Ginger Constituents Research Articles

Su1622 – Determine Ginger Constituent 6-Shogaol-Induced Effect on Gastroesophageal Vagal Afferent C-Fibers by Two-Photon Neuron Imaging and Extra-Cellular Single-Fiber Recording

Su1622 – Determine Ginger Constituent 6-Shogaol-Induced Effect on Gastroesophageal Vagal Afferent C-Fibers by Two-Photon Neuron Imaging and Extra-Cellular Single-Fiber Recording

Chromatographic analysis of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol using TLC and HPLC methods

Nowadays spices are known not only for their taste and flavour, but also for their medicinal value. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae family) contains a number of bioactive phenolic constituents, which in pure form or it‘s derivates might be potential antioxidants, in the most cases scientists discover 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol as a major constituents of ginger rhizomes.Methods. For this investigation we have chosen four different food supplements, containing ginger and one traditional herbal medicine. The presence of two major ginger constituents in the investigation objects were analysed through TLC analysis, which was performed using CAMAG TLC Visualizer and other method was HPLC analysis, which required a high performance liquid chromatographic system Waters 2695 with fotodiode detector Waters 966 PDA.Results. Our results suggest that ginger-containing food supplements and medicine contain two major constituents which leads to ginger biological active properties. Chromatographic analysis might be useful in providing information about quality of ginger rhizomes and commercial ginger products.Conclusions. Selected chromatography methods are suitable for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol in dietary supplements and other products

Evaluation of ginger extract’s yield, using cold extraction method and its antimicrobial activity against pathogens

Ginger is commonly used herb across the world either in a meal or in herbal products. The chemical constituents of ginger possess antioxidants, can modulate apoptosis, inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibit inflammatory reactions. The main aim of this study is to assess the antimicrobial activity of the ginger extracts. For this purpose, ginger rhizome (R), packaged ginger powder (P) and ginger leaves (L) were collected from Urlabari, Morang and Kathmandu, Nepal. The plant materials were first minced (except P) and then extracted using cold extraction technique. For assessing the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains, cup well method was preferred. The percentage yield of extracts R, P, L and ginger rhizome’s juice (J) was 10.79 ± 0.03 %, 9.76 ± 0.16 %, 8.17 ± 0.07 % and 16.8 ± 1.98 % respectively. The extract R were found to susceptible against the pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The extract P were found to susceptible against the pathogens E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA. The methanol extract of L was found to be susceptible to S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and MRSA. All the extracts (R, P, L) were reistant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All 6 bacterial isolates were resistant against the extract J. The extract shows antimicrobial property only when the extract is concentrated. The ginger leaves also have antimicrobial property.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 8-13

6-Gingerol abates benzo[a]pyrene-induced colonic injury via suppression of oxido-inflammatory stress responses in BALB/c mice

Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the most toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and a procarcinogen, is a global health concern which necessitates preventive measures. [6]-Gingerol (6-G), the most pharmacologically active constituent of ginger has been reported to promote gut health in various experimental settings. This study investigated the role of 6-G in BaP-induced colonic oxidative and inflammatory stress responses in mice. Experimental mice were randomly assigned into five groups of eight mice each and were orally gavage with BaP (125 mg/kg) singly or in combination with 6-G at 50 and 100 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Following sacrifice, the colonic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO) as well as levels of glutathione (GSH), nitrites and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed spectrophotometrically. Moreover, colonic concentration of epoxide hydrolase (EPXH), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assessed using ELISA. Administration of 6-G augmented BaP detoxification and colonic antioxidant status by increasing the EPXH, GST, SOD and CAT activities, GSH level with concomitant decrease in MDA level when compared with BaP alone group. In addition, 6-G suppressed BaP-induced colonic inflammation by decreasing MPO activity as well as nitrites, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and iNOS levels when compared with BaP alone group. In conclusion, 6-G protected against a decrease in colonic epoxide detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant defense mechanisms caused by BaP.

Effects of ginger constituent 6-shogaol on gastroesophageal vagal afferent C-fibers.

Ginger has been used as an herbal medicine worldwide to relieve nausea/vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its neuronal action remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine the effects of ginger constituent 6-shogaol on gastroesophageal vagal nodose C-fibers. Extracellular single-unit recording and two-photon nodose neuron imaging were performed, respectively, in ex vivo gastroesophageal-vagal preparations from wild type and Pirt-GCaMP6 transgenic mice. The action potential discharge or calcium influx evoked by mechanical distension and chemical perfusions applied to the gastroesophageal vagal afferent nerve endings were recorded, respectively, at their intact neuronal cell soma in vagal nodose ganglia. The effects of 6-shogaol on nodose C-fiber neurons were then compared and determined. Gastroesophageal application of 6-shogaol-elicited intensive calcium influxes in nodose neurons and evoked robust action potential discharges in most studied nodose C-fibers. Such activation effects were followed by a desensitized response to the second application of 6-shogaol. However, action potential discharges evoked by esophageal mechanical distension, after 6-shogaol perfusion, did not significantly change. Pretreatment with TRPA1 selective blocker HC-030031 inhibited 6-shogaol-induced action potential discharges in gastric and esophageal nodose C-fiber neurons, suggesting that TRPA1 played a role in mediating 6-shogaol-induced activation response. This study provides evidence that ginger constituent 6-shogaol directly activates vagal afferent C-fiber peripheral gastrointestinal endings. This activation leads to desensitization to subsequent application of 6-shogaol but not subsequent esophageal mechanical distension. Further investigation is required to establish a possible contribution in its anti-emetic effects.

Effect of Shogaol on the Expression of Intestinal Stem Cell Markers in Experimentally Induced Colitis in BALB/c Mice.

Aim This study is aimed at investigating the effect of Shogaol, a phenolic constituent of ginger, on dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice in comparison with 6-thioguanine (6-TG), an immune-suppressant chemotherapeutic medicine used for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Material & Methods Thirty-six adult, male and female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 (control negative) not exposed to DSS and did not receive any treatment, group 2 (control positive) exposed to DSS but did not receive any treatment, group 3 exposed to DSS and treated by 0.1 mg/kg of 6-thioguanine, and groups 4, 5, and 6 exposed to DSS and treated by 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w. Shogaol, respectively. At day 56, the mice were checked for their disease activity index (DAI) and they were sacrificed. The colons of the mice were examined for length measurement, histological index score, and the expression of CD133 and CD34 stem cell markers. Results Shogaol showed a better curative effect than did 6-TG in repairing the colonic mucosal damages in DSS-exposed mice as indicated by the levels of CD133 and CD34 expression in the colonic crypts and by the DAI score, colon length measurements, & histological index score which were significantly reduced in mice treated by Shogaol, particularly the 20 and 40 mg/kg BW doses. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that oral treatment with the ginger-derived substance Shogaol could be better than the conventional immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic remedy 6-TG in treatment of DSS-induced UC.

Inhibition of mRNA processing activity from ginger-, clove- and cinnamon-extract, and by two ginger constituents, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol.

Inhibition of mRNA processing, including splicing in the nucleus, is a potential anti-cancer candidate. To obtain mRNA processing inhibitors, we have screened for active constituents from spices. Ginger, clove, and cinnamon showed an inhibitory effect on mRNA processing in the nucleus. Two components in ginger, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, exhibited the inhibition of mRNA processing.

Anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-aging effects of 6-shogaol on human dermal fibroblasts

Background6-Shogaol is a constituent of ginger that imparts the pungent flavor and a hydrolysis product of gingerols. This study aimed to investigate the potential of 6-shogaol as a natural cosmetic raw material by examining its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).MethodsCell cycle analysis, ApoAlert caspase-3 colorimetric assay, and qRT-PCR analysis to assess the anti-apoptotic effects and qRT-PCR to measure the expression of SOD, CAT, and NRF2 to assess the antioxidant effects of 6-shogaol were performed; dichlorofluorescein diacetate was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS). Anti-aging effects were examined using qRT-PCR analysis to measure the expression of COL1A1 and MMP1 as well as using an SA-beta Gal assay.Results6-Shogaol showed no toxicity in HDFs at concentrations 5, 10, and 20 μM, and increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. qRT-PCR analysis showed that 6-shogaol pre-treatment downregulated the expression of BAX, caspase 3, and caspase 9 in a dose-dependent manner. Sub-G1 cells, which are rarely found in the normal cell cycle, decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after 6-shogaol pre-treatment, and treatment ameliorated the ROS increase observed upon UVA (10 J/cm2) irradiation of HDFs and the expression of NRF2 increased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression of SOD and CAT, which are typical cellular antioxidant enzymes, increased. 6-Shogaol also increased the expression of COL1A1, the gene type 1 collagen in HDFs, and decreased the expression of MMP1, which codes for an enzyme that degrades type 1 collagen, thus promoting collagen formation.ConclusionsThese results suggest that 6-shogaol can be used as a cosmetic material for preventing skin aging because of the cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects in the HDFs identified in this study.

Essential Oil Composition of Different Accessions of Ginger Collected from Northeast Region of India

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, is a herbaceous perennial plant. The plant has been used since ancient time traditionally as a spice and as a natural remedy for cough, cold and asthma etc. The various chemical constituents of ginger are responsible for the multiple medicinal properties. Although northeast India is a biodiversity hotspot but so far only morphological data and oil yield has been studied. Very less work has been done on the chemical composition of ginger essential oil from the northeast region of India. In this study sixty germplasm were planted in randomized block design at the experimental farm CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Assam (India) during the year 2017-18. After harvesting, essential oil was isolated from the rhizome of each line and replications and average values were taken for measurement of the essential oil yield. Essential oil was analyzed through GC and GC/MS. The study revealed that the major constituent of ginger essential oil was geraniol followed by z-citral, eucalyptol, camphene and other minor constituents were α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, e-citral, neryl acetate, α-zingiberene, curcumene, β-sesquiphellandrene, α-amorphene, farnesene, elemol and β-bisbolene. Based on the activities of its chemical constituents, ginger essential oil can be used in various novel medicinal and phytopharmaceutical application.

Anti-neuroinflammatory Effects of 12-Dehydrogingerdione in LPS-Activated Microglia through Inhibiting Akt/IKK/NF-κB Pathway and Activating Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathway.

Ginger, one of worldwide consumed dietary spice, is not only famous as food supplements, but also believed to exert a variety of remarkable pharmacological activity as herbal remedies. In this study, a ginger constituent, 12-dehydrogingerdione (DHGD) was proven that has comparable anti-inflammatory activity with positive control 6-shogaol in inhibiting LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, prostaglandin (PG) E2, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, without interfering with COX-1 in cultured microglial cells. Subsequent mechanistic studies indicate that 12-DHGD may inhibit neuro-inflammation through suppressing the LPS-activated Akt/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, 12-DHGD markedly promoted the activation of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf)-2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and we demonstrated that the involvement of HO-1 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO and TNF-α by using a HO-1 inhibitor, Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp). These results indicate that 12-DHGD may protect against neuro-inflammation by inhibiting Akt/IKK/IκB/NF-κB pathway and promoting Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Determination of bioactive nonvolatile ginger constituents in dietary supplements by a rapid and economic HPLC method: Analytical method development and single-laboratory validation

Most of the validated methods for ginger-containing dietary supplements have long run time and low sensitivity and only analyze gingerols and shogaols. 6-Paradol and zingerone become popular in modern dietary supplement industry as bioactive ginger constituents. Therefore, we developed an efficient HPLC-UV/Vis method to analyze all above major constituents. Compared to 282/280 nm used by the current compendial United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph method and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13685-1997 method, detection wavelength was optimized to 230 nm which showed a higher sensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio) and better peak resolution. For measuring the ginger constituents in AOAC required matrices, the method was demonstrated to be selective, linear (R2 > 0.999), specific, accurate (91.1–103.2% spike recovery rate) and precise (RSDr < 5%, RSDR < 8%). Among 10 commercial ginger-containing samples that we screened using this method, the results were 80–123% of the products’ labeling value. The HPLC running time was successfully shortened from 29 min (USP method) and 40 min (ISO method) to 12 min without the need of using an expensive Mass Spectrometer for analyte separation. The method is the first method that meets all AOAC SMPR 2017.12 requirements and therefore has the potential to be adopted as a consensus industrial reference method for meeting FDA's cGMP Compliance for the manufacture and quality control of dietary supplements and ingredients.

Neuroprotective Effects of 6-Shogaol and Its Metabolite, 6-Paradol, in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, axonal degeneration, and demyelination. Previous studies have reported that 6-shogaol, a major constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizome), and its biological metabolite, 6-paradol, have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we investigated whether 6-shogaol and 6-paradol could ameliorate against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS elicited by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) peptide immunization with injection of pertussis toxin. Once-daily administration of 6-shogaol and 6-paradol (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) to symptomatic EAE mice significantly alleviated clinical signs of the disease along with remyelination and reduced cell accumulation in the white matter of spinal cord. Administration of 6-shogaol and 6-paradol into EAE mice markedly reduced astrogliosis and microglial activation as key features of immune responses inside the CNS. Furthermore, administration of these two molecules significantly suppressed expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α, a major proinflammatory cytokine, in EAE spinal cord. Collectively, these results demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of 6-shogaol or 6-paradol for EAE by reducing neuroinflammatory responses, further indicating the therapeutic potential of these two active ingredients of ginger for MS.

