Basics Of Pharmacy: Ginger | Constituents Of Ginger

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Ginger | Constituents Of Ginger

Ginger is one of the most important natural herbal drugs which is commonly used as a spice and also has medicinal use. Every one of us is very well familiar with ginger because it is a commonly used kitchen item, but apart from its use in food, it is also used for various medicinal purposes as well.

In this article, we will discuss various pharmacognostic features of ginger, its uses and interactions as well.


Other Names Of Ginger

Other common names of ginger are given as below,


  • Zingibere

  • Rhizoma zingiberis

  • African ginger

  • Race ginger


In Pakistan, it is known as "Adrak".

The Latin word zingiber mean deer's horn because it resembles with horns of the deer.


Land Of Cultivation

Ginger is cultivated in the following areas,


  • Pakistan

  • India

  • Nigeria

  • Japan

  • Africa

  • West Indies


Botanical Name

The botanical name of ginger is Zingiber Officinale.


Family Of Ginger

Family of ginger is Zingiberaceae.


Taste Of Ginger

The constituent gingerol present in ginger gives a Pungent taste to the ginger.


Basic Information Of Ginger

  • The part of ginger used is a rhizome and roots.

  • The ginger plant is 2-4 feet long and has green-purple flowers.

  • The rhizomes of ginger are yellowish.

  • Fresh ginger is available in two forms one is young ginger and the second is mature ginger.

  • Young ginger is juicy and mature ginger is fibrous.

  • Ginger is used in the preparation of different dishes and also in tea.

  • Ginger is also helpful for weight reduction.


Constituents Of Ginger

Following are important constituents that are found in ginger,


  • Gingerol

  • Shagol

  • Bisabilone

  • Starch

  • Carbohydrates

  • Phellandrene

  • Zingiberene

  • Zingiber

  • Citral

  • Borneol


Uses Of Ginger

Ginger is used as,


Antiemetic

Ginger is used as an antiemetic, meaning if someone is in vomiting condition he can be treated naturally with ginger.


Carminative

Ginger is used as carminative means it is used to prevent the formation of gas in the GIT.


Cholesterol 

Ginger is also used to lower cholesterol levels.


Other Uses

Ginger is also used for following,


  • It is used as an Antibacterial.

  • It is used as an Antiplatelet.

  • It is used as Antipyretic.

  • It is used as an Anti-Ulcer.

  • It is used as Fungicidal.

  • Ginger is also used as a Flavouring agent.

  • Ginger is also important for reducing blood sugar levels.

  • It is also good for many heart diseases.

  • Ginger also has anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Gingerol present in ginger plays an important For treating various cancer conditions.

  • Ginger is also considered good for treating migraines and headaches.

  • Ginger is also effective in reducing menstrual pain.


Ginger Interaction


  • As we discussed earlier, ginger is used to lower the blood pressure and blood sugar level so if we take ginger along with anti-diabetic and antihypertensive drugs it may result in reduction of body sugar level and blood pressure level, so do not take ginger along with these medicines.

  • Ginger should not be taken along with metronidazole because when we take ginger along with metronidazole it may result in increased effects of metronidazole due to increased absorption of metronidazole.

  • Ginger may result in reduction of iron absorption.


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