Bioactive Compounds of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): Antimicrobial Potential and Microalgae-Based...

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) possesses bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• These compounds, including metabolites and antimicrobial peptides, exhibit potential against various pathogens.
• Challenges in clinical application include limited stability, poor bioavailability, and microbial biofilm resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the bioactive compounds of ginger and their antimicrobial activities.
• To discuss mechanisms of action, spectrum, and synergistic potential of ginger bioactives.
• To explore advanced delivery systems, particularly microalgae-based encapsulation, for enhanced efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ginger bioactives, their properties, and delivery systems.
• Analysis of chemical composition and biological activities of major ginger-derived compounds.
• Evaluation of current and emerging strategies for overcoming delivery challenges.

Main Results:

• Ginger compounds demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibiofilm activities.
• Limited stability and bioavailability hinder the effectiveness of direct application.
• Microalgae-based encapsulation shows promise for improving stability, controlled release, and bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Ginger bioactives offer therapeutic potential for skin infections, especially those involving biofilms.
• Advanced delivery systems are crucial for overcoming bioavailability and stability issues.
• Microalgae encapsulation presents an innovative and sustainable approach for enhancing ginger compound efficacy in managing skin infections.