Review Article
Year: 2020 | Month: June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 142-148
A Review on Medicinal Uses of Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Kankanam Gamage Chithramala Dissanayake1, Waliwita Angoda Liyanage Chandrasiri Waliwita2, Ruwan Priyantha Liyanage3
1Senior Lecturer, Dissanayake KGC, 2Senior Lecturer, Waliwita WALC, 3Lecturer (Temporary), Liyanage RP,
Department of Cikitsa, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Yakkala,
Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Kankanam Gamage Chithramala Dissanayake
ABSTRACT
Rhizome of Zingiber officinale (ginger) is extensively used in medicinal purpose. Ayurveda literatures highlight administration of ginger in both of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Recent advances in analytical chemistry, cytology and microbiology recommend application of ginger in various disease conditions as well as recommendations in Ayurveda literature. The current study focused on review ethno medicinal value of Z. officinale including antiviral effect, radioprotective effect, anti-inflammatory effect, anticancer effect and antioxidant effect with special reference to Ayurveda recommendations. The study elaborates; ginger is effective in viral infections and revitalizing the body at disease conditions according to both of Ayurveda and modern concepts through enhancing appetite, immunity and re-boosting weakened physiological functions of the human body. Active ingredients which available in ginger such as 6-gingerole, 6-shogaol, 6-paradol, zingerole and zerumbone are responsible in upgrading enzyme actions and balancing circulation through rejuvenating the body with physical re-strengthening.
Key words: ginger, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant