Beneficial effects of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity and metabolic syndrome: a review

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2017 Jun;1398(1):83-98. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13375. Epub 2017 May 15.

Abstract

In recent years, metabolic syndromes (MetSs), including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, have become a common health problem in both developed and developing countries. Accumulating data have suggested that traditional herbs might be able to provide a wide range of remedies in prevention and treatment of MetSs. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) has been documented to ameliorate hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These beneficial effects are mediated by transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor κB. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the beneficial effects of ginger on obesity and related complications in MetS and discusses its potential mechanisms of action. This review provides guidance for further applications of ginger for personalized nutrition and medicine.

Keywords: Zingiber officinale; diabetes mellitus; mechanism; metabolic syndrome; obesity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diet therapy*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diet therapy
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Zingiber officinale / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts