Abstract

REVIEW: GINGER A POWERFULL DRUG

Vinay Kumar*, Jyotsana Sharma, Satnam Singh, Gagandeep Kaur and Lovepreet Singh

ABSTRACT

Ginger (Zingiber officinal) is an important export agricultural crop grown all over the country in commercial scale. Ginger is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. The oleoresin from the rhizomes of ginger contains many bioactive components. Previous reviews have emphasized the importance of careful scientific research in establishing the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutic plant remedies and in defining the risks and benefits of herbal medicine. The medicinal, chemical, and pharmacological properties of ginger have been extensively reviewed Over the last few years, interest in ginger or its various components as valid preventive or therapeutic agents has increased markedly, and scientific studies focusing on verification of ginger „s pharmacological and physiological actions have likewise increased. Ginger mealy bug (Formicococcus polysperes Williams) is a very common postharvest pest in Ginger under storage conditions and in this study, the most common three Ginger varieties grown in Sri Lanka: Rangoon, Chinese and Local are assessed for in vitro pest population build up and the weight loss. The results showed that all three varieties gradually lost weight to dry completely within 15 weeks, but with no significant difference between the varieties under room conditions.

Keywords: Ginger, Zingiber officinale, Therapeutic agent, Bioactive components.