Isolation of [6]-gingerol and evaluation of the antiarrhythmic effect in isolated rat heart

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Its main secondary metabolite, [6]-gingerol, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to isolate [6]-gingerol and evaluate its antiarrhythmic effect on rat heart. [6]-gingerol was isolated by classical liquid chromatography (96% purity). [6]-gingerol (30 μM) reduced left ventricular pressure and arrhythmias, preventing ventricular fibrillation and reducing ventricular tachycardia. Furthermore, [6]-gingerol (3,000 μM) decreased atrial force and the maximum positive inotropic response produced by CaCl₂. Molecular docking analysis showed that [6]-gingerol bound to the L-type calcium channel (LTCC) (-4.7 kcal/mol) in the same binding region as nifedipine (-6.3 kcal/mol), an LTCC blocker. It is concluded that [6]-gingerol reduces the severity of calcium-induced arrhythmias, probably by decreasing the influx of Ca²⁺ through calcium channels, making this natural product a possible candidate for an antiarrhythmic drug.