Search Results (197)

Microbial fermentation of plant-derived materials is increasingly recognized as a strategy to enhance biological activity through phytochemical bioconversion. In this study, we investigated the antibiofilm effects of fermented Zingiber officinale rhizome extract against major periodontal pathogens and examined the underlying mechanisms. Ginger extract fermented with plant-derived lactic acid bacteria showed significantly greater inhibition of biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans than non-fermented extract. The inhibitory activity increased with fermentation time, resulting in approximately 60–70% reduction in biofilm formation at higher concentrations. Chromatographic analysis revealed decreased 6-gingerol and increased 6-shogaol levels after fermentation, suggesting bioconversion of 6-gingerol to 6-shogaol. Direct treatment with 6-shogaol inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner in all tested pathogens. Quantitative PCR analysis further showed that 6-shogaol significantly downregulated the quorum sensing-related gene luxS and multiple adhesion- and virulence-associated genes, including flp, fimA, mfa1, radD, fadA, ltxA, and rgpB. These findings indicate that lactic acid bacterial fermentation enhances the antibiofilm activity of ginger extract through increased 6-shogaol production, highlighting its potential as a natural anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agent for periodontal disease prevention and management. Full article

This study investigated the protective effect of an optimized naturally derived formulation extract against ultraviolet-induced skin photoaging and its preliminary potential for topical formulation development. A mouse model was established by combined UVA + UVB irradiation and D-galactose administration. Skin phenotype, histopathology, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related indicators were evaluated, and representative constituents were identified by HPLC. The loading level of the active extract was screened using a DPPH radical-scavenging assay, and lotion and cream formulations were optimized through emulsification-condition screening and response surface methodology. The final products were further evaluated for appearance, pH, short-term physical stability, moisture-retention performance, and DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. The extract significantly alleviated skin roughness, wrinkle deepening, epidermal thickening, and collagen fiber disorganization in mice, increased SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities, and reduced MDA, ROS, 8-oxoG, TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-3 levels. HPLC identified representative constituents including 6-gingerol, ferulic acid, senkyunolide, ligustilide, atractylenolide, cinnamaldehyde, quercetin, amygdalin, and sarsasapogenin. The optimal loading level was 1.6 μg/mL. The optimized lotion and cream exhibited acceptable appearance, suitable pH, and short-term physical stability under the tested conditions, while retaining measurable DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. These findings indicate that the naturally derived formulation extract exerts anti-photoaging effects by alleviating oxidative damage, suppressing inflammatory responses, and improving extracellular matrix abnormalities, and that it has preliminary potential for topical formulation development. Full article

Background and Objectives: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) possess significant regenerative potential; however, oxidative stress impairs their viability and osteogenic differentiation. Gingerol, the principal bioactive component of ginger, exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of gingerol on DPSCs exposed to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: DPSCs isolated from extracted human teeth following Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were exposed to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and treated with varying concentrations of gingerol. Cell viability, migration, osteogenic activity, mineralization, intracellular ROS accumulation, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related gene expression were evaluated using MTT, scratch wound healing assay, Alizarin Red S staining, ROS staining, ELISA, and real-time PCR. Results: Gingerol improved DPSC viability, migration, and mineralization under oxidative stress conditions. Increased ALP and BSP expression indicated enhanced osteogenic activity, while reduced ROS accumulation suggested attenuation of oxidative injury. Gingerol also modulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and normalized oxidative stress-associated alterations in inflammatory and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related gene expression. Conclusions: Gingerol demonstrated protective effects against oxidative stress-induced dysfunction in DPSCs and supported osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that gingerol may serve as a supportive bioactive candidate for regenerative dental applications; however, further mechanistic and in vivo studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential. Full article

Bitter Melon Leaf Extract (BMLE) possesses potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties; however, conventional extraction methods restrict phytochemical yield and bioactivity. Here, we optimized extraction using High-Pressure Processing (HPP) with Box–Behnken Design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized extract (O-BMLE) demonstrated significantly higher total flavonoid content (27.7 vs. 8.7 mg RE/g) and FRAP antioxidant capacity (96.5 vs. 71.2 μmol TE/g) compared to conventional BMLE. Additionally, O-BMLE exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity (A549 IC₅₀: 58.7 vs. 147 μg/mL) and selectivity (SI: 5.03 vs. 2.60) against A549, HepG2, and SKOV3 cancer cells while showing minimal effects on 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, O-BMLE selectively inhibited JNK phosphorylation without affecting NF-κB phosphorylation, resulting in suppression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression as well as nitric oxide production. HPLC analysis revealed equivalent momordicine-I levels (~28 mg/g) between extracts. In contrast, HPLC-qTOF-MS profiling revealed that O-BMLE was enriched in stearidonic acid (66% increase in relative abundance), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (19.5%), monolinolenin, 6-gingerol, and pedunculoside, which are compounds linked to JNK inhibition, antioxidant activity, and cytokine suppression. These results indicate that HPP-BBD/RSM optimization selectively modifies the bitter melon leaf metabolome, thereby enhancing anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities independently of momordicine-I content alone. O-BMLE may therefore serve as a promising candidate for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting inflammation-associated cancers. Full article

Large-fruited hawthorn (Malus doumeri (Bois) Chev.) is valued for its health-promoting properties, largely attributed to its rich flavonoid content. However, little is known about the specific composition of flavonoids and the molecular mechanisms regulating their biosynthesis. The present study employed non-targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to investigate two M. doumeri germplasms (G8 and G9) that exhibited significantly different total flavonoid contents. The results indicated that the major and differential metabolites primarily include flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in phenylpropanoid and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis identified several structural genes and transcription factors, including HCT (LOC114821133, LOC103403337, LOC103454980), WRKY (LOC103427630), and bHLH (LOC103422512), that were significantly upregulated in the high-flavonoid genotype (G9). qRT-PCR validation confirmed the RNA-Seq expression patterns, suggesting the potential involvement of these genes in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-related metabolites, such as [6]-gingerol. Applied experiments further demonstrated that freeze-drying preserved high metabolite contents and antioxidant activity. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the compositional characteristics of the major flavonoids in M. doumeri and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived metabolites. This study provides data support for future mechanistic validation and evaluation of processing technology applicability. Full article

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates diverse aspects of plant growth and secondary metabolism, yet its concentration-dependent effects on rhizomatous spice crops remain poorly understood at the systems level. Here, we investigated the phenotypic, physiological, hormonal, and multi-omics responses of ginger (Zingiber officinale) to foliar-applied ABA across a concentration gradient. Exogenous ABA modulated ginger growth in a distinctly non-linear manner. Low-to-moderate concentrations (5–15 mg/L) significantly enhanced aboveground branching and belowground rhizome yield, whereas high concentration (35 mg/L) inhibited branching while promoting structural carbohydrate accumulation, revealing a concentration-dependent trade-off between growth and secondary wall deposition. Hormone profiling uncovered global reprogramming of the endogenous hormonal network, with optimal ABA (15 mg/L) coordinately elevating growth-promoting hormones and defense-related signals, while high concentrations suppressed multiple hormone pathways and triggered negative feedback inhibition of endogenous ABA biosynthesis. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified convergent enrichment on phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, gingerol biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. Co-expression network analysis revealed a highly interconnected module of 583 genes linking hormone signaling to secondary metabolism, with coordinated up-regulation of key enzymes from phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) to polyketide synthase under 15 mg/L ABA explaining the 64% increase in 6-gingerol content. This study establishes a mechanistic chain from ABA perception to improved ginger yield and quality, mediated by hormonal crosstalk and transcriptional activation of the phenylpropanoid-gingerol network. We propose an “ABA optimization window” of 5–15 mg/L for precision cultivation of high-quality ginger, providing a systems-level framework for understanding hormone-mediated regulation of secondary metabolism in medicinal and spice crops. Full article

Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) is increasingly recognized as a potential environmental health concern, although their role in reproductive carcinogenesis remains unclear. This narrative review aims to evaluate current evidence linking MP/NP exposure to reproductive cancers and to explore the potential chemoprotective effects of bioactive compounds derived from ginger, garlic, and turmeric. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2008 and 2026. Relevant in vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring studies were included to assess mechanisms of toxicity, while preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed to examine the anticancer properties of selected dietary phytochemicals. Available evidence suggests that MP/NPs can accumulate in human biological systems, including reproductive tissues, where they induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage, processes closely associated with carcinogenesis. Although epidemiological data remain limited and do not establish cancer, emerging biomonitoring and experimental findings support a biologically plausible link between MP/NP exposure and hormone-related cancers. Concurrently, bioactive compounds such as curcuminoids, gingerols, and organosulfur compounds demonstrate the ability to modulate key molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Preclinical studies consistently report anticancer effects, while early clinical evidence suggests improvements in oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, though definitive therapeutic benefits remain uncertain. Overall, this review highlights important mechanistic links and identifies dietary phytochemicals as potential modulators of MP/NP-induced carcinogenic pathways. However, further well-designed epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and validate their protective role. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ginger has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal plant and is widely recognized in traditional medicine for its ability to promote health and well-being. The principal bioactive compounds of ginger are present in fresh and dried forms and have been largely studied for their therapeutic potential. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities mediated through various mechanisms. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of innovative delivery systems, thereby enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of ginger-derived compounds in modern medical applications. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of ginger and its potential role in disease prevention. Relevant studies were identified through the main research databases, publication screening, manual reference checks, and author consensus was conducted. Results: This narrative review provides an overview of the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds in ginger for the management and prevention of cardiovascular, arthritis, neurodegenerative, and gastrointestinal diseases, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms. In addition, their potential anti-aging properties are extensively discussed. The evidence reported is predominantly preclinical (in vitro and in vivo models), with more limited and heterogeneous clinical data. Recent studies have also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating the discovery and evaluation of bioactive agents with therapeutic relevance across diverse biological systems. Conclusions: This review highlights the emerging applications of ginger extracts in human health and suggests their applications in both traditional medicine and contemporary drug discovery. Full article

Rising microbial resistance to synthetic disinfectants has intensified the search for chemically synthesized natural alternatives, such as ginger-derived bioactive compounds. Several bioactive compounds, including Zingerone, Gingerols, and Shogaols, have been shown to possess antimicrobial activities. However, the antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds as disinfectants at varying temperatures and contact times is poorly understood. Therefore, understanding the temperature- and time-dependent effects of contact is crucial for optimizing the potential application of these compounds in various antimicrobial strategies. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of three chemicals, 10% [6]-Gingerol, Zingerone, and Shogaols, were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the variations in temperatures (5 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C) and contact time (1, 5, and 60 min) were assessed based on CFU counts, log₁₀ reductions, percent kill, and decimal reduction time. The findings of this study indicated that 10% Zingerone completely inactivated all tested organisms in 60 min at all temperatures. Although 10% [6]-Gingerol and Shogaol exhibited temperature- and time-dependent effects, they failed to completely inactivate the bacteria and fungi after 60 min. Furthermore, both temperature and contact time were shown to influence the efficacy of the tested disinfectants, providing a significant time- and temperature-dependent reduction in viable cells across all tested organisms. Full article

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a widely recognized functional food, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits largely attributed to gingerol-related compounds. While traditional extraction-based methods have been used to characterize these metabolites, they often compromise the spatial context within tissues. This study represents the first application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) to map the detailed spatial distribution of key ginger metabolites (6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols and shogaols) in a complex matrix of an intact rhizome tissue. Rhizomes from five ginger accessions collected in Negros Occidental, Philippines, were cryosectioned at 20 μm, coated with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix, and analyzed using MALDI MSI at 100 µm spatial resolution across an m/z range of 50–1200. The MALDI MSI revealed that 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols were predominantly localized in the stele and cortex regions, while shogaols exhibited broader distribution, including the epidermis. Principal component analysis (PCA) on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS data of methanolic rhizome extracts revealed clustering patterns among the five ginger accessions. These findings provide a spatially resolved metabolomic profile of gingerols and shogaols, offering novel insights into the anatomical localization of bioactive compounds. This integrative approach establishes a foundation for future studies on ginger physiology, breeding, and quality control of ginger-derived natural products. Full article

Background: The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is closely related to multiple disorders in the immune and metabolic systems, which indicates that a multi-target therapy strategy may have advantages over traditional single-target therapy. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWD), as a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been used to treat RA in clinic, is a potential source of multi-target natural medicine. However, its active components and mechanism of action still need further research. Methods: This study combined serum pharmacochemistry, non-targeted metabonomics, network pharmacology, and experimental verification and comprehensively analyzed the therapeutic mechanism and pharmacodynamic basis of HGWD. Results: Through HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, a total of 99 chemical components were identified. Among them, 25 prototype compounds were absorbed into the systemic circulation. The study of network pharmacology indicates that these compounds are concentrated in TNF, IL-17, and MAPK signaling pathways. In collagen-induced arthritis rats, HGWD can effectively alleviate joint inflammation, inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17), block the activation of the MAPK pathway, and restore 13 abnormal metabolic markers related to lipid and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the researchers identified and verified the combination of four active components (calycosin, paeoniflorin, 6-gingerol, and formononetin) in vitro, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-migration activities were equivalent to or stronger than those of the complete extract. Pharmacokinetic analysis also confirmed that these components were fully exposed in vivo. Conclusions: These findings reveal the mechanism of multi-component therapy of HGWD and identify the potential bioactive components, which can be used to develop multi-target therapeutic drugs for RA based on natural products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a flowering plant widely used as a spice and natural medicine for millennia. Ginger demonstrates multiple protective effects, regulates cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of cancer and colitis. However, little attention has been paid to its potential to cause herb–drug interactions (HDIs). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of ginger extract and its major components [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol with clinically relevant uptake and efflux transporters in vitro. Methods: Transporter-overexpressing cell lines of 25 uptake transporters and inside-out membrane vesicles containing 8 efflux transporters were employed to measure potential interactions. Results: Zingiber officinale extract at 150 µg/mL interacted with 17 of 33 transporters examined. These were further investigated for interactions with the purified active components. Seven and 16 transporters interacted with pure [6]-gingerol (100 µM) and [6]-shogaol (100 µM), respectively. To evaluate the risk of in vivo inhibition, IC₅₀ values were determined for the affected transporters. Based on standard risk assessment calculations, we confirmed previously reported inhibitory effects of ginger components on MDR1 (67.64 µM) and BCRP (9.931 µM), and revealed novel potential interactions with renal OAT3 (0.956 µM) and URAT1 (5.887 µM), hepatic OCT1 (4.287 µM) and BSEP (25.45 µM), and the ubiquitously expressed ENT1 (11.62 µM) ([6]-shogaol IC₅₀ values are shown in parentheses). Strong and isoform-selective inhibition of OAT3 by [6]-shogaol is particularly intriguing. Additionally, via cell viability experiments on a set of human cervical, breast, and oropharyngeal cancer cell lines, we demonstrated the antiproliferative effect of [6]-shogaol in vitro. Conclusions: Prolonged consumption of high-dose ginger supplements may pose a risk of transporter-mediated HDIs when consumed concomitantly with conventional medications. Our study encourages follow-up of the suspected effects in vivo. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are a major contributor to climate change, requiring sustainable carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategies. This study employed density functional theory (DFT) to assess a choline chloride–lactic acid deep eutectic solvent (CHL–LAC DES) as a dual system for CO₂ capture and gingerol extraction. Using the wB97X-D functional theory for energy calculation with PM3-optimized geometries, the DES exhibited stronger CO₂ binding (–0.86 eV) than monoethanolamine (–0.234 eV) and a higher affinity for 6-gingerol (–1.87 eV). These results suggest that CHL–LAC DES can simultaneously capture CO₂ and extract bioactive compounds, advancing green pharmaceutical and integrated CCU applications. Full article

Plants from the Zingiberaceae family, particularly Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, and Alpinia galanga, are rich sources of bioactive compounds with documented antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review summarizes current evidence on their phytochemical profiles and pathways relevant to metabolic regulation. Key compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, curcuminoids, and phenylpropanoids, support glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin sensitivity, promoting Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT4)-mediated glucose uptake, improving β-cell function, and modulating metabolic signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, AMPK, PPARγ, and NF-κB. Their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities further reduce oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation, both central to the progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Evidence from selected clinical and experimental studies suggests that dietary supplementation with whole-rhizome preparations or standardized extracts (including formulation-enhanced products) may improve fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress markers. Recent advances in delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, and curcumin–piperine complexes, substantially enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble phytochemicals, strengthening their therapeutic potential. Overall, Zingiberaceae plants emerge as promising natural supplements in nutritional and pharmacological strategies targeting diabetes. Further clinical research is required to refine dosage, confirm long-term efficacy, and support their integration into evidence-based metabolic interventions. Full article

The pharmacological effects of ginger extract from Zingiber officinale Roscoe are well-established; however, more refined extraction methods for higher-quality yields are needed. This study isolated and evaluated 6-, 8-, and 10-shogaol and 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol from ginger extract, assessing their effects on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). To ensure safety, non-toxic concentrations were determined for pancreatic β-cells. Both non-processed and microwave-processed ginger extracts enhanced GSIS, with microwave-treated extracts exhibiting the strongest effect. Specifically, the microwave-processed ginger extract increased the glucose stimulation index (GSI) to 12.4 ± 0.4 at 5 μg/mL, compared to a GSI of 7.7 ± 0.2 observed for the non-processed ginger extract. Notably, fraction F4 of the microwave-processed extract demonstrated superior GSIS activity. In contrast, steam-processed ginger extract induced only a modest increase in GSI under limited exposure conditions. Furthermore, 6-shogaol emerged as a key compound, correlating with increased expression of proteins crucial for pancreatic β-cell regulation. Microwave-assisted processing notably altered the content and proportion of shogaols and gingerols, significantly impacting GSIS activity. These findings underscore the importance of extraction methods in enhancing ginger’s pharmacological potential in regulating insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. Full article