10-Dehydrogingerdione raises HDL-cholesterol through a CETP inhibition and wards off oxidation and inflammation in dyslipidemic rabbits

10-dehydrogingerdione amends tramadol-elicited neurotransmitters disturbance and apoptosis in the brain of male rats by repleting non-enzymatic antioxidants

Tramadol is analgesic medication to relief acute and chronic pain, referred to as alternative to opioid drugs however its abuse or overdosage may resulted in neuronal toxicity. This is attributed to severe fluctuations of neurotransmitters pattern along with cerebral inflammation and oxidative damage. Present work was undertaken to illustrate the cytoprotective effect of 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) on the brain tissues of experimental rats due to Tramadol intake and its underlying mechanism. 24 male wistar rats were randomized into 4 equal groups. Group (1), received tramadol in a dose level 20 mg/kg intrapertioneal (i.p) daily for 30 days and referred to Tramadol group. Group (2), received both of 10-DHGD (10 mg/kg, orally) one hour before tramadol intake (dose as mentioned before) daily for 30 days. Group (3) received 10-DHGD only (10 mg/kg, orally) and daily for 30 days. Group (4), received no drugs and referred to control group for comparison. Tramadol significantly reduced Norepinephrin (NE), dopamine, serotonin and glutathione (reduced) contents of Cerebral cortex. lipid peroxidation, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) levels and caspase-3 immunoreactivity showed however significant increase. Of note, 10-DHGD significantly increased neurotransmitters, glutathione contents while Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), NFkB, INOS additionally caspase-3 immunoexpression showed significant decrease i.e counteracted to certain extent tramadol effect. These findings may refer to the cytoprotective potential of 10-DHGD against the neurotoxicity exerted by tramadol intake, most probably mediated via enhancement of endogenous antioxidants system.

A comprehensive review on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a potential source of nutraceuticals for food formulations: Towards the polishing of gingerol and other present biomolecules

Currently, ginger is one the most consumed plants when dealing with the treatments of various illnesses. So far, it is known that various biologically active molecules, such as gingerols, shogaols and zingerone, among others, are the main responsible for specific biological activities, opening a new window for its utilization as a nutraceutical in foods. In pioneering extraction processes, solvent extraction has been initially used for these applications; however, the drawbacks of this typical extraction method compared with other emergent separation techniques make it possible for the exploration of new extraction pathways, including microwave, ultrasound, supercritical, subcritical and pressurized-assisted extraction, along with three phase partitioning, high-speed counter current chromatography and magnetic solid phase extraction. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report documenting the recent studies and cases of study in this field. Therefore, we comprehensively review the progress and the latest findings (over the last five years) on research developments, including patents and emerging extraction methods, aiming at the purification of biologically active molecules (gingerols, shogaols and zingerone) contained in ginger. Over the course of this review, particular emphasis is devoted to breakthrough strategies and meaningful outcomes in ginger components extraction. Finally, dosage and safety concerns related to ginger extracts are also documented.

Azelastine a potent antihistamine agent, as hypolipidemic and modulator for aortic calcification in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats model

AIM

Our study aimed to illustrate the effect of the antihistaminic drug azelastine on aortic calcification in diabetic hyperlipidemic (DH) rats along with the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats were categorised into four groups. One group received normal rodent chow (normal group), while the other groups were rendered diabetic and hyperlipidemic; one received no drugs and served as a positive control while the other two groups received either azelastine (4 mg/kg) or 10-dehydrogingerdione (10 mg/kg) orally and daily for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Azelastine significantly reduced blood glucose, HbA1c and serum ALP, OCN, downregulated apo B, improved the lipid profile (LDL-c decrease and HDL-c increase), attenuated calcium deposition and aortic calcification as compared to control group. 10-DHGD showed comparatively lower effect.

CONCLUSION

Anti-calcifying effect of azelastine might be related to upregulation of apo A (HDL-c) and downregulation of apo B mRNA expression indeed good modulator of aortic calcification.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Many studies have indicated that high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) is inversely correlated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and could reduce cardiovascular disease risk. An anti-calcifying effect of HDL-c has been reported and targeting this lipoprotein may therefore be a valuable approach to vascular calcification control. Azelastine is a selective H1 antagonist that was identified to increase mRNA expression of apolipoprotein A. This encouraged us to investigate the effect of azelastine on lipid profile and markers of aortic calcification in DH rats. Our findings showed that azelastine ameliorated aortic calcification and increased apoA expression along with a decline in apo B. This may represent the underlying mechanism while the histopathological findings offered a significant support to the collected biochemical data.

