5 - Antiinflammatory effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Abstract

Inflammation is a response to an injury and infection by the immune system. Based on visual observation the ancients characterized inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely, redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function. Persistent inflammation can lead to undesired health effects, including cancer. Hence, it is necessary to neutralize redness. Medicinal plants such as herbs and spices play a vital role in treating pathologies associated with inflammatory reactions. Spices possess antiinflammatory activity and have a long history of quick remedy in terms of inflammatory conditions, including fevers, migraine, and arthritis. Many of the diseases in the modern world are to be due to inflammation; consequently, spices, namely, turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), help to cure inflammatory conditions. The active chemical compounds have proved a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities either in the form of powder, extracts, or in its isolated compounds with minimum side effects. This paper reviews the antiinflammatory activity of turmeric (C. longa) and ginger (Z. officinale).