What is Gingerol? A Look at One of the Most Powerful Compounds Found in Ginger

 The intensely pungent and spicy compound found in the rhizomes (root clusters) of ginger are gingerols; the compound that has given ginger its renowned fame as a medicinal substance by providing major contributions to human health over the years.

 

Gingerol (also known as 6 gingerol) is a compound that is chemically similar to capsaicin (cayenne peppers) and piperine (black pepper), as can be observed by their spicy flavor.

 

When fresh ginger root undergoes a dehydration process, the gingerols form into shogaols (which exhibit an even stronger pungency). Both gingerols and shogaols (shogaol gingerol) demonstrate a vast array of biological activities that provide powerful health benefits to humans. Ranging from anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties to a multitude of actions within the central nervous system.

 

 Our bodies love the effects of gingerol as gingerol can assist with a variety metabolic functions and disease prevention activities.

 

• Gingerol supplements helps reduce inflammation

• Can help you lose weight

• Gingerol assists with fighting period cramps

• Improves your digestive system

• Boosts your immune system

• Relieves gas

• Gingerol is an antioxidant

• Gingerol fights cancer

 Gingerol possesses a multitude of health benefits that have been widely used for hundreds of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal practices. Ancient wisdom has proven to be remarkably accurate regarding the use of ginger and the bioactive compounds found in ginger as modern research of various pharmacological and clinical studies have validated its worth as a medicinally effective substance.

The benefits demonstrated in recent years show 6 gingerol supplements as having the capacity to improve digestive function, neutralize nausea, reduce inflammation, treat metabolic syndromes, and fight cancer.

 

 Inflammation is an innate immune response to potentially harmful internal and external stimuli that is usually used as a tool by the body to protect and heal itself. But, exorbitant inflammation can cause severe damage to the body leading to several diseases that compromise the vital organs. The bioactive compounds in ginger such as gingerols and shogaols have been proven to be effective in reducing chronic inflammation. Many controlled trials have given indication to the anti-inflammatory properties gingerol possesses.

 Using ginger as treatment for viral infections reaches far back into antiquity.  As far-fetched as that may seem, contemporary research has proven the use of gingerol as an anti-viral agent to be valid.  Ginger has been shown to inhibit:

 

• Chikungunya virus (1)

• Herpes viruses (2)

• Influenza A (3)

• Common cold (4)

 Oxidative stress is a major contributor to chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress is a result of an excessive prevalence of free radicals and reactive nitrogen species in the body while having a lack of antioxidants.

Antioxidants neutralize and remove free radicals that bind to healthy cells and ultimately destroy them.

 

The antioxidative properties of ginger root are attributed to its key bioactive compounds, gingerols and shogaols. Ginger has been shown in studies to bind to oxidative stress-inducing free radicals and neutralize their damaging effects.

 

The bioactive compounds in ginger have been heavily studied for antitumor properties. Ginger’s bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols are effective in fighting against multiple types of cancer cells including liver, colorectal, breast, lung and cervical. 

 Research has demonstrated that gingerols and shogaols are compounds involved in cell cycle regulation that includes the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer growth.

 Apoptosis is the body’s organized process of removing damaged cells that are irreparable by packaging the damaged cell’s contents into membrane matter for disposal by immune cells. 

 

A recent study revealed that a standardized (containing a consistent level of gingerols and shogaols) extract of ginger inhibited cell proliferation of cancer cells of the liver in rats.

 

Many other studies have exhibited the active compounds in ginger to fight cancer growth; some include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There is more than one way to get your daily dose of gingerols with eating and drinking fresh ginger being among the best ways. Consume fresh ginger as a liquid by making fresh ginger tea, making ginger water with organic raw honey, or blending into a smoothie. You can eat fresh ginger by adding it to your stir-frys, sushi, soups, or any dish needing the unique flavor of ginger.

 

Ginger extract containing a high level of gingerols and/or shogaols is also another way to easily and safely consume gingerol. Ginger extract can be found in supplement or powder format.

 

Consuming ginger powder by itself is not advisable due to the potency of the spice flavor.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

•  What is gingerol used for?

(Answer) Gingerol is a phenolic compound found in ginger that is used for a variety of health-related treatments that include improving digestive function, nausea relief, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, metabolism stimulant, reducing oxidative stress as an antioxidant, and combating cancer.

•  Is gingerol the same as ginger?

(Answer) Ginger rhizome (zingiber officinale) is a common spice with a strong pungent flavor and aroma that has been used as a medicine in Chinese and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Ginger has a multitude of chemical constituents that exceed over 400 compounds. Of these chemical constituents are active compounds that can be categorized into either phenolic compounds or terpenes. Gingerol is a phenolic compound that has been identified as the leading bioactive compound associated with all the health benefits ginger is known for. The extraction of gingerol from ginger enables us to receive the benefits of ginger at higher doses in a supplement format.

•  Is gingerol an antioxidant?

(Answer) Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in multiple studies (1,2,3).

•  Is gingerol good for arthritis?

(Answer) Gingerol is good for treating arthritis. Multiple studies provide evidence to using gingerol as an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation in patients suffering from arthritis-related pain. A study done over twenty years ago showed the compounds in ginger extract were just as effective in reducing pain and inflammation as ibuprofen. Another study found that high doses of concentrated ginger extract significantly reduced inflammation and pain in people with osteoarthritis.

Takeaway

 Gingerol is one of many compounds found in ginger. Of the many bioactive chemical compounds found within the ginger root, 6 gingerol is the principal constituent that is responsible for most health benefits associated with ginger.

 Gingerol has been proven effective as a medicinal substance for a variety of ailments ranging from reducing inflammation to treating cancer. Fresh ginger can be mixed with water, tea, or food to receive the benefits of gingerol. Gingerol can also be found in quality gingerol supplements as ginger extract.

 Add gingerol to you daily health practice and learn more about EN-1 supplements here.