly heated oil causes brain dysfunction by inducing oxidative stress through NRF-2 downregulation. Lipid-solubles from ginger and turmeric that may migrate to oil during heating prevent the oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction triggered by heated oils in rats.

Ginger and turmeric lipid-solubles attenuate heated oil-induced hepatic inflammation via the downregulation of NF-kB in rats

PURPOSE

Reusing deep-fried vegetable oils multiple times is a common practice to save costs, and their chronic consumption may cause hepatic dysfunction. In this investigation, we assessed the modulatory effects of ginger and turmeric lipid-solubles that may migrate to oils during heating on the hepatic inflammatory response in rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed with; 1) control {native canola (N-CNO) or native sunflower (N-SFO)} oil, 2) heated (heated canola {(H-CNO) or heated sunflower (H-SFO)} oil, and 3) heated oil with ginger or turmeric {heated canola with ginger (H-CNO + GI) or heated canola oil with turmeric (H-CNO + TU), heated sunflower oil with ginger (H-SFO + GI) or heated sunflower oil with turmeric (H-SFO + TU)} for 120 days. Hepatic inflammatory response comprising eicosanoids, cytokines, and NF-kB were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared to respective controls, feeding heated oils significantly (p < 0.05); 1) increased eicosanoids (PGE2, LTB4, and LTC4) and cytokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, and IL-6), 2) increased nuclear translocation of NF-kB in the liver, and 3) increased the hepatic expression of 5-LOX, COX-2, BLT-1, and EP-4. However, feeding oils heated with ginger or turmeric positively countered the changes induced by consumption of heated oils.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of repeatedly heated oil may cause hepatic dysfunction by inducing inflammatory stress through NF-kB upregulation. Lipid-solubles from ginger and turmeric that may migrate to oil during heating prevent the hepatic inflammatory response triggered by heated oils in rats.

Protective effect of 6-paradol in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Background

Ulcerative colitis is a gut inflammatory disorder due to altered immune response to gut microbiome, with interplay of environmental and genetic factors. TNF-α activates inflammatory response through a cascade of immune responses, augmenting pro-inflammatory mediators and proteases, activating chemotaxis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, leading to ulceration and haemorrhage through cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. 6-Paradol, a dietary component in several plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Current study evaluates the effect of 6-paradol in amelioration of ulcerative colitis in rats for the first time.

Methods

6-Paradol (95% purity) was obtained from seeds of Aframomum melegueta. Rats were divided randomly into six groups (n = 8). Group one was administered normal saline; group two was treated with the vehicle only; group three, sulfasalazine 500 mg/kg; and groups four, five, and six, were given 6-paradol (50, 100, 200, respectively) mg/kg orally through gastric gavage for 7 days. Colitis was induced on 4th day by intrarectal administration of 2 ml acetic acid (3%), approximately 3 cm from anal verge. On 8th day, rats were sacrificed, and distal one-third of the colon extending proximally up to 4 cm from anal orifice was taken for biochemical and gross examination. Two centimetres of injured mucosal portion was taken for histopathological investigations. SPSS (ver.26) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Colonic and serum glutathione (GSH) levels decreased, while colonic and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and colon weight to length ratio were increased significantly in the colitis untreated group compared to normal control. Treatment with 6-paradol considerably improved all these parameters, especially at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001), revealing non-significant differences with sulfasalazine 500 mg/kg and normal control (p = 0.998). Sulfasalazine and 6-paradol in a dose dependent manner also markedly reversed mucosal oedema, atrophy and inflammation, cryptic damage, haemorrhage, and ulceration. There were non-significant differences between low and medium doses and between medium and high doses of 6-paradol for IL-6 and serum MDA levels.

Conclusion

6-Paradol demonstrated protection against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis, probably by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03203-7.

