Ginger pharmacology from tradition to innovation: modern clinical relevance and nanotherapeutics

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been recognized for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicinal systems for centuries. Common applications include ginger tea, decoctions, and chewable fresh rhizomes used to address inflammatory and metabolic issues. These traditional uses are closely linked to the numerous bioactive compounds present in ginger. These compounds can be extracted and studied to improve their overall efficacy and safety. This process also allows the identification of the principal bioactive compounds contributing to specific pharmacological effects through evaluation with pharmacological models, providing mechanism-based validation of traditional uses. The aim of this study was to provide detailed pharmacological insights regarding ginger bioactive compounds at both preclinical and clinical stages, with a focus on evidence-based therapeutics. Based on existing literature, gingerols have been identified as major phenolic compounds in ginger, which contribute to a variety of pharmacological effects, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity. Gingerols have been studied extensively at the preclinical level and account for over 80% of the reported therapeutic impacts of fresh ginger. However, their clinical effectiveness is limited primarily by an inadequate pharmacokinetic profile. To address this limitation, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have been investigated to improve the therapeutic profile of ginger bioactive compounds, representing a promising strategy for the development of more effective treatment options than traditional approaches. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.