UNIVERSITY OF

MAURITIUS

Bachelor of Pharmacy Year 4

Pharmacognosy 4

Monographs of 5 Plants

Presented by: Naraino Majie Nabiilah-1216824

Joorawon Svenia-1217636

Date of Submission: 14th

September 2015

Monographs on: Page

1. Allium sativum 1

2. Apium graveolens 3

3. Citrus limon 5

4. Thymus vulgaris 7

5. Zingiber officinale 9

ALLIUM SATIVUM

1

Allium sativum

MAIN COMPONENTS

• Essential Oil (disulfide

diallyl, allicme)

• Carbohydrates

• Selenium

• Vitamins A, B, C and E

• Sulfur Compounds

MAIN EFFECTS

• Antibiotic

• Expectorant

• Active sweating

• Hypotensor

• Reduces blood clots

• Hypoglycemic

• Anthelmintic

GARLIC is the medicinal plant par

excellence. It is safe for home use

and proves effective to treat multiple

of health problems; it fights against

nose, throat and bronchi infections,

reduced cholesterol levels and

soothes circulatory disorders, such

as hypertension. Hypoglycemic,

garlic is a valuable supplement food

for diabetics. (Ayaz et al, 2007)

Garlic, very appreciated in the kitchen,

is grown for commercial purposes

TAXONOMY

Class: Equisetopsida

Subclass: Magnoliidae

Superorder: Lilianae

Order: Asparagales

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Allium

Scientific name: Allium sativum L.

Common name: garlic (English);

ajo (Spanish); ail (French); arishtha,

lashuna (Sanskrit); lasan (Hindu

and Gujarat); vellaipundu (Tamil).

Conservation status: Not

considered to be threatened.

Habitat: Rocky valleys, riverbeds,

streambeds and gullies.

Key Uses: Food and drink,

medicine, pest control.

Known hazards: Adverse effects

including a burning sensation in the

mouth and intestine, sickness, and

odour from the breath and the body.

Skin reactions have also been

reported. Garlic may interfere with

some prescribed medicines.

(Anon-2014, Ayaz et al-2007,

Anon-2010)

CURRENT RESEARCH

• A complex solution: The therapeutic effects of

garlic have been mentioned in more than thousand

scientific articles. Garlic lowers lipid levels and

cholesterol in the blood; it prevents the formation

blood clots, reduces blood pressure and also reduces

the blood sugar and exerts antibiotic action.

(Jangam et al, 2014)

• Mechanism of action: Chemical analysis in the

1800s attributed garlic's activity to the sulfur

containing garlic oil. In the mid 1900s an American

chemist named the strong smelling liquid "allicin".

The sulfur compound alliin (S-allyl-l-cysteine

sulfoxide) produces allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) via

the enzyme allinase when the bulb is crushed or

ground. Other sulfur compounds, peptides, steroids,

terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols have increasingly

been identified as possible active ingredients as

allicin is metabolized. The exact mechanism of

action underlying garlic's effects remains unknown

and may vary according to the preparation and the

therapeutic effect. (Anon, 2011)

TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES

A traditional remedy: Before the invention of

antibiotics, garlic was used to treat all kinds of

diseases, from tuberculosis to typhoid fever. It was

also used for dressing wounds during WWI.

Bronchial Diseases: Garlic is great in case of

bronchial infections and treats colds as well as ear

infections.

The digestive tract: Garlic treats diseases of the

digestive system. It rids of the intestinal parasites.

The circulatory system: Garlic prevents circulatory

disorders and prevents their developments

by thinning the blood. It also decreases cholesterol

level.

Other uses: Garlic is used against infections; it

enhances the action of chemical antibiotics and

avoids side effects. It also reduces blood glucose, as

well as helps patients suffering from diabetes

mellitus.

PART USED

Bulbs

Cloves

Fresh

Plant

PREPARATION AND

USAGE

These parts

have been

used since

centuries in

medicine and

cooking for

its tonic

properties.

Garlic Syrup against

cough; take 1 spoon

every 3 hours

Minced cloves to

decrease cholesterol

and strengthen

immune system

These beads

contain garlic oil.

This increases the

resistance of the

body to infection.

ALLIUM SATIVUM

2

REFERENCES

Web links

ANON, 2010. Garlic (Allium sativum). Sigma-Aldrich [online]. Available from:

http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/allium-

sativum.html [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2011. Garlic. Mr Ginseng [online]. Available from: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/garlic/

[Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2014. Garlic (Allium Sativum L.). MedicineNet.com [online].Available from:

http://www.medicinenet.com/garlic_allium_sativum_l-oral/article.htm [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Allium sativum (garlic). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens [online]. Available from:

http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/allium-sativum-garlic [Accessed September

2015].

Journals

AYAZ, E. and ALPSOY, H.C., 2007. Garlic (Allium sativum) and traditional medicine. PubMed.gov;

31(2), 145-149. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17594659

JANGAM, G.B. and BADOLE, S.L., 2014. Garlic (Allium sativum): Role in metabolic disorder.

Polyphenols in human health and disease; 1(46), 611-614.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123984562000463

SULERIA, H.A.R., et al., 2015. Garlic (Allium sativum) : diet based therapy of 21st century – a review.

Asian Pacific Journal of tropical disease; 5(4), 271-278.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2222180814607829

SUNG, S., et al., 2014. Effects of Allium sativum essence oil as antimicrobial agent for food

packaging plastic film. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies; 26, 406-414.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1466856414000800

APIUM GRAVEOLENS

3

Apium graveolens var. graveolens

Celery is a plant used in both

medicine and cooking.

TAXONOMY

MAIN COMPONENTS

•Essential Oil (1.5 to 3%)

•Coumarins

•Furanocoumarins

(bergapten)

•Flavonoids (apune)

MAIN EFFECTS

•Antirheumatic

•Antispasmodic

•Diuretics

•Hypotensive

•Antiseptic

•Anti-

inflammatory

Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms

Order: Apiales

Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Apium

Species: A. graveolens

MOST COMMONLY USED as a

vegetable than as medicaments, the

branches and seeds of celery treat

disorders such as rheumatism or

arthritis, celery helps cleanse the

body by removing toxins. Its seeds

effectively eliminate intestinal gas

and they relieve bloating related

abdominal pain. (Tobyn et al, 2011)

Scientific name: Apium graveolens L.

Common name: celery (English); apio

(Spanish); céleri (French); shalari

(Hindu and Gujarat); sedano (Italian).

Conservation status: Not considered to

be threatened except in Sweden.

Habitat: Marshy areas, terrestrial,

fresh water.

Key Uses: Vegetable, medicine,

dietary herb (China).

Known hazards: Adverse effects

include skin inflammation and

sensitivity to the sun. Unsafe for

pregnant women, people with bleeding

disorder, kidney problems and low BP.

(Anon- 2005, 2014, 2015)

CURRENT RESEARCH

• A complex solution: The essential oil

provides a calming effect on the nervous

system. Seed extracts may lower blood lipid

levels. Chinese Studies indicate that the oil is

effective against hypertension. Celery is a rich

source of phenolic phytonutrients that have

antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

(Fuchs et al, 2012)

• Mechanism of action: Celery contains

phenols and furocoumarins (psoralens). Celery

seed oil contains the natural phthalide

sedanolide which showed protective effects

against hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and tert-butyl

hydroperoxide (tBOOH)-induced toxicity in

HepG2 and CaCo-2 cells. Celery tuber also

contains methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen)

and 5-methoxypsoralen and the allergen

profilin (Api g 1), which shows high homology

to birch pollen profilin. (Madhavi et al, 2013)

TRADITIONAL AND CURRENT USES

• An antique use: The use celery is cultivated

for at least 3000 years, particularly in Egypt. In

the fifth century BC, the Chinese already knew

about this plant. During history, celery has

always been consumed as food and at various

times, the whole plant and seeds were used for

medicinal purpose.

• The purifying properties: Today, the seeds

are used to treat gout and certain rheumatism.

They get the kidneys rid of their waste and

reduce the acidity of organ. Seeds treat arthritis

by detoxifying the body and improving blood

flow to the muscles and joints.

• A diuretic agent: Celery seeds have a mild

diuretic action and great antiseptic effect. They

are effective against cystitis since they

disinfect bladder.

PART USED

PREPARATION AND

USAGE

Leaves

All parts have

high nutritive

values but the

seeds are mostly

used in medicine.

Detoxifying drink; take one

cup of celery juice and

carrot juice once per day.

Seed infusion to treat gout

and arthritis; take one cup

with 1.5g of seed every day.

