Polyphenol-Rich Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Other Clinical Entities Associated with Altered Iron Metabolism

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is rich in natural polyphenols and may potentially complement oral iron therapy in treating and preventing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This narrative review explores the benefits of ginger for IDA and other clinical entities associated with altered iron metabolism. Through in vivo, in vitro, and limited human studies, ginger supplementation was shown to enhance iron absorption and thus increase oral iron therapy’s efficacy. It also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and thus protects against excess free iron. Ginger’s bioactive polyphenols are prebiotics to the gut microbiota, promoting gut health and reducing the unwanted side effects of iron tablets. Moreover, ginger polyphenols can enhance the effectiveness of erythropoiesis. In the case of iron overload due to comorbidities from chronic inflammatory disorders, ginger can potentially reverse the adverse impacts and restore iron balance. Ginger can also be used to synthesise nanoparticles sustainably to develop newer and more effective oral iron products and functional ingredients for IDA treatment and prevention. Further research is still needed to explore the applications of ginger polyphenols in iron balance and anaemic conditions. Specifically, long-term, well-designed, controlled trials are required to validate the effectiveness of ginger as an adjuvant treatment for IDA.

Possible Side Effects of Polyphenols and Their Interactions with Medicines

“…To sum up, the influence of polyphenols on the level of iron requires a more thorough analysis, because both its excess (causing, e.g., excessive ROS production) and its deficiency (anaemia) are harmful. The oral iron therapy of IPA often causes gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, heartburn, dark stools, and flatulence [ 174 ]. Moreover, an excess of unabsorbed iron can lead to dysbiosis by modifying the microbiota profile because iron favours the growth of some pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli , Shigella , Campylobacter , Salmonella , Clostridium , and Bacteroides) and also lowers the abundance of beneficial species belonging to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium [ 175 ].…”

“…Therefore, further studies are also important from the point of view of the possibility of using polyphenols’ ability to bind iron in cancer therapy [ 176 ]. The ability of flavonoids to chelate iron can be used in the production of more effective drugs or supplements for IDA treatment and prevention [ 174 ].…”

Drug/Natural Products-Related problems in Elderly

“…Gastrointestinal discomfort, hypersensitivity, prolonged pre-existing bleeding, arrhythmia, and central nervous system depression are all possible side effects obtained at larger dosages. According to some studies, consuming a minimum of 6 grams of ginger root might cause gastrointestinal problems, including gastric reflux, diarrhea, and heartburn [53] . It may also worsen the toxicity of warfarin and its anticoagulant effects, which might result in bleeding.…”

Haemoprotective Effects of Dry Ginger Powder (Zingiber officinale) on Wistar Rats Fed with Iron Treated Water

“…"Recently, a great deal of function has focused on the protective biochemical function of naturally occurring antioxidants in biochemical systems against toxic heavy metals. Hence it is believed that in the case of iron overload due to comorbidities from chronic inflammatory disorders, ginger can potentially reverse the adverse impacts and restore iron balance" [11]. "Ginger is considered to be a safe herbal medicine with only few and insignificant adverse/side effects" [12].…”