Tap in the benefit of red ginger

Indonesia is recognized for its ideal climate for growing an abundance of spices, one of which is ginger. There are several types of ginger subspecies, varying based on its size, rhizome colors, and chemical constituents. Zingiber  officinale var. officinale Roscoe (big white ginger or giant ginger, badak or gajah) are often used in a variety of cuisine and have a larger size compared to other ginger varieties. Early consumption of Z. officinale var. Roscoe officinale produces an aroma that is neither spicy nor sharp.

Red ginger, Zingiber officinale var. rubrum

Zingiber officinale var. amarum (small white ginger, emprit), is more commonly used as a body warmer or as a traditional medicine. Compared to other ginger, Z. officinale var. amarum is the smallest in size. Lastly, Z. officinale var. rubrum (small red ginger, merah or beureum) is a common variety of ginger found in Indonesia and is often used in traditional medicine (Supu et al., 2018). Additionally, red ginger has rougher fibers, a stronger flavor, and a more potent scent than other ginger. In traditional medicine, especially in Southeast Asia, red ginger is used to treat nausea, vomiting, impotence, colds, flatulence, and coughs (Suciyati & Adnyana, 2017). Red ginger is believed to have better efficacy for its health benefits compared to other subspecies of ginger.

Numerous studies have explored the health benefits of red ginger, including its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for joint health, antioxidant effects, anti-nausea properties, antidiabetic potential, and benefits for respiratory health. Red ginger contains bioactive compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are shogaol and gingerol. According to Bischoff-Kont et al. (2022), gingerol and shogaol prevent the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which are important mediators of inflammation. This inhibition can help prevent and treat various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Another study by Dugasani et al. (2010) shows that in terms of biological activities, 6-shogaol is more essential than other compounds, as it has the strongest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Shogaol and gingerol help maintain the body's health by increasing its antioxidant activity and reducing the formation of harmful molecules called free radicals, which are harmful to the body (Zhang et al., 2022). This is especially important as inflammation and oxidative stress are frequently associated with metabolic diseases such as hypercholesterolemia. Shogaol and gingerol can help counteract free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to cells and tissues by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (Sahardi & Makpol, 2019). Thus, metabolic problems may be avoided or their development may be slowed down.

Some studies suggest that red ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for joint health (Supu et al., 2018). Shogaol and gingerol exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Red ginger's combination of bioactive components makes it an effective natural remedy for arthritis and joint pain. For instance, Aryanti et al. (2019) found that red ginger may be utilized as massage oil and that the combination of massage and essential oil acts synergistically to reduce stiffness, resulting in improved functional impairment.

Red ginger also helps to reduce nausea and vomiting due to its antiemetic effects, making it effective in postoperative treatment and other situations (Zhao et al., 2023). One potent chemical that can lower oxidative products in the digestive system is the gingerol component. In addition to its warming effect on blood vessels, gingerol has the ability to inhibit serotonin, a chemical messenger responsible for constrict the stomach and causes nausea (Crichton et al., 2023).

Gingerol may be helpful in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is due to gingerol compounds having the ability to inhibit key enzymes, such as sugar[MOU3] -hydrolyzing enzymes, that are involved in glucose metabolism (Khandouzi et al., 2015). This inhibition helps to slow down the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, reducing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream. Additionally, studies find that gingerol can increase glucose tolerance, promote insulin secretion, and lower blood glucose levels. Gingerol compounds help maintain normal insulin secretion and prevent insulin resistance because they possess antioxidant properties that protect pancreatic cells from oxidative stress (Alharbi et al., 2022). Thus, red ginger has the potential to control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients.

Aside from preventing disorders that alter the body's metabolic function, red ginger is beneficial for respiratory health. Red ginger is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. In terms of antimicrobial activity, red ginger compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria (Tandanu, 2020). These compounds are effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli (Lukita et al., 2021). They disrupt the cell membranes and interfere with metabolic processes of bacteria, making it difficult for them to survive and multiply. For antiviral activities, 6-shogaol is a compound that has antiviral properties (Zhang et al., 2022). This compound targets specific viral proteins and interferes with the viral replication cycle, making the viruses difficult to multiply. Therefore, by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory disorders, red ginger's antibacterial and antiviral qualities can aid in the prevention of infections. It can be especially helpful for patients who are prone to respiratory infections or have weakened immune systems.

The bioactive ingredients in red ginger, shogaol and gingerol, are proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Products with red ginger has ample potential for numerous health advantages, including improved immunity and overall well-being, which is suitable for natural-based health food and beverage (F&B) and nutraceutical products. (BCAH&MAT)

References

Aryanti, P. I., Haryanto, J., & Ulfiana, E. (2019). Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) Massage Reduces Stiffness and Functional Disability in Elderly with Osteoarthritis. Jurnal Ners, 13(2), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.20473/jn.v13i2.9292

Bischoff-Kont, I., Primke, T., Niebergall, L. S., Zech, T., & Fürst, R. (2022). Ginger Constituent 6-Shogaol Inhibits Inflammation- and Angiogenesis-Related Cell Functions in Primary Human Endothelial Cells. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.844767

Crichton, M., Marshall, S., Marx, W., Isenring, E., & Lohning, A. (2023). Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative review exploring the mechanisms of action. Nutrition Reviews, 81(9), 1213-1224.

Dugasani, S., Pichika, M. R., Nadarajah, V. D., Balijepalli, M. K., Tandra, S., & Korlakunta, J. N. (2010). Comparative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 127(2), 515–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.10.004

Khandouzi, N., Shidfar, F., Rajab, A., Rahideh, T., Hosseini, P., & Mir Taheri, M. (2015). The effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin a1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein a-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR, 14(1), 131–140.

Lukita, S., Khosasi, N. W., Susanto, N. C., & Florenly, N. (2021). The Antibacterial Effectiveness of Red Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) Essential Oil in Inhibiting the Growth of Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Mutans. Biomedical Journal of Indonesia, 7(2), 364–373. https://doi.org/10.32539/bji.v7i2.305

Rahayu, H. T., Sri, N., & Sunardi, S. (2017, October). The Effectiveness of Red Ginger Compress Therapy (Zingiber officinale rosc. var. rubrum) on Elders with Joint Pain. In Health Science International Conference (HSIC 2017)(pp. 374-380). Atlantis Press.

Sahardi, N. F. N. M., & Makpol, S. (2019). Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in the Prevention of Ageing and Degenerative Diseases: Review of Current Evidence. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5054395

Salsabila, H. (2021). THE BENEFITS OF RED GINGER DURING A PANDEMIC COVID-19 IN A DESA SUATO TATAKAN. BENEFITS.

Sholikhati, A., Farikhah, L., & Ridwanto, M. (2021, November). Antioxidant effect in red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) extract during the Covid-19 pandemic. In The International Conference on Public Health Proceeding(Vol. 6, No. 01, pp. 1157-1162).

Suciyati, S. W., & Adnyana, I. K. (2017). Red ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe var rubrum): A review. Pharmacologyonline, 2(8), 60-65. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2017/vol2/PhOL_2017_2_A006_Suciyati_60_65.pdf

Supu, R. D., Diantini, A., & Levita, J. (2018). Red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum): Its chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and safety. Fitofarmaka Jurnal Ilmiah Farmasi, 8(1), 25-31.

Tandanu, E. (2020). The Antibacterial Effect of Red Ginger Rhizome Extract (Zingiber officinale var rubrum) in Inhibiting the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria. PRIMER (Prima Medical Journal), 5(1). https://doi.org/10.34012/pmj.v3i1.1118

Zhang, S., Kou, X., Zhao, H., Mak, K. K., Balijepalli, M. K., & Pichika, M. R. (2022). Zingiber officinale var. rubrum: Red Ginger’s Medicinal Uses. Molecules/Molecules Online/Molecules Annual, 27(3), 775. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030775

Zhao, C., Chen, W., Wang, D., Cong, X., Zhu, M., Zhu, C., ... & Cai, J. (2023). Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) preparations for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 317, 116791.

This article was re-posted from PT. Indesso press release.