Ginger

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Ginger
Common Names	Ginger
Hindi	Adrak (fresh), Sonth (dry)
Sanskrit	Ardraka (fresh), Shunthi (dry), Nagara
Latin/Botanical	Zingiber officinale

Parts Used

• Rhizome

Dosha Effects

Dosha	Effect
Vata	Decreases
Kapha	Decreases
Pitta	May Increase (Dry Form Especially)

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Gingerols (6-gingerol)
• Shogaols
• Zingerone
• Zingiberene
• Bisabolene

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

• Digestive stimulant
• Anti-emetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Carminative
• Expectorant

How does it work?

• 6-Gingerol and 6-shogaol inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis (anti-inflammatory).
• Suppresses NF-kB transcription factor activation and MAPK signaling pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta).
• 6-Shogaol (formed from 6-gingerol by dehydration) contains alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl moiety (Michael acceptor) conferring superior anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects compared to gingerol.
• 10-Shogaol identified as most potent compound for blocking iNOS and COX-2 expression and NF-kB activity in colitis models.
• Increases cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels, providing cellular antioxidant defense.
• Inhibits iNOS expression, reducing nitric oxide production in inflammatory conditions.
• Antiemetic effect via serotonin receptor (5-HT3) antagonism in the gastrointestinal tract.

How is it used traditionally?

Called ‘Vishwabheshaja’ (universal medicine). Fresh (Ardraka) and dry (Shunthi) forms have different properties in Ayurveda. Component of Trikatu.

Where is it described in the classical texts?

• Charaka Samhita (Deepaniya group)
• Sushruta Samhita
• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
• Ashtanga Hridaya

Modern Research (Meta-Analysis)

Total PubMed publications found: 63

Key Research Papers

1. Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines: A Literature Review of Their Applications in Female Reproductive Health.

Authors: Patibandla Srihita, Gallagher Joshua J, Patibandla Laasya et al. Journal: Cureus (2024) PMID: 38558676

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic and personalized healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent, has been gaining increasing attention as a complementary and alternative medical practice for treating various health conditions, including those related to women’s reproductive well-being. This comprehensive literature review examines a wide array of experimental and clinical studies exploring the diverse facets of Ayurvedic interventions in addressing issues such as menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopausal symptoms. The paper specifically focuses on discussing the available data regarding the efficacy of Tulsi (…

Keywords: ayurveda, female reproductive health, fertility inducing drugs, herbal medicines, lactation, laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, obstetrics and gynecology, polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos), primary dysmenorrhea

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) in mild and moderate COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled exploratory trial.

Authors: Singh Harbans, Yadav Babita, Rai Amit K et al. Journal: Complementary therapies in medicine (2023) PMID: 37482107

Ayurveda interventions have been used for prophylaxis and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and have shown promising results in promoting early clinical recovery from COVID-19…

Keywords: Ashwagandha, Ayurveda, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Shunthi, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale

3. Treatment of the common cold with herbs used in Ayurveda and Jamu: monograph review and the science of ginger, liquorice, turmeric and peppermint.

Authors: Wardani Retno S, Schellack Natalie, Govender Tamlyn et al. Journal: Drugs in context (2023) PMID: 37342461

The common cold is typically managed with decongestants, antihistamines, antitussives and antipyretics. In addition to these established medications, herbal ingredients have been used over centuries to help treat common cold symptoms. The Ayurveda and Jamu systems of medicine, originating from India and Indonesia, respectively, have leveraged herbal therapies to treat many illnesses…

Keywords: COVID-19, complementary therapies, ginger, integrative medicine, liquorice, peppermint, turmeric, upper respiratory tract infections

4. Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs against Coronaviruses.

