Ginger (Adrak): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Oct 25, 2024 Published on: Jul 17, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Table of Contents
A perennial herb belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the most extensively consumed food and herbal spices in the world today. Owing to its favourable attributes of aroma and biological and pharmacological activities, ginger has served as an essential ingredient in traditional Chinese, Ayurveda and Unani medicine across centuries. Native to South-East Asia, the ginger rhizome has witnessed its widespread use in countries like China, India and the USA to manage a range of conditions, including cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. Fresh root ginger, preserved ginger in syrup form and dried ginger spice are the three routinely available forms of ginger in the market.1-4
The nutritional content of the seeds of ginger is:
Also Read: Clove: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Rich in various biologically active compounds like phenolic and flavonoids, ginger might possess a wide range of beneficial properties. These may include,
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Ginger may have potential uses for various conditions; however, more human studies are needed to support its true extent in humans.
Ginger (Adrak) and its extracts may cause attenuation of inflammatory diseases like colitis. This might be attributed to its active compounds that may be involved in the suppression of the pro-inflammatory transcription factors (NF-KB) and cytokines (TNF-α).5,6,7 However, there is a need for further research on humans to suggest the potential uses of ginger that might benefit inflammatory diseases.
The active constituent of ginger, 6-Gingerol, may have significant antioxidant activity against the oxidative stress exhibited by free radicals like reactive oxygen species.5,6 This information is insufficient; hence more research is required to study the effects of ginger in managing oxidative stress in humans.
Ginger may have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activities. The growth inhibition of various microbes may be attributed to biological mechanisms, including the suppression of the biofilm formation that is integral to antimicrobial resistance.5 However, more human trials are required to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of ginger.
The anti-cancer activity of ginger and its biological constituents may have been illustrated against several cancer types, including breast, prostate, liver, colorectal, and cervical cancer.2,5 Biological mechanisms like the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and triggering of apoptosis may have accounted for the anti-cancer properties displayed by ginger.5 However, this data is insufficient as there is no evidence of successful human trials of ginger in managing cancer. Cancer is a severe health condition and requires adequate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
According to Talebi et al. 2021, ginger and it’s biological compounds may have displayed beneficial effects in managing a range of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by positively impacting memory function.8 Ginger may be effective in managing migraines and the associated symptoms of headache and nausea.9 However, more studies are required to provide the benefits of ginger in managing neural conditions of humans.
The heart benefitting activities of ginger against cardiovascular diseases like stroke and coronary heart disease may have been documented. This may be brought about by attenuating the known risk factors for elevated blood lipids and high blood pressure.2,5,6 This information is insufficient and requires more studies to support this claim. Therefore, consult an Ayurvedic doctor before using ginger and only use it if prescribed.
Consumption of ginger may be fruitful in the overall management of weight. It may help in lowering the body mass index. Furthermore, the oral consumption of ginger powder may have been found to stimulate the thermoregulatory function and fat breakdown in humans.5,6,10 We require more studies on humans to suggest the potential use of ginger in managing weight.
Ginger has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects against metabolic syndromes like diabetes mellitus by significantly lowering the blood glucose levels and subsequently increasing insulin sensitivity.4,5 However, more studies on humans are needed to provide evidence the effect of ginger in managing blood sugar levels in the body. Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, please consult a doctor and use ginger to manage blood sugar if prescribed by your doctors.
Ginger may have shown its efficacy in the management of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.4,11 People should consult a doctor before using ginger to manage nausea and vomiting and never use it to self-medicate.
Ginger may have bronchodilation activity (relaxation of the airway smooth muscles). It may benefit in managing respiratory disorders like asthma.5 However, this information is insufficient and needs support from human trials. Therefore, people should consult a doctor before using it to manage human asthma-related issues.
The phenolic compounds of ginger may have demonstrated the liver-benefiting effects in terms of enhancing overall liver functioning. However, this information is insufficient, and there is a need for more studies to establish the positive impact of ginger on improving liver health.
The anti-allergic activity of ginger in managing allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose) by suppressing the cytokine production for activation of T cells has been documented.2,5 However, this study information is insufficient to suggest its effect on overcoming allergies in humans. If you experience allergic reactions, immediately rush to the hospital and take appropriate treatment from your doctors.
Ingestion of ginger might have displayed significant effects in relieving primary pain. Additionally, ginger has shown substantial benefits in managing musculoskeletal pain and rheumatoid arthritis.4,6 However, more studies are required to suggest the beneficial effects of ginger in alleviating pain in the human body.
Though studies show the benefits of ginger in various health conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of ginger on human health.
If you have period cramps, I might suggest you try ginger. It contains a powerful compound called gingerol, which has antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. This makes ginger beneficial for conditions related to inflammation and might even provide relief from pain, like period cramps.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Ashwagandha: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Ginger might be used as:
Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe the form and dosage per your health condition. In addition, we recommend you do not change or discontinue your ongoing medications with ayurvedic or herbal preparations of ginger without consulting a qualified physician.
I want to emphasise that if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, it’s crucial to exercise caution when it comes to ginger. In these situations, it is recommended that you avoid taking ginger. This is because ginger has the potential to interact with these conditions or medications, which could have adverse effects.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Sesame Seeds: Uses Benefits, Side Effects and More!
The US Food and Drug Administration has categorised ginger in the ‘Generally Recognised as Safe’ list of substances.8 The overall incidence of adverse events associated with the use of ginger has been limited so far. However, the most common side effects reported so far typically include heartburn, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.12 You must consult a doctor if you wish to consume ginger in higher quantities for its health benefits.
Moreover, if you experience side effects after taking ginger, immediately contact an Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will tell you about the proper treatment for your side effects.
I might tell you something fascinating about ginger! It has been observed to have the potential in managing mild to moderate cases of motion sickness. So, if you’re prone to feeling queasy during car rides or boat trips, incorporating ginger into your routine might be helpful.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Regular consumption of ginger might be safe when taken in moderation. However, general precautions must be followed.
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There is not enough scientific information about the interactions of ginger with any other medicines. However, people should not assume that there are no interactions at all. Therefore, it is always better to follow the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor. They will prescribe you the best way to take it as a herb.
Both may have their merits. Fresh ginger root might be helpful in managing vomiting and nausea. On the other hand, dried ginger grounded into powder may be used as a preservative agent, symbolising its long shelf life.1,8
Ginger (Adrak) might be considered safe for consumption owing to the few side effects reported.12 However, any herbal remedy prescribed alongside drugs might potentially manifest some severe adverse reactions. Consequently, adequate cautions must be undertaken for the susceptible individuals, including pregnant women and children.4
Yes. Considering the wide range of applications of ginger and its active compounds, it is one of the most widely consumed spices/ herbs globally.14 The medicinal use of ginger for managing numerous ailments dates back over 2000 years. It has been an integral part of Chinese and Indian traditional medicine.2,8
Consumption of ginger has not presented with any noticeable side effects among pregnant women.13 Conversely, ginger and its biological constituents may have beneficial effects on nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, it must be taken under the supervision of a doctor.11
The biologically active constituent of ginger, 6-Gingerol, might play a vital role in the metabolism of hair follicles, subsequently benefitting overall hair health.4 However, this information is insufficient and requires more studies on humans to suggest its effect on hair. Therefore, one should not use ginger to self-medicate themselves; a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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