Oxidative Stress in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis: Protective Role of Natural Antioxidants

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is the most prevalent heart valvular disease worldwide and a slowly progressive disorder characterized by thickening of the aortic valve, calcification, and subsequent heart failure. Valvular calcification is an active cell regulation process in which valvular interstitial cells involve phenotypic conversion into osteoblasts/chondrocytes-like cells. The underlying pathophysiology is complicated, and there have been no pharmacological treatments for CAVS to date. Recent studies have suggested that an increase in oxidative stress is the major trigger of CAVS, and natural antioxidants could ameliorate the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of CAVS. It is imperative to review the current findings regarding the role of natural antioxidants in CAVS, as they can be a promising therapeutic approach for managing CAVS, a disorder currently without effective treatment. This review summarizes the current findings on molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress in the development of valvular calcification and discusses the protective roles of natural antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of CAVS.

Ginger and its constituents: Role in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with obscure etiology, are rising and are of worldwide concern. Of the various components of IBD pathogenesis and progression, irritation appears to play a major part. Investigations on the molecular and cellular pathways that activate the IBD provide the focus for the development of useful therapies. Ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has a broad spectrum of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenic factors in many diseases, including IBD. The most established components of ginger are phenolic compounds called gingerols. A wide range of pharmacological activities of the potential therapeutic benefit of Z. officinale have been detailed. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger has been documented by many researchers. It was shown that ginger is a potent inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STATs), Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and mTOR (mTOR) pathways, as well as inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present report, the potential application of ginger in the management of IBD is reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of ginger and its bioactive components. The significance of the functions, side effects, and delivery of ginger to the digestive system for particular application in IBD are also considered.

Ginger from Farmyard to Town: Nutritional and Pharmacological Applications

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most widely used natural products consumed as a spice and medicine for treating diabetes, flatulent intestinal colic, indigestion, infertility, inflammation, insomnia, a memory booster, nausea, rheumatism, stomach ache, and urinary tract infections. To date, over 400 bioactive components, such as diarylheptanoids, gingerol analogues, phenylalkanoids, sulfonates, monoterpenoid glycosides, steroids, and terpene compounds have been derived from ginger. Increasing evidence has revealed that ginger possesses a broad range of biological activities, especially protective effects against male infertility, nausea and vomiting, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and other effects. The pharmacological activities of ginger were mainly attributed to its active phytoconstituents such as 6-gingerol, gingerdiol, gingerol, gingerdione, paradols, shogaols, sesquiterpenes, zingerone, besides other phenolics and flavonoids. In recent years, in silico molecular docking studies revealed that gingerol (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol) and Shogaol (6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol) had the best binding affinities to the receptor protein in disease conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, obesity, and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, some clinical trials have indicated that ginger can be consumed for alleviation of nausea and vomiting induced by surgery, pain, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, male infertility. This review provides an updated understanding of the scientific evidence on the development of ginger and its active compounds as health beneficial agents in future clinical trials.

Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing proteins; toll-like receptors; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH-Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and 10-dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.

Histopathological changes in submandibular gland and dorsal tongue of experimental rats due to prolonged tramadol intake focusing on novel modulatory effect of 10-dehydrogingerdione

OBJECTIVES

This project aims to develop a framework to illustrate the degenerative effects induced by prolonged tramadol intake in salivary glands and tongue tissues. We strive in this work to investigate the probable role of 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) in regeneration of these tissues.

DESIGN

Forty male albino rats were designated for the study and categorized into four groups. Group (1) received no drugs and served as normal control group. Group (2) received tramadol intra peritoneal (20 mg /kg) body weight daily for 45 days. Group (3) received freshly prepared 10-DHGD orally in a dose level (10 mg /kg). Group (4) received combination of tramadol and 10 DHGD for 45 days. Histological examination is that routine testing that was done in all studied subjects to demonstrate any cytological changes with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) in the submandibular glands and dorsal tongue tissues along with histochemical investigation using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical presentation of Caspase-3.

RESULTS

Submandibular salivary glands and dorsal tongue tissues showed degenerative changes in tramadol treated group while control and 10-DHGD groups presented with no cytological or morphological changes. Histochemical investigation revealed marked reduction in PAS staining reaction in tramadol group as compared to other studied groups. Regarding to immunoreactivity of caspase-3 when all groups were compared, the differences in mean values of area percentage were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Tramadol provoked oxidative damage and apoptosis in oral tissues, which significantly decreased by 10-DHGD intake as it may exert an ameliorative effect that help alleviating these degenerative effects.

10-Dehydrogingerdione ameliorates renal endoplasmic reticulum/oxidative stress and apoptosis in alcoholic nephropathy induced in experimental rats

BACKGROUND

Chronic alcoholism induces kidney injury (KI), leading to increased mortality in alcoholic hepatitis patients. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) represents the main initiator of kidney diseases and alcoholic nephropathy.

