A Molecular Insight into the Pharmacological Activities of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Acute Lung Injury

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-717-0_27How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant; Cytokines; Zingiber officinale

Abstract

Background: Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary condition characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and epithelial-endothelial barrier dysfunction, often progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Current treatments remain largely supportive, with limited therapeutic options targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Objective: This study aims to explore the pharmacological potential of Zingiber officinale (ginger) in mitigating ALI, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities mediated by its bioactive compounds. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus through April 15, 2025, to identify preclinical and clinical studies on the pharmacological effects of ginger in ALI. Key bioactive constituents, such as 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and zingerone, were examined for their mechanisms of action using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Results: Ginger demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and suppressing neutrophil infiltration and alveolar edema. Its antioxidant action was mediated through activation of the Nrf2 pathway, which enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) and reduced oxidative markers (ROS and MDA). Histopathological improvements in lung tissue, preservation of alveolar structure, and enhanced surfactant production were also observed. Safety assessments confirmed low toxicity at therapeutic doses. Conclusion: Zingiber officinale holds promise as a natural adjunctive therapy for ALI by targeting key inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms. Its bioactive constituents provide molecular protection for lung tissue and support the future development of ginger-based nutraceutical interventions.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Hendrawan Hm
AU  - Melva Louisa
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/06/25
TI  - A Molecular Insight into the Pharmacological Activities of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Acute Lung Injury
BT  - Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Quality in Research (QiR 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 369
EP  - 385
SN  - 2352-5401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-717-0_27
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-717-0_27
ID  - Hm2026
ER  -