Powdered seeds to treat

arthritis; take one teaspoon

each day.

APIUM GRAVEOLENS

4

REFERENCES

Web links

ANON, 2005. Celery. WebMD [online]. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-

supplements/ingredientmono-882-celery.aspx?activeingredientid=882&activeingredientname=celery

[Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Apium graveolens. Red List of Threatened Species [online]. Available from:

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/164203/0 [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Celery (Apium graveolens). Sigma-Aldrich [online]. Available from:

http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/apium-

graveolens.html [Accessed September 2015].

EHRLICH, S.D., 2015. Celery seed. Milton S. Hershey Medicinal Center [online]. Available from:

http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000231 [Accessed

September 2015].

MURRAY, M.T., 2014. Celery and Celery seed extract are powerful, Proven healers.

DoctorMurray.com [online]. Available from: http://doctormurray.com/celery-and-celery-seed-extract-

are-powerful-proven-healers/ [Accessed September 2015].

Journals

FUCHS, M., et al., 2012. Development and validation of a novel real-time PCR method for the

detection of celery (Apium graveolens) in food. Food Chemistry; 130(1), 189-195.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814611009526

MADHAVI, D, et al., 2013. A pilot study to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of a celery extract in

mild to moderate hypertensive patients. Natural Medicine Journal; 5(4).

http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2013-04/pilot-study-evaluate-antihypertensive-effect-

celery-extract-mild-moderate

MODARESI, M., et al., 2012. The effects of celery (Apium graveolens) extract on the reproductive

hormones in male mice. APCBEE Procedia; 4(2012), 99-104.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221267081200187X

TOBYN, G, DENHAM, A. and WHITELEGG, M., 2011. Apium graveolens, wild celery. Medical

Herbs; 9, 79-89. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443103445000148

CITRUS LIMON

5

Citrus limon

MAIN COMPONENTS

• Essential Oil (2 – 5% in fruit peel), sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, aldehydes, esters • Coumarins • Flavonoids • Vitamins

MAIN EFFECTS

• Antibacterial • Antioxidant • Anti-rheumatic • Antiseptic • Reduces fever

LEMON is a major natural remedy. Common food with numerous medicinal virtues, it is rich in vitamin C and favours resistance against infections which helps to treat influenza and colds. It is consumed in preventive way in case of gastritis, circulatory problems and atherosclerosis. (Anon, 2006)

Lemon treats scurvy (lack of vitamin C).

TAXONOMY

Class: Magnoliophyta Subclass: Dilleniidae Superorder: Violanae Order: Sapindales Family: Rutaceae Genus: Citrus

Scientific name: Citrus limon L.

Common name: lemon (English); citron (French); limone (Italian); limon (Creole); līmūn (Arabic); nimbū (Sanskrit).

Conservation status: Least concern.

Habitat: Mediterranean region and subtropical parts of the world.

Key Uses: Food and drink, medicine, cosmetics.

Known hazards: Sore throat, nausea, it may taste bitter after a while.

(Anon- 2006, 2011,2012)

CURRENT RESEARCH • A complex solution: Its most prominent component, limonene, is likely the key to its potency, found in many citrus oils but none so strongly as lemon. Its cancer-fighting antioxidant power is impressive, as well. (G. M. Et al, 2010)

• Mechanism of action: Its mode of action is not clear. It acts in one or more different way to exert its pharmacologic effect. (Bailey, 1976)

TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES Famous medication: Spanish folk medicine attributes so much therapeutic values to lemon that entire books have been devoted to it.

Established properties: Once digested, lemon has an antacid effect which makes it effective in case of rheumatoid arthritis which favours acidity. The essential oil is antiseptic and antibacterial. The flavonoids present strengthen the inner wall of blood vessels and favour the disappearance of varicose veins and reduction of bruises.

Preventive action: Lemon is a distinguished preventive remedy. Its antiseptic and detoxifying properties make it an important ally for persons prone to atherosclerosis, fever and infectious diseases of the stomach, liver and intestine. Its action on the wall of blood vessels helps to prevent circulatory problems and bleeding gums. It is also an excellent and effective tonic against certain chronic diseases.

Stimulate veins’ walls: The fruit and white peel prevent atherosclerosis and weakness of capillaries.

Juice: Lemon juice fights colds, flu and infections. It stimulates liver detoxification and improves appetite. It is a tonic of the liver and the pancreas and it fights against ulcers and rheumatoid arthritis. As gargle, it treats sore throat, gum disease and mouth ulcer. For external use, it is applied on acne, athlete’s foot, bites, sunburn and warts. (Lopes et al-2011, Freitas et al-2014, Nakajima et al-2014)

PART USED

Fruit and peel improve circulation and strengthen resistance against infections.

White peel and zest contain essential oil and most flavonoids.

PREPARATION AND USAGE

Lemon

contains

twice as

much as

vitamin

C as

orange.

Lemon essential Oil. Dilute 5 drops in 1 teaspoon of neutral oil and apply on mouth ulcers.

Remedy against colds; mix 20ml of lemon juice with 50ml of hot water and add 1 crushed clove of garlic together with 1 pinch of cinnamon. Drink the mixture 3 times per day.

Lemon juice for throat irritation. Mix 20ml of lemon juice with 20ml of hot water and use as gargle.

CITRUS LIMON

6

REFERENCES

Web links

ANON, 2006. Citrus limon. Learn 2 grow [online]. Available from:

http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/citrus-limon/ [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2011. Citrus limon L. Taxonomy for plants [online]. Available from: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?10732 [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2012. Citrus limon – L. Plants for a future [online]. Available from:

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+limon [Accessed September 2015].

BAILEY, et al., 1976. Lemon. Encyclopedia of Life [online]. Available from:

http://eol.org/pages/582200/overview [Accessed September 2015].

KASRAOUI, F., 2006. Le citronnier. Kasroui.com Le site officiel [online]. Available from:

http://www.kasraoui.com/Secteur-Agricole/Agrumes-Citronnier.html [Accessed 10 September 2015].

Journals

GONZALEZ-MOLINA, E. et al., 2010. Natural bioactive compounds of Citrus limon for food and health. Journal of Pharmaceutical and biomedicinal analysis. 51(2), 327-345.

LOPES CAMPÊLO, L.M. et al., 2011. Antioxidant and Antinociceptive effects of Citrus limon essential oil in mice. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2011(2011), 1-8.

Freitas, E. S., Viana, M. D. M., Silva-Neto, G. J., Oliveira, L. M. S., Duzzioni, M., Castro, O. W., Ferro, J. M. S., Barreto, E., Campesatto, E. A. and Alexandre-Moreira, M. S. (2014) ‘026 — (FRE0127) Motor performance evaluation of mice treated with essential oil’, Epilepsy & Behavior, 38, pp. 192–193. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.08.059. Nakajima, V. M., Macedo, G. A. and Macedo, J. A. (1205) ‘Citrus bioactive phenolics: Role in the obesity treatment’, LWT - Food Science and Technology, 59(2), pp. 1205–1212. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2014.02.060.

THYMUS VULGARIS

7

Thymus vulgaris

MAIN COMPONENTS

• Essential Oil (thymol,

carvacrol, linalol)

• Flavonoids

• Phenolics

MAIN EFFECTS

• Antiseptics

• Tonic

• Muscle relaxant

• Expectorant

• Vermifuge

• Antioxidant

Thyme is characteristic to the

Mediterranean flora; it is also known as

"farigoule" in southern France. Known for

its aromatic qualities, it also has many

medicinal properties. Fortifying and

antiseptic, thyme still relieves multiple

disorders, particularly breathing disorders.

(Hossain,2013)

Thyme has pink flowers that attract

bees and confer their honey a special

flavor.

TAXONOMY

Domain: Eukarya

Kingdom: Plantae

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Lamiales

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Thymus L.

Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris L.

Common names: Thym (French), Garden

thyme (English), Thymian (German),

Timo (Italian), Zatr (Arabic)

Conservation status: There are no

conservation measures.

Habitat: Dry slopes, rocks and maquis.

Always found on clay or limestone soils.

Key Uses: Thyme is used for cough and

bronchitis as it produces expectoration and

reduces bronchial spasm. It also makes a

good use in indigestion, gastritis, and

diarrhea.

Known hazards: Avoid in inflammatory

disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Internal use contraindicated especially in

pregnancy. Caution if sensitive to grasses.

(Anon-2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, katzer-

2003, Khela-2014)

CURRENT RESEARCH

• A complex solution: Thyme is another

aromatic member of the mint family. In

this case, its oils, when ingested, help to

relieve congestion and infection in the

respiratory tract. The herb factors into

many a good recipe for cough syrup.