6-Dihydroparadol, a Ginger Constituent, Enhances Cholesterol Efflux from THP-1-Derived Macrophages.

ScopeGinger is reported to be used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells is an important process in reverse cholesterol transport, whose increase may help to prevent or treat CVD. In this study, we investigated the effects of 6‐dihydroparadol from ginger on macrophage cholesterol efflux.Methods and resultsWe show that 6‐dihydroparadol concentration‐dependently enhances both apolipoprotein A1‐ and human plasma–mediated cholesterol efflux from cholesterol‐loaded THP‐1‐derived macrophages using macrophage cholesterol efflux assay. 6‐Dihydroparadol increases protein levels of both ATP‐binding cassette transporters A1 and G1 (ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 [ABCA1] and ATP‐binding cassette transporter G1 [ABCG1]) according to Western blot analysis. The ABCA1 inhibitor probucol completely abolishes 6‐dihydroparadol‐enhanced cholesterol efflux. Furthermore, increased ABCA1 protein levels in the presence of 6‐dihydroparadol were associated with both increased ABCA1 mRNA levels and increased ABCA1 protein stability. Enhanced ABCG1 protein levels were only associated with increased protein stability. Increased ABCA1 protein stability appeared to be the result of a reduced proteasomal degradation of the transporter in the presence of 6‐dihydroparadol.ConclusionWe identified 6‐dihydroparadol from ginger as a novel promoter of cholesterol efflux from macrophages that increases both ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein abundance. This newly identified bioactivity might contribute to the antiatherogenic effects of ginger.

6]-Shogaol attenuates inflammation, cell proliferation via modulate NF-κB and AP-1 oncogenic signaling in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced oral carcinogenesis

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) is a major transcription factor which regulates many biological and pathological processes such as inflammation and cell proliferation, which are major implicates in cancer progression.[6]-Shogaol ([6]-SHO) is a major constituent of ginger, exhibits various biological properties such as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation and anti-tumor. Recently, we proven that [6]-SHO prevents oral squamous cell carcinoma by activating proapoptotic factors in in vitro and in vivo experimental model. However, the preventive efficacy of [6]-SHO in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis (HBP) has not been fully elucidated, so far. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of [6]-SHO on inflammation and cell proliferation by inhibiting the translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 in DMBA induced HBP carcinogenesis. In this study, we observed upregulation of inflammatory markers (COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, interleukin-1 and -6), cell proliferative markers (Cyclin D1, PCNA and Ki-67) and aberrant activation of NF-κB, AP-1, IKKβ, c-jun, c-fos and decreased IκB-α in DMBA induced hamsters. Conversely, oral administration of [6]-SHO strongly inhibited constitutive phosphorylation and degradation of IκB and inhibit phosphorylation of c-jun, c-fos, resulting in inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 and AP-1. Thus, inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 activation by [6]-SHO attenuates inflammation and cell proliferative response in DMBA induced hamsters. Our finding suggested that [6]-SHO is a novel functional agent capable of preventing DMBA induced inflammation and cell proliferation associated tumorigenesis by modulating multiple signalling molecules.

6-Gingerol inhibits hair cycle via induction of MMP2 and MMP9 expression.

6-Gingerol is the major active constituent of ginger. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of 6-Gingerol on hair growth. Mice were randomly divided into five groups; after hair depilation (day 0), mice were treated with saline, or different concentrations of 6-Gingerol for 11 days. The histomorphological characteristics of the growing hair follicles were examined after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results indicated that 6-Gingerol significantly suppressed hair growth compared with that in the control group. And choose the concentration of 6-Gingerol at 1 mg/mL to treated with mice. Moreover, 6-Gingerol (1 mg/mL) significantly reduced hair re-growth ratio, hair follicle number, and hair follicle length, which were associated with increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, the growth factors, such as EGF, KGF, VEGF, IGF-1 and TGF-β participate in the hair follicle cycle regulation and regulate hair growth. We then measured the concentrations of them using ELISA assays, and the results showed that 6-Gingerol decreased EGF, KGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 concentrations, and increased TGF-β concentration. Thus, this study showed that 6-Gingerol might act as a hair growth suppressive drug via induction of MMP2 and MMP9 expression, which could interfere with the hair cycle.

English

Ginger has been known for its several scientific properties and valued for the last 2500 years in different parts of the globe. Ginger has rich phytochemistry and several health promoting perspectives. In ginger family, Zingiber officinalis is one of most widely used species and it is found in several foods and beverages. Ginger has been used commonly to treat diarrhea, stomach upset, indigestion and nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger constituents are 80% moisture, 2% protein, 2% fiber, 1% mineral, 0.9% fat, and 12% carbohydrate. The chemistry of ginger is well documented with the respect to the oleoresin and volatile oil. It is concluded that, ginger has potential to treat numerous disorders including cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is also useful in controlling the process of aging. This scientific review favors ginger due to its rich phytochemistry; however, due to some ambiguities, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials of ginger with sound protocol design before claiming its efficacy. Key words: Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant.

Sortilin-related receptor 1 interacts with amyloid precursor protein and is activated by 6-shogaol, leading to inhibition of the amyloidogenic pathway

Sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1) is a neuronal sorting protein that reduces amyloid precursor protein (APP) trafficking to secretases that generate amyloid beta (Aβ). Although 6-shogaol, a constituent of ginger, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on neuronal cells, research regarding the activation of SORL1 has not yet been reported. Here, we aimed to investigate whether 6-shogaol contributes to the increases in SORL1 that are related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). To clarify the effect of 6-shogaol as a possible activator of SORL1, we used SORL1 siRNA as a blockade of SORL1 in hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22). We found that SORL1 siRNA treatment naturally inhibited SORL1 and led to increases in β-secretase APP cleaving enzyme (BACE), secreted APP-β (sAPPβ) and Aβ. In contrast, 6-shogaol-mediated activation of SORL1 significantly downregulated BACE, sAPPβ, and Aβ in both in vitro HT22 cells and in vivo APPSw/PS1-dE9 Tg mice. Therefore, SORL1 activation by 6-shogaol provides neuronal cell survival through the inhibition of Aβ production. These results indicate that 6-shogaol should be regarded as an SORL1 activator and a potential preventive agent for the treatment of AD.

Gastroprotective [6]-Gingerol Aspirinate as a Novel Chemopreventive Prodrug of Aspirin for Colon Cancer

A growing body of research suggests daily low-dose aspirin (ASA) reduces heart diseases and colorectal cancers. However, the major limitation to the use of aspirin is its side effect to cause ulceration and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Preclinical studies have shown that ginger constituents ameliorate ASA-induced gastric ulceration. We here report the design and synthesis of a novel prodrug of aspirin, [6]-gingerol aspirinate (GAS). Our data show that GAS exerts enhanced anti-cancer properties in vitro and superior gastroprotective effects in mice. GAS was also able to survive stomach acid and decomposed in intestinal linings or after absorption to simultaneously release ASA and [6]-gingerol. We further present that GAS inactivates both COX-1 and COX-2 equally. Our results demonstrate the enhanced anticancer properties along with gastroprotective effects of GAS, suggesting that GAS can be a therapeutic equivalent for ASA in inflammatory and proliferative diseases without the deleterious effects on stomach mucosa.

Characteristics and thermodynamics of the interaction of 6-shogaol with human serum albumin as studied by isothermal titration calorimetry

The interaction between 6-shogaol, a pharmacologically active ginger constituent, and human serum albumin (HSA), the main in vivo drug transporter, was investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The value of the binding constant, Ka (5.02 ± 1.37 × 104 M−1) obtained for the 6-shogaol-HSA system suggested intermediate affinity. Analysis of the ITC data revealed feasibility of the binding reaction due to favorable enthalpy and entropy changes. The values of the thermodynamic parameters suggested involvement of van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the 6-shogaol-HSA complex formation.

Invitro anti-hydatic and immunomodulatory effects of ginger and [6]-gingerol.

To study invitro anti-hydatic and immunomodulatory effects of ginger and [6]-gingerol as an alternative therapy for cystic echinococcosis. Effect of a commonly used herbal product and ginger (Zingiber officinale) towards protoscoleces (PSC) and cyst wall invitro was studied. The effect of [6]-gingerol, and the pungent constituent of ginger, was also evaluated on PSC culture. Furthermore, the activity of both extracts in association with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) on PSC co-cultured with mononuclear cells of hydatic patients was evaluated. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured in each co-culture. Ginger exhibited a concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect against PSC and cyst wall. Interestingly, ginger was more effective than the [6]-gingerol. Moreover, additional parasitic effect between extracts and IFN-γ are also observed in co-cultures. Furthermore, both extracts attenuated the NO production elicited by this infection or by the IFN-γ. Ginger has an important anti-hydatic effect invitro. This effect is amplified in the presence of IFN-γ. Moreover, this herbal product may protect against host's cell death by reducing the high levels of NO. Ginger may act, at least, through the [6]-gingerol. All our data suggest the promising use of ginger in the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus infection.