Neurodegenerative diseases represent an expanding global health burden, particularly as life expectancy increases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder illustrated by loss of memory progressively and cognitive decline. The treatment includes anti-Alzheimer’s drugs, but till date, there is no complete cure available with any of these drugs. Current pharmacotherapies offer only symptomatic relief and are ineffective in halting disease progression. This limitation has led to increased interest in natural agents with neuroprotective potential, thus opening newer opportunities for researchers. Herbs and herbal drugs such as allicin, ginger, curcumin, moringa, etc., are gaining much interest due to lesser side effects and higher bioavailability. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a traditional medicinal plant, contains numerous bioactive compounds, such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which have exhibited the ability in modifying key pathological features of AD and has emerged as potential new drug candidates against AD. The constituents of ginger can interact with various molecular targets associated with AD treatment. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of theoretical research in the literature exploring the potential mechanisms through which these compounds might act as anti-AD agents. A number of preclinical and clinical studies have reported the effectiveness of ginger in treating or providing symptomatic relief in case of various neurodegenerative disorders. This chapter discusses the molecular mechanisms by which ginger may exert neuroprotective effects and evaluates its therapeutic potential as an adjunct in AD treatment.

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Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Divya Dhawal Bhandari,
  • Jai Malik,
  • Prerna Sarup

摘要

Neurodegenerative diseases represent an expanding global health burden, particularly as life expectancy increases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder illustrated by loss of memory progressively and cognitive decline. The treatment includes anti-Alzheimer’s drugs, but till date, there is no complete cure available with any of these drugs. Current pharmacotherapies offer only symptomatic relief and are ineffective in halting disease progression. This limitation has led to increased interest in natural agents with neuroprotective potential, thus opening newer opportunities for researchers. Herbs and herbal drugs such as allicin, ginger, curcumin, moringa, etc., are gaining much interest due to lesser side effects and higher bioavailability. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a traditional medicinal plant, contains numerous bioactive compounds, such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which have exhibited the ability in modifying key pathological features of AD and has emerged as potential new drug candidates against AD. The constituents of ginger can interact with various molecular targets associated with AD treatment. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of theoretical research in the literature exploring the potential mechanisms through which these compounds might act as anti-AD agents. A number of preclinical and clinical studies have reported the effectiveness of ginger in treating or providing symptomatic relief in case of various neurodegenerative disorders. This chapter discusses the molecular mechanisms by which ginger may exert neuroprotective effects and evaluates its therapeutic potential as an adjunct in AD treatment.