(Nezhadali et al, 2013)

• Mechanism of action: It is thought that

the phenolic compounds of thyme exert

antibacterial activity by complexing with

the bacterial membrane proteins.

Bronchospasmolysis is attributed to the

flavonoids thymonin, cirsilineol and 8-

methoxycirsilineol. Antioxidative effects

of thyme oil have been attributed mainly

to its phenolic constituents (thymol and

carvacrol). (Hossain et al, 2013)

TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES

Infections: Thyme is good against

bronchitis, pertussis, and pleurisy. The

infusion treats benign infections of the

throat and bronchi

Asthma and hay fever: Thyme is

prescribed to asthmatic children. It is

effective in case hay fever.

Anthelmintic: Thyme is prescribed to

children as an anthelmintic.

Stomach ulcer: Thyme extracts have a

powerful antibacterial effect against

H. pylori, a bacterium often linked to

stomach ulcers.

Other uses: It soothes insect’s bites

when applied on the skin. It is used

in sciatic pain or rheumatoid arthritis. It

also treats herpes, athlete's foot, mouth

ulcers, fungal infections, scabies and lice.

(Anon-2014, 2015, Komaki-2015)

PART USED

Fresh aerial

parts

Fresh leaves

The aerial parts harvested

in summer contain

essential oil with

antiseptic properties.

Dried aerial parts

PREPARATION AND

USAGE Infusion:

During

cold, take

50 ml 3

times per

day.

Essential Oil:

Against scabies,

should dilute and

then stamp the

infected area.

Syrup:

Against cough;

take 20ml thrice

per day

THYMUS VULGARIS

8

REFERENCES

Web links

ANON, 2010. Thyme. Doctor Schar [online]. Available from: http://doctorschar.com/archives/thyme-

thymus-vulgare/ [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2012. Thymus vulgaris L. Plants for a future [online]. Available from:

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Thymus+vulgaris [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2012. Thymus vulgaris. Southern Cross University [online]. Available from:

http://scu.edu.au/scps/index.php/128/ [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2014. Thyme, Garden. Botanical.com [online]. Available from:

https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thygar16.html [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Thyme. Ayurvedic Herbs [online]. Available from:

http://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/thyme.html [Accessed September 2015].

KATZER, G., 2003. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Spice Pages [online]. Available from:

http://gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com/engl/Thym_vul.html [Accessed September 2015].

KHELA, S. 2014. Thymus vulgaris. Red List of Threatened Species [online]. Available from:

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/203348/0 [Accessed 11 September 2015].

Journals

HOSSAIN, M.A., et al., 2013. Study of total phenol, flavonoids contents and phytochemical

screening of various leaves crude extracts of locally grown Thymus vulgaris. Asian Pacific Journal of

tropical biomedicine; 3(9), 705-710.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169113601422

KOMAKI, A., et al., 2015. Study of the effect of extract of Thymus vulgaris on anxiety in male rats.

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015000188

NEZHADALI, A., et al., 2014. Chemical variation of leaf essential oil at different stages of plant

growth and in vitro antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris Lamiaceae, from Iran. Beni-Suef

University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences; 3(2), 87-92.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2314853514000304

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

9

Zingiber officinale

MAIN COMPONENTS

• Essential Oil (1 – 2%) and

derived sesquiterpenes

• Phenols (glycerol, gingerol)

• Cinnamic acid

• Oleoresin (mixture of

essential oil and resin)

MAIN EFFECTS

• Anti-

inflammatory

• Antiemetic

• Stimulant

• Antiseptic

• Soothes cough

• Promotes

elimination of

intestinal gases

Widespread spice and condiment,

GINGER is the one of the most

employed remedy worldwide. Since

ancient time, it was very popular in

Asia and at Middle Age, Europeans

believed that it came from the

Garden of Eden. Ginger relieves

morning and travel sickness and

cures circulatory problems. Fresh, it

has a spicy and slightly acidic taste.

(Gupta et al, 2014).

Ginger is effective in case of

gastrointestinal disturbances.

TAXONOMY

Class: Equisetopsida

Subclass: Magnoliidae

Superorder: Lilianae

Order: Zingiberales

Family: Zingiberaceae

Genus: Zingiber

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale

R.

Common name: ginger (English);

gingembre (French); singabera

(Sanskrit); zenzero (Italian);

gingiber (Latin); zingiberi (Greek).

Conservation status: Least concern.

Habitat: Humid, partly-shaded

habitats in the tropics and

subtropics.

Key Uses: Food and drink,

medicine, cosmetics.

Known hazards: Ginger may cause

allergic reactions when applied to

the skin. Pregnant women should

use it with caution as its safety is

not yet confirmed.

(Anon-2011, 2014, 2015)

CURRENT RESEARCH

• Therapeutic effects: According to various

studies, the therapeutic actions of ginger are

greatly due to the oleoresin and essential oil

that it contains. The sharp taste and stimulant

properties of the plant come from gingerol, a

bitter component that forms when the root is

dried, which is more irritating and bitter than

components from fresh rhizome. (Imtiyaz et al,

2013)

• Antiemetic: Ginger is very effective against

travel sickness. Experimental tests performed in

1990 have established that it treats

postoperative nausea better than conventional

medicine.

• Antiseptic: In China, 70% of patients affected

by dysentery would have been cured by ginger.

TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES

Digestive disturbances: Ginger is very effective

in case of indigestions, nausea (usually morning

sickness), flatulence, colitis, travel sickness and

also against gastrointestinal infections (due to

certain food poisoning) due to its antiseptic

properties.

Circulatory problems: Ginger is an effective

remedy against degeneration of organs and

when the body’s extremities are poorly irrigated since it improves blood circulation in

capillaries. Ginger also increases arterial

pressure, stimulate sweating and reduces fever.

Respiratory problems: Ginger alleviates cough

and treats flu and other respiratory diseases.

“Sheng join”: In China, fresh ginger is

prescribed in case of chills, fever, headache and

muscular pain while dried ginger is given

against cold.

(Chang et al-2013, Baliga et al-2015, Anon-

2015)

PART USED

Dried Rhizome

Fresh

Rhizome

PREPARATION AND

USAGE

Rhizome

contains a

high amount

of essential

oil with

stimulant

effects.

Ginger essential

Oil against

arthritis. Apply 5

diluted drops in

20 drops of sweet

almond oil on

painful zones.

In case of morning sickness, 1

Ginger Capsule of 75mg is taken

every hour and to facilitate

digestion, 30 drops of Ginger

Tincture are taken in water twice

per day.

Ginger

Infusion for

nausea. Drink

1 cup 3 times

per day.

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

10

REFERENCES

Web links

ANON, 2011. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Chamberlin’s [online]. Available from:

http://www.chamberlins.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?storeID=2cb86c7b36be4cfd914079104818c

49b&DocID=bottomline-ginger [Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2014. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). MedicineNet.com [online]. Available from:

http://www.medicinenet.com/ginger_zingiber_officinale-oral/article.htm [Accessed September

2015].

ANON, 2015. Ginger. Mr Ginseng [online]. Available from: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/ginger/

[Accessed September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Zingiber officinale (ginger). Kew Royal Botanical gardens [online]. Available from:

http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/zingiber-officinale-ginger [Accessed 6

September 2015].

ANON, 2015. Zingiber officinale. National Tropical Botanical Garden [online]. Available from:

http://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=11651 [Accessed September 2015].

Journals

GUPTA, S.K. and SHARMA, A., 2014. Medicinal properties of Zingiber officinale Roscoe – A

Review. Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences; 9(5), 124-129.

IMTIYAZ, S. et al., 2013. Zingiber officinale Rosc.: A traditional herb with medicinal properties.

Humanitas Traditional Medicine; 3(4), 1-7.

Atashak, S., Peeri, M., Azarbayjani, M. A. and Stannard, S. R. (2014) ‘Effects of ginger () supplementation and resistance training on some blood oxidative stress markers in obese men’, Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 12(1), pp. 26–30. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2014.01.002.

Baliga, M. S., Latheef, L., Haniadka, R., Fazal, F., Mane, P. P., Kalekhan, F. and Chacko, J. (2015)

‘Chapter 12 – Ginger ( Roscoe) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis’, Foods and Dietary Supplements in

the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Older Adults, , pp. 111–117. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-

418680-4.00012-9.

Chang, J. S., Wang, K. C., Yeh, C. F., Shieh, D. E. and Chiang, L. C. (2013) ‘Fresh ginger () has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines’, Journal

of Ethnopharmacology, 145(1), pp. 146–151. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043.