Authors: Gasmi Amin, Kanwal Sonia, Oliinyk Petro et al. Journal: Current pharmaceutical design (2024) PMID: 38685809

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease that infects the lower airways, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and fatal pneumonia. The ripple effect of the COVID-19 outbreak has created serious problems in the healthcare systems of many countries and had far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Thus, effective control measures should be implemented for this coronavirus infection in the future. The ongoing episode of the SARS-CoV-2 sickness, COVID-19, in China, and the subsequent irregular spread of contamination to different nations, has alarmed the clinical and academic community primarily due to the deadly nature of this disease. Being a newly identified virus in the viral classification and having the highest mutation rate, rapid therapeutics are not r…

Keywords: Ayurveda, COVID-19, TCM, curcumin, gingerol., glycyrrhizin, immunomodulation, medicinal plants, quercetin, virucidal effect

5. Compounds of

Authors: Haridas M, Sasidhar Vijith, Nath Prajeesh et al. Journal: Future journal of pharmaceutical sciences (2021) PMID: 33457429

The nasal carriage of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported as the key factor transmitting COVID-19. Interventions that can reduce viral shedding from the nasopharynx could potentially mitigate the severity of the disease and its contagiousness. Herbal formulation of …

Keywords: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Ayurvedic formulation, COVID-19, In silico evidence, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

6. Molecular insights into anti-inflammatory activities of selected Indian herbs.

Authors: Upadhyay Saumya, Rajan Swami, Shrivastava Shweta et al. Journal: Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine (2025) PMID: 40154100

Inflammation is a universal response of mammalian tissue to harm, comprising reactions to injuries, pathogens, and foreign particles. Chronic inflammation, often present in allergies and autoimmune disorders, poses significant risks, potentially leading to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. It can also be a common precursor to cancer. However, Contemporary therapies like NSAIDs and corticosteroids often provide incomplete relief from chronic inflammation and carry significant side effects, underscoring the need for exploring traditional and plant-based medicines for new, effective treatments. As such, there is a growing demand for natural bioactive substances for health maintenance and disease risk reduction. Traditional an…

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory mechanisms, Chronic inflammatory disorders, Inflammation, Molecular targets, Phytotherapy, Traditional indian herbs

7. Immunity against COVID-19: Potential role of

Authors: Gautam Shankar, Gautam Arun, Chhetri Sahanshila et al. Journal: Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine (2022) PMID: 32837101

SARS-CoV-2 infection associated respiratory disease- COVID-19 has evolved into a pandemic but, being a new form of virus, pathogenesis of disease causation is not fully understood and drugs and vaccines against this virus are still being tested so that no effective drugs or vaccines have been advised by regulatory authority. In this context, the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has recommended ’…

Keywords: Ayurveda, Ayush, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Immunity, SARS-CoV-2

8. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Curcuma longa (turmeric) versus Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Authors: Ramadan Gamal, Al-Kahtani Mohammed Ali, El-Sayed Wael Mohamed Journal: Inflammation (2011) PMID: 21120596

Turmeric (rich in curcuminoids) and ginger (rich in gingerols and shogaols) rhizomes have been widely used as dietary spices and to treat different diseases in Ayurveda/Chinese medicine since antiquity. Here, we compared the anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant activity of these two plants in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Both plants (at dose 200 mg/kg body weight) significantly suppressed (but with different degrees) the incidence and severity of arthritis by increasing/decreasing the production of anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively, and activating the anti-oxidant defence system. The anti-arthritic activity of turmeric exceeded that of ginger and indomethacin (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), especially when the treatment started from the day of arthriti…

What do recent clinical trials show?

• Matin M, Matin FB, Ksepka N and others 2024. The Clinical Research on Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Insights from ClinicalTrials.gov analysis. Planta medica. PMID 38944033 · doi:10.1055/a-2357-7064
  Analysis of 89 registered clinical trials: treatment objectives predominant (47.2%), covering antiemetic activity, analgesic function, quality of life, blood pressure, energy expenditure, and xerostomia reduction. Identified low reporting rate of final results.
• Bischoff-Kont I, Primke T, Niebergall LS and others 2022. Ginger Constituent 6-Shogaol Inhibits Inflammation- and Angiogenesis-Related Cell Functions in Primary Human Endothelial Cells. Frontiers in pharmacology. PMID 35281937 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.844767
  6-shogaol demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in primary human endothelial cells, suggesting dual mechanisms relevant to chronic inflammatory diseases and tumor angiogenesis.
• Ayustaningwarno F, Anjani G, Ayu AM and others 2024. A critical review of Ginger’s (Zingiber officinale) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Frontiers in nutrition. PMID 38903613 · doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1364836
  Comprehensive review confirmed ginger’s triple action as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agent, with doses of 1-3 g daily commonly used for therapeutic effects and 500-1500 mg daily in divided doses for pregnancy-associated nausea.

