Ginger and Heart Health: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Natural Product Therapeutics

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a growing global health concern, posing significant morbidity and mortality challenges.
• Conventional CVD treatments often have side effects, driving interest in safer alternatives like herbal medicines.
• Ginger, a widely used functional food, possesses diverse bioactivities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the phytochemical properties and biological activities of ginger and its constituents.
• To explore the health benefits and cardioprotective effects of ginger, with a focus on cardiovascular complications.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying ginger's cardioprotective actions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science) and national repositories.
• Data collection spanned from the inception of research until August 2019.
• Relevant articles focusing on ginger's health benefits and cardioprotective effects were included.

Main Results:

• Ginger extracts and active constituents demonstrate cardioprotective effects attributed to cardiotonic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-platelet activities.
• The study clarified the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms through which ginger exerts its heart-protective benefits.
• Ginger's rich phytochemistry supports its traditional use and potential in managing cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• Ginger and its constituents possess significant biological activities and health benefits relevant to cardiovascular disease management.
• Understanding ginger's mechanisms of action provides novel insights for developing new therapeutic strategies for CVDs.
• Ginger represents a promising natural entity for novel drug development with fewer side effects.