International Journal of Medical Discoveries

Abstract

Aging is a complex process associated with oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, leading to a decline in overall health. Natural compounds, particularly ginger (Zingiber officinale), have gained attention for their potential in mitigating these effects due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. However, despite extensive research on ginger’s bioactive compounds, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its role in aging and metabolic health remain unclear. This review aims to bridge this gap by systematically analyzing recent studies on ginger’s impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, NIH, and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed studies from 2015 to 2024. Findings indicate that ginger’s bioactive compounds, especially 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, significantly reduce oxidative damage, modulate inflammatory pathways, and enhance metabolic processes, thereby improving glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and neuroprotection. Additionally, studies suggest that ginger influences key molecular pathways such as Nrf2 activation, NF-κB modulation, and AMPK regulation, contributing to its therapeutic potential. However, limitations include the reliance on in vitro and animal studies, inconsistent methodologies, and a lack of large-scale human trials. Future research should focus on clinical validation, dosage standardization, and personalized nutrition applications. Overall, this review underscores ginger’s potential as a functional food for promoting healthy aging and metabolic well-being while emphasizing the need for further research to establish its clinical efficacy.