3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• FDA advises caution for patients on warfarin who also use ginger supplements: excessive use can impair platelet aggregation and increase bleeding risk.
• Combining ginger supplements with anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) may increase bleeding risk; concentrated supplements carry higher interaction risk than culinary amounts.
• May enhance effects of antidiabetic medications, risking hypoglycemia.
• May potentiate effects of antihypertensive drugs.
• Concentrated ginger supplements carry much higher drug interaction risk than small amounts used in cooking.
• Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA for food use; supplement doses above 5 g/day may cause heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth irritation.
• Gallstone patients should use with caution as ginger may increase bile secretion.

Recommended Dosage

Fresh ginger: 5-10g/day; Dry powder (Shunthi): 1-3g/day

Safety, contraindications and cautions

• Gallstones
• Bleeding disorders (anticoagulant)
• High doses in pregnancy (>1g/day)
• Gastric ulcers

What is it made of?

Part(s) Analyzed: Rhizome

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Fresh rhizome (Ardraka), Dried powder - Sunthi (Churna), Tablet, Capsule, Essential oil, Oleoresin, Tincture, Swarasa (fresh juice), Arka (distillate), Candy/preserve

Standard Dosage: Fresh ginger: 5-10g daily; Dried powder (Sunthi): 1-3g twice daily; 250-500mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; essential oil: 1-2 drops; tincture: 2-4ml; oleoresin: 25-50mg equivalent

Bioavailability: Zingiber officinale contains gingerols (fresh) and shogaols (dried/heated). [6]-Gingerol has moderate oral bioavailability (~30%) with rapid absorption (Tmax 30-60 min). Shogaols are more lipophilic than gingerols and may have slightly higher permeability. Extensive hepatic metabolism via glucuronidation and sulfation. [6]-Gingerol’s bioavailability improves with lipid-rich meals. Enhancement: SNEDDS formulation increases gingerol bioavailability 3-4 fold; nano-emulsion and phytosome technologies; piperine co-administration (Trikatu formulation is the traditional bioenhancer). Drying converts gingerols to shogaols - different pharmacological profile (shogaols are more potent anti-emetics).

Optimal Timing: Before meals for appetite stimulation and digestive support; before travel for motion sickness prevention (30 min prior); fresh ginger tea throughout the day for cold/flu

Standardized Extract: Standardized extract NLT 5% total gingerols+shogaols by HPLC. Oleoresin: 25-35% pungent compounds. Essential oil: NLT 30% zingiberene by GC-MS. Supercritical CO2 extract: NLT 20% gingerols. Extract ratios: 10:1 to 20:1.

Shelf Life: Fresh ginger: 2-3 weeks refrigerated; Dried powder: 2 years; Essential oil: 3-4 years; Oleoresin: 3 years; Capsule/tablet: 2-3 years

Storage: Fresh: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C in paper bag. Dried powder: airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Essential oil and oleoresin: amber glass, cool dark place. Gingerols degrade to shogaols over time and with heat - store extracts cool.

Marker Compounds: [6]-Gingerol, [8]-Gingerol, [10]-Gingerol, [6]-Shogaol, [8]-Shogaol, Zingerone, Zingiberene (essential oil), Beta-sesquiphellandrene, ar-Curcumene

Extraction Methods

• Steam distillation for essential oil (sesquiterpene-rich, lacks gingerols)
• Supercritical CO2 extraction (preserves full gingerol/shogaol profile)
• Acetone/ethanol extraction for oleoresin
• Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for capsule-grade extract
• Fresh juice expression (Swarasa)
• Hot water infusion for tea

Synergistic Combinations

• With Pippali and Maricha as Trikatu (bioenhancer par excellence)
• With Lemon and Honey for cold/flu remedy
• With Haridra (turmeric) for synergistic anti-inflammatory action
• With Ashwagandha for adaptogenic-digestive combination
• With Fennel for carminative synergy
• As Anupana (vehicle) for many Ayurvedic formulations