ZANJABIL (ZINGIBER OFFICINALIS): A REVIEW

Zanjabil ( Zingiber officinalis ) a genus of rhizomatous herbs belongs to the family Sceitaminaceae or Zingiberacea is a common condiment for various foods and beverages. It has a long history of medicinal use dating back 2,500 years in China a nd India for conditions such as headaches, nausea, rheumatism, and colds. In Arabic it is known as Zanjabil whereas in Persian it is known as Shangabir, Zanjabil. It was known to the Greeks and Romans as a spice, while being imported during Middle Ages as a “Green ginger” which is the Ginger preserved in syrup. Now i t is widely cultivated in tropical Asia and throughout India. It has been in use for centuries in Unani system of medicine and is being described in detail in ethanobotanical and classical Unani literature due to its various mentioned actions such as anti - hyperlipidemia; platelet aggregating inhibitor; diuretic; thrombolytic; anti - inflammatory; expectorant; antitussive; demulcent; digestive; carminative; memory enhancer; liver deobtrunt; desiccan t; tonic for digestive system and hepatobiliary system; purgative; cleanser; aphrodisiac; thermogenic; anti - helminthic; antidote; anti - oxidant; rubefacient; anti - histamine; anti - depressant; anti - narcotic; cardiac tonic; eye - tonic. The present review highli ghts the traditional uses, therapeutic actions and pharmacological properties of this plant.