AIMS

We used alcoholic nephropathy rat model followed by 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) intake as potential modulator. This is to focus on ER/oxidative stress/inflammatory and apoptotic pathways involvement.

MAIN METHOD

Alcoholic nephropathy was induced by alcohol administration (3.7 g/kg/body weight) orally and daily for 45 days. 10-DHGD (10 mg/kg/day) was administered either alone or along with alcohol.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results demonstrated significant increase in kidney function parameters like f creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Renal ER/oxidative stress markers such as cytochrome P450 family two subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and endoplasmic glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78) demonstrated also significant increase. Inflammatory mediators like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β along with apoptotic marker caspase-3 behaved similarly. Antioxidant molecules like reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase demonstrated marked decrease.

SIGNIFICANCE

10-DHGD administration resulted in significant modulation represented by an enhancement in the kidney functions and the histopathological patterns in a conclusion of its potential to ameliorate the pathological changes (kidney injury) induced by alcohol intake.

Compounds of plants with activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets

Introduction

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies.

Areas covered

This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets.

Expert Opinion

The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other’s drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.

Early myocardial injury biomarkers in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats: Impact of 10-dehydrogingerdione and vitamin D3

IMPACT STATEMENT

Hyperlipidemia represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases leading to myocardial injury (MI). The present study aimed to illustrate the pattern of myocardial injury induced in diabetic hyperlipidemic rat model and the effect of vitamin D3, 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) intake either individually or in combination form.

Natural and non-natural antioxidative compounds: potential candidates for treatment of vascular calcification

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in patients with advanced age, or those with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, accounting for substantial global cardiovascular burden. The pathophysiology of VC involves active mineral deposition by transdifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells exhibiting osteoblast-like behavior, building upon cores with or without apoptotic bodies. Oxidative stress drives the progression of the cellular phenotypic switch and calcium deposition in the vascular wall. In this review, we discuss potential compounds that shield these cells from the detrimental influences of reactive oxygen species as promising treatment options for VC. A comprehensive summary of the current literature regarding antioxidants for VC is important, as no effective therapy is currently available for this disease. We systematically searched through the existing literature to identify original articles investigating traditional antioxidants and novel compounds with antioxidant properties with regard to their effectiveness against VC in experimental or clinical settings. We uncovered 36 compounds with antioxidant properties against VC pathology, involving mechanisms such as suppression of NADPH oxidase, BMP-2, and Wnt/β-catenin; anti-inflammation; and activation of Nrf2 pathways. Only two compounds have been tested clinically. These findings suggest that a considerable opportunity exists to harness these antioxidants for therapeutic use for VC. In order to achieve this goal, more translational studies are needed.

Hepatoprotective and Renoprotective Properties of Lovastatin-Loaded Ginger and Garlic Oil Nanoemulsomes: Insights into Serum Biological Parameters

Background and Objectives: Dyslipidemia is gaining much attention among healthcare professionals because of its high association with the malfunctioning of a number of normal physiological and metabolic processes in the body. Obesity is directly interconnected with dyslipidemia and is said to be a denouement of hyperlipidemia and, if left untreated, may lead to intense damage to organs that are directly involved in fat metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic antiobesity and anti-hyperlipidemic activities along with hepato- and renoprotective potential of nanoemulsomes (NES) of lovastatin (LTN)-loaded ginger (GR) and garlic (GL) oils. Materials and Methods: LTN nanoemulsomes co-encapsulated with GR oil and GL oil were prepared by a thin hydration technique. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were induced with hyperlipidemia via a high-fat diet (HFD) comprising 40% beef tallow. Body weight, serum biochemical lipid parameters, and those for liver and kidney functions, serum TC, LDL-C, vLDL-C, HDL-C, TG, atherogenic index (AI), ALT, AFT, ALP, γ-GT, total protein (TP), serum albumin and globulin ratio (A/G), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood urea, and histopathology of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained liver and kidney sections of all aforementioned groups were examined in the treated animals. Results: Nanoemulsomes of LTN-loaded GR and GL oils provided synergistic effects with LTN, exerted better ameliorative actions in reducing serum TC, LDL-C, vLDL-C, triglycerides, and AI, and improved serum HDL-C levels. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT levels were in the normal range for nanoemulsome groups. H&E stained liver and kidney sections of these animals confirmed better hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects than LTN alone. Serum biochemical parameters for renal functions also claimed to be in the moderate range for nanoemulsome-treated groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that nanoemulsomes of LTN-loaded GR and GL oils synergistically provided better antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective effects as compared to LTN alone.

Dyslipidemia induced inflammatory status, platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in rabbits: Protective role of 10-Dehydrogingerdione

10-Dehydrogingerdione is a novel cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor of natural origin. Some synthetic CETP inhibitors have recently been reported to suppress proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Therefore, the present study aimed mainly to clarify the effect of 10-Dehydrogingerdione on cellular adhesion inflammatory molecules, platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction markers in addition to PCSK9 as compared to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic rabbits. Dyslipidemia was induced in 30 male rabbits, distributed in 3 equal groups through feeding dietary cholesterol (0.5% w/w) for 3 months. Two dyslipidemic groups were concurrently treated with either atorvastatin or 10-Dehydrogingerdione (10 mg/kg/ day, p.o) and dietary cholesterol. One additional group including 10 normal rabbits fed normal diet served as normal control (NC) group. Both 10-Dehydrogingerdione and atorvastatin significantly reduced serum CETP level and activity as well as PCSK9 and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels but increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels as compared to dyslipidemic control (DC) rabbits (p <  0.001). Both treatments also induced a marked decrease in the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as atherogenic and coronary risk indexes in addition to aortic atheromatous changes and intima/media ratio, respectively as compared to the DC group (p <  0.001). The reduction in these markers showed a significant correlation with PCSK9 suppression and CETP inhibitory effect. Interestingly, 10-Dehydrogingerdione exerted a greater ameliorative potential regarding these biomarkers than atorvastatin. Our findings suggest that 10-Dehydrogingerdione is a promising PCSK9 inhibitor with a significant protective value against many atherosclerotic risk factors.

The modulation of PCSK-9 and GAGs by 10-dehydrogingerdione and pentoxifylline in hyperlipidemic rabbits

The hypolipidemic effect of 10-DHGD was previously reported owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. We further investigated the anti-inflammatory role of 10-DHGD in modulating atherogenicity by targeting proproteinconvertasesubtilisinkexin-9 (PCSK-9). Rabbits fed high cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.2% w/w cholesterol for12-weeks received either 10-DHGD (10-mg/kg), pentoxifylline (PTX, 40-mg/kg) or their combination concurrently with HCD. Lipid profile, serum PCSK-9, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), aorta tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were measured. Atherogenicity and increased PCSK-9, MIF and TNF-α and GAGs (p < 0.001) was proved HCD-fed rabbits. The concurrent administration of 10-DHGD or PTX with HCD feeding prevented this atheogenicity by modulating the release of PCSK-9, inflammatory markers and GAGs. The combined PTX and 10-DHGD in HCD fed rabbits not only lowered hyperlipidemia, but also targeted arterial inflammation to a better extent. In conclusion PTX and 10-DHGD can prevent hyperlipidemia and associated inflammatory process modifying factors predisposing to atherosclerosis.

Potential therapeutic roles of 10-dehydrogingerdione and/or pentoxifylline against calcium deposition in aortic tissues of high dietary cholesterol-fed rabbits

The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) and pentoxifylline (PTX) either individually or in combined form on calcium deposition in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rabbits as compared to atorvastatin (ATOR), and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Three-months-old male New Zealand white rabbits received either normal chow or HCD for 12 weeks. The latter group was subdivided into five groups and concurrently treated either with vehicle (dyslipidemic control), ATOR, 10-DHGD, PTX or combined 10-DHGD and PTX. Blood samples and aortic tissue were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. HCD-fed rabbits displayed dyslipidemia, inflammation, atherosclerotic lesions, and calcium deposition in aortas as compared to normal group. This was associated with up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), wingless-type MMTV integration site family 3A (Wnt3a) mRNA levels and osteopontin expression in their aortic tissue, along with higher serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. Furthermore, a marked decrease in osteoprotegerin, along with a significant increase in receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK) levels, was found in aortic tissue of dyslipidemic rabbits. 10-DHGD and PTX monotherapy significantly modulated the afore-mentioned calcification markers and attenuated aortic calcification to greater extent than ATOR. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX exerted more anti-calcifying effect than either individual drug. Our findings suggested therapeutic roles of 10-DHGD and PTX against aortic calcium deposition in dyslipidemic rabbits, likely mediated by HDL-raising effect and attenuation of associated inflammation. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for aortic calcification associated with atherosclerosis.

Atheroprotective potentials of curcuminoids against ginger extract in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

The anti-atherogenic potentials of total ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract (TGE) or curcuminoids extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), members of family Zingiberaceae, were compared in hypercholesterolaemia. Rabbits were fed either normal or atherogenic diet. The rabbits on atherogenic diet received treatments with TGE or curcumenoids and placebo concurrently for 6 weeks (n = 6). The anti-atherogenic effects of curcuminoids and ginger are mediated via multiple mechanisms. This effect was correlated with their ability to lower cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. Ginger extract exerted preferential effects on plasma lipids, reverse cholesterol transport, cholesterol synthesis and inflammatory status. Curcuminoids, however, showed superior antioxidant activity.