“Compendium of Materia Medica”: Dried Ginger
Pinyin Gān Jiāng
Alias Bai Jiang, Jun Jiang, Gan Sheng Jiang (as per “Compendium”)
Source “Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica”
Origin The dried rhizome of the plant Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Harvested in winter when the stems and leaves wither, cleaned of stems, roots, and soil, then sun-dried or dried over low heat.
Form For detailed morphology, refer to the section on “Fresh Ginger”.
Distribution Grown in most regions of China, primarily produced in Sichuan and Guizhou provinces.
Characteristics The dried rhizome is flat, irregularly shaped, and has finger-like branches. It measures 4-6 cm in length and 0.4-2 cm in thickness. The surface is grayish-white or gray-yellow, rough, with longitudinal wrinkles and distinct nodes; at the branching points, scales are often left. It is solid, with a fracture surface that is granular, grayish-white or light yellow, and if loose, shows fibrous veins with small oil spots and a distinct ring pattern. It has a fragrant aroma and a spicy taste. The best quality is firm, with a gray-yellow outer skin, gray-white interior, and a floury fracture surface with few fibrous veins.
Preparation Dried Ginger: Remove impurities, soak in water for 3-6 hours, drain, steam, and then slice or cut into small cubes and dry. Prepared Ginger: Take ginger pieces, stir-fry in a pot over high heat until puffed and the outer skin turns dark yellow, the inside yellow, spray with a little water, remove, and dry.
Taste and Properties Spicy, hot.
1. “Shennong’s Classic”: “Taste is spicy, warm.”
2. “Bielu”: “Very hot, non-toxic.”
3. “Yao Xing Lun”: “Taste is bitter and spicy.”
Meridians Entered Enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians.
1. “Bencao Jingjie”: “Enters the Liver, Lung, and Kidney meridians.”
2. “Depei Bencao”: “Dried Ginger enters the Hand Shaoyin and Foot Taiyin meridian Qi; Prepared Ginger enters the Foot Taiyin meridian blood.”
Functions and Indications Warms the middle and expels cold, restores Yang and unblocks meridians. Treats cold pