Determination of Bioactive Chemical Composition of Zingiber Officinale Essential Oil and Investigation of Its Anti-Microbial Activity

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Throughout the ages, man has been able to rely on nature to provide for his basic needs: food, shelter, clothing and also for his medical needs. The therapeutic use of the extraordinary virtues of plants for the treatment of all diseases of man is very old and evolves with the history of mankind. Still today, a majority of the world's population, especially in the developing countries development, is only treated with traditional herbal remedies. The modern pharmaceutical industry itself is still relying on the diversity of plant secondary metabolites to find new molecules with unprecedented biological properties. This source seems inexhaustible since only a small part of the 400 000 known plant species have been investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically, and each species may contain up to several thousand different constituents (Hostettmann et al., 1998). Ginger is grown in sunny and tropical areas, mainly in Asia (India, China, Nepal). There are written records of its use dating back more than 3,500 years, but it seems that its qualities have been known for more than 5,000 years. He is known in our regions thanks to the Mediterranean trade of Romans and Greeks. It is often used as a spice to decorate dishes. In Malaysia and India, where ginger comes from, it is a well-known medicinal plant, especially in Indian Ayurveda medicine which is very old. Today, it is used worldwide to treat intestinal disorders, flu-like conditions and depressed health. Ginger consists of two parts: the underground part, called the rhizome, is gnarled and branched and the aerial part is formed of leaves and a stem about one meter in height. The rhizome, whose pulp is yellow inside, serves as a reserve for the plant and ensures its survival. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate and fragrant and the flowers are yellow with a red lip. The fruits contain few black seeds. Ginger multiplies and reproduces itself rather thanks to the division of its rhizome. It needs a wet, warm and sunny weather to grow, which is why it is usually found in tropical countries.