Quality control and long-term stability study of ginger from different geographical origins using chemometrics

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) is a well-known spice and medicinal plant that is widely used in the Egyptian market as a spice, flavor and medicinal herb for different diseases. Since it is not cultivated as rhizomes in Egypt, ginger is imported from other countries, which may impact its quality. In this study, UV spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were applied as efficient available techniques for the discrimination and quality control of ginger collected from different geographical origins in combination with chemometrics. In addition, HPLC was applied to investigate the stability of ginger samples upon storage for 3 years to trace the changes in their main active constituents.

Data obtained from both UV and HPLC in combination with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) displayed proper discrimination of the samples according to their geographical origins. Regarding the stability study, ginger samples showed a significant decrease in quality after storage for 3 years, in which significant variation in the main pungent principles (6-, 8-, 10-gingerols and 6-shogaol) were observed. PCA failed to discriminate between ginger samples after long-time storage, so the applied model could discriminate between ginger samples before and after storage.

UV and HPLC in combination with chemometrics can be applied as a successful tool for the study of quality, stability and geographical discrimination of ginger. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.