Immunometabolic Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Supplementation in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review

Obesity is a global public health concern characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) contains bioactive compounds that have demonstrated potential anti-obesity and immunomodulatory effects. This review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding the immunometabolic effects of ginger supplementation in obesity, integrating findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Evidence indicates that ginger and its principal compounds, such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, inhibit adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the chemoattractant protein of monocytes-1 (MCP-1), improve lipid profiles, and enhance anti-inflammatory adipokines like adiponectin. Clinical trials report improvements in insulin sensitivity, reductions in inflammatory markers, and body weight management in individuals with obesity. This review paper also highlights the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunometabolic effects of ginger and its bioactive compounds. Therefore, ginger supplementation exhibits promising immunometabolic effects with the potential to support the prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. However, further rigorous clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety as well as its role in complementing existing strategies for obesity management.