Identification of the active substances and mechanisms of ginger for the treatment of colon cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background and objective

Colon cancer is occurring at an increasing rate and ginger (Zingiber officinale), as a commonly used herbal medicine, has been suggested as a potential agent for colon cancer. This study was aimed to identify the bioactive components and potential mechanisms of ginger for colon cancer prevention by an integrated network pharmacology approach.

Methods

The putative ingredients of ginger and its related targets were discerned from the TCMSP  and Swiss target prediction database. After that, the targets interacting with colon cancer were collected using Genecards, OMIM, and Drugbank databases. KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis were performed to explore the signaling pathways related to ginger for colon cancer treatments. The PPI and compound-target-disease networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.1. Finally, Discovery studio software was employed to confirm the key genes and active components from ginger.

Results

Six potential active compounds, 285 interacting targets in addition to 1356 disease-related targets were collected, of which 118 intersection targets were obtained. A total of 34 key targets including PIK3CA, SRC, and TP53 were identified through PPI network analysis. These targets were mainly focused on the biological processes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling, cellular response to oxidative stress, and cellular response to peptide hormone stimulus. The KEGG enrichment manifested that three signaling pathways were closely related to colon cancer prevention of ginger, cancer, endocrine resistance, and hepatitis B pathways. TP53, HSP90AA1, and JAK2 were viewed as the most important genes, which were validated by molecular docking simulation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that ginger produced preventive effects against colon cancer by regulating multi-targets and multi-pathways with multi-components. And, the combined data provide novel insight for ginger compounds developed as new drug for anti-colon cancer.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe) extract could upregulate the renal expression of NRF2 and TNFα and prevents ethanol-induced toxicity in rat kidney

OBJECTIVE

Ginger has protective effects on the kidney, however the molecular mechanism of this effect has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this work studied molecular mechanisms of ginger effects on ethanol-induced kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ginger (1 g/kg/day ginger extract by oral gavage), ethanol (4 g/kg/day ethanol by oral gavage) and ginger-ethanol group and treated daily for 28 days. Kidney function, expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α genes and oxidative stress parameters in kidney tissue, were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of ginger extract were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Hydroethanolic extract of ginger showed a good level of DPPH scavenging activity and TPC. In the ethanol group, serum level of urea, creatinine and uric acid and the expression of NRF2 and TNF-α significantly increased compared to control group, while co-treatment with ginger in ginger+ethanol group significantly ameliorated them compared to the ethanol group. Ethanol exposure significantly reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase  (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) compared to the control values ,while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased. Ginger significantly ameliorated the level of MDA and activity of SOD, GPx and CAT in the ginger-ethanol group compared to the ethanol group.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that ginger's protective effects against ethanol renotoxicity were mediated via enhancing the NRF2 and TNF-α expression.

The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) feed on cardiac biomarker in medium-dose isoproterenol-induced myocardial toxicity

OBJECTIVE

Traditional medicines have been widely used to prevent and treat diseases for thousands of years. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ginger feed on cardiac biomarker in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats were grouped into six groups of five: Control; ISO-induced toxicity; ginger fed; ginger fed before; ginger fed+ ISO simultaneously and ginger fed after. Freshly prepared solution of ISO was injected through intraperitoneal route at a dosage of 20 mg/kg, while the control received distilled water. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture after two weeks of administration, the serum was used to evaluate biomarkers.

RESULTS

The CK-MB and CK of ginger-fed groups were significantly lower compared to ISO group- 8.2±0.5 U/L and 39.36±5.28 U/L respectively, P <0.05. The CK-MB and CK levels of all ginger-fed groups showed no significant difference compared to the control- 2.2±0.3 U/L and 17. 07±3.4.90 U/L, respectively p>0.05, except ginger fed after group where they were significantly higher compared to the control. The mean value of LDH in all ginger-fed groups was lower than the ISO group (67.17±0.88 U/L; p<0.05), but significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control (26.45±2.52 U/L). The mean value of ALT in all ginger fed groups was lower than the ISO group (83.11±4.88U/L; p≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ginger feed hindered toxic effects of isoproterenol.

Zingiber officinale ameliorates Alzheimer's disease and Cognitive Impairments: Lessons from preclinical studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition mostly communal in people of advanced years accompanying various dysfunctionalities especially cognitive impairments. A number of cellular damages, such as amyloid-beta aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, some neurotransmitter imbalances, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses are responsible for AD incidence. As a reason for inadequate efficacy, side effects, and pharmacokinetic problems of conventional drugs used for AD, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents with multi-targeted potential is desirable. Protective properties of phytochemicals combat numerous diseases and their vast acceptance and demand in human beings encouraged scientists to assess their effective activities. Zingiber officinale, gingerol, shogaol, and borneol were evaluated against memory impairments. Online databases including; Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Pubmed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched until 3th February 2020. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are included after screening their eligibility. Mostly interventive mechanisms such as; oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis are described. Correlation between the pathogenesis of AD and signaling pathways is explicated. Results and scores of cognition measurements are clarified due to in vivo studies and clinical trials. Some traditional aspects of consuming ginger in AD are also mentioned in the present review. In accumulation ginger and its components possess great potency for improving and abrogating memory dysfunctions but conducting further studies to evaluate their pharmacological and pharmaceutical aspects is required.

Physical Activity and Natural Products and Minerals in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Update

Coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global public health issue, and there is a desperate need for strategies of prevention, reduction, and treatment to halt the epidemic. The coronavirus affects the immune system, and individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, are more susceptible to this virus. Lifestyle-related variables such as physical activity and nutritional supplements can decrease inflammatory markers, increase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status, and improve the immune system. Lifesty-lerelated variables play preventive roles against various infectious diseases including COVID-19. This review highlights the effects of physical activity and nutrients supplements on the immune system and their possible benefits in combating the harms caused by infection with the COVID-19 virus.

Natural Insulin Sensitizers for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Possible Molecular Mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus is a growing health challenge globally which is increasing in epidemic proportion. Naturally occurring pharmacological agents are more likely to provide beneficial therapeutic effects without undesirable side effects compared to the synthetic agents. There is a growing evidence that some naturally occurring pharmacological agents derived from plants have potential antihyperglycemic effects. In this study, we have reviewed the molecular mechanism behind potential hypoglycemic properties of four well-known herbal-based agents, namely, ginger, curcumin, garlic, and cinnamon. Also, we present the related clinical data confirming experimental results aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies based on these herbal agents potentially for the management of patients with diabetes.

Ginger and Heart Health: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

As a major cause of morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally increasing. In spite of recent development in the management of cardiovascular complications, CVDs have remained a medical challenge. Numerous conventional drugs are used to play cardioprotective roles; however, they are associated with several side effects. Considering the rich phytochemistry and fewer side effects of herbal medicines, they have gained particular attention to develop novel herbal drugs with cardioprotective potentials. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used and well-known functional food and condiment, possessing plentiful bioactivities, like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in several disorders management.

OBJECTIVE

The current review deliberated phytochemical properties as well as the ginger/ginger constituents' biological activities and health benefits in several diseases, with particular attention to cardiovascular complications.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, national database (Irandoc and SID), and related articles in terms of the health benefits and cardioprotective effects of ginger/ginger constituents. These data were collected from inception until August 2019.

RESULTS

In recent years, several herbal medicines were used to develop new drugs with more potency and also minor side effects. Amongst natural entities, ginger is used as a traditional medicine in several diseases. The crude extract, along with related pungent active constituents, is mostly attributed to heart health. The cardioprotective effects of ginger are contributed to its cardiotonic, anti- hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-platelet effects. The signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of ginger regarding its cardioprotective effects are also clarified.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the biological activities, health benefits, and cardioprotective properties of ginger/ginger constituents along with related mechanisms of action, which gave new insights to show new avenues in the treatment of CVDs.