Dried Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Inhibits Inflammation in a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mouse Model

Abstract

Objectives. Ginger rhizomes have a long history of human use, especially with regards to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanisms by which ginger acts on lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-)induced inflammation have not yet been identified. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dried Zingiber officinalis (DZO) on LPS-induced hepatic injury. Methods. ICR mice were given a DZO water extract (100, 1000 mg/kg) orally for three consecutive days. On the third day, they were administered by LPS intraperitoneally. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of DZO, histological, cytokine expression, and protein factor analyses were performed. Results. Oral administration of DZO significantly reduced pathological changes in the liver and proinflammatory cytokines including interferon-(IFN-)γ and interleukin-(IL-)6 in the serum. In addition, DZO inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation by preventing degradation of the IκB-α, as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, and p38 MAPKs. These were associated with a decrease in the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxyenase-2 (COX-2). Conclusions. Our data provide evidence for the hepatoprotective mechanisms of DZO as an anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, use of DZO to treat could provide therapeutic benefits in clinical settings.

Ginger Protects the Liver against the Toxic Effects of Xenobiotic Compounds: Preclinical Observations

“…In addition, ginger inhibited LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by preventing the degradation of the IκBα, as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPKs [53]. A strong decrease in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were also observed [53]. Together all these observations clearly indicate that ginger modulating myriad pathways, and thereby, affords the anti-inflammatory effects.…”

“…Seminal studies by Choi et al [53] have shown that ginger inhibits the LPS-induced inflammation in ICR mouse. The investigators observed that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of dried ginger (100 or 1000 mg/kg) for three consecutive days was effective in reducing the LPS-induced pathological changes in the liver, and to decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-6 in the serum [53].…”

“…The investigators observed that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of dried ginger (100 or 1000 mg/kg) for three consecutive days was effective in reducing the LPS-induced pathological changes in the liver, and to decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-6 in the serum [53]. In addition, ginger inhibited LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by preventing the degradation of the IκBα, as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPKs [53]. A strong decrease in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were also observed [53].…”

Potential health benefits and scientific review of ginger

“…Ginger acts as anti-parasitic; study shows the in vivo potential of methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale in the treatment of trypanosomiasis (Halvorsen et al, 2002;Jagetia et al, 2003;Kubra et al, 2013;Duarte, 2016;Kumar et al, 2015;Choi et al, 2013;Saraswat, 2010;Pushpanathan, 2008).…”

“…The mineral element of ginger is effective for the same (El-Sharaky et al, 2009;El-Abhar et al, 2008;Jagetia et al, 2004;Choi et al, 2013 ;Pushpanathan, 2008).…”