Ethanomedicinal Approaches in Therapeutics

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is a popular spice used globally especially in most of theAsian countries. Chemical analysis of ginger shows that it contains over 400 different compounds. The major constituentsin ginger rhizomes are carbohydrates (50–70%), lipids (3–8%), terpenes, and phenolic compounds. Terpene components ofginger include Zingiberene, β-bisabolene, α-farnesene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and α-curcumene, while phenolic compoundsinclude gingerol, paradols, and shogaol. These gingerols (23–25%) and shogaol (18–25%) are found in higher quantity thanothers. Besides these, amino acids, raw fiber, ash, protein, phytosterols, vitamins (e.g., nicotinic acid and vitamin A), andminerals are also present. We selected its hypolipidemic and weight lost effects in primary and secondary hyperlipidemicpatients. Type of Research study: It was placebo-controlled study. Area of research: Research was conducted in Jinnahhospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of study: It was three months, from January 2014 to June 2014. Material, Method andResults: Already well understood, clearly explained written consent was taken from sixty hyperlipidemic patients age rangefrom 18 to 70 years. Both gender male and female patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided in two groups, 30patients were on drug ginger pasted-powder advised to take 5 grams in divided doses with their normal diet for the periodof three months. Thirty patients were on placebo pasted-wheat powder, with same color as of ginger powder, advised to take5 grams in divided doses with their normal diet for the period of three months. Their base line lipid profile and body weightwas recorded at start of treatment and were advised to come for check-up, fortnightly. When duration of study was over, theirlipid profile and body weight was measured and compared statistically with pre-treatment values. Three months treatmentwith 5 grams of Ginger decreased LDL-cholesterol 17.41%, total-cholesterol 8.83% and body weight 2.11%. When comparedwith placebo group, all changes in mentioned parameters were significant biostatistically. Conclusion: It was concluded fromresults of study that active ingredients of ginger lower plasma lipids and body weight significantly, eventually preventingdevelopment of coronary artery disease in primary and secondary hyperlipidemic patients.