Pharmacological Aspects of 6-Gingerol: A Review

Abstract

Habitual consumption of raw fruits as well as vegetables can trim down the threat of many diseases. Ginger is consumed globally as a cuisine and herbal medicine. It is rich in pungent phenolic phytochemical substances together called gingerols. 6-Gingerol (1-[4’-hydroxy-3’-methoxyphenyl]-5-hydroxy-3-decanone) is the chief pharmacologically-active moiety of ginger. Molecularly, gingerol is a relative of capsaicin and piperine, the compounds which are alkaloids, though the bioactive pathways are unconnected. It is normally found as pungent yellow oil in the ginger rhizome, but can also form a low-melting crystalline solid. Previous studies have suggested ample of therapeutic activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. 6-Gingerol has been found to possess anticancer activities via its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cytotoxic activity and inhibition of angiogenesis. Thus, due to its efficacy and regulation of multiple targets, as well as its safety for human use, 6-gingerol has received considerable interest as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases. Overall, this review encapsulates different therapeutic and pharmacological facets of 6-gingerol along with its possible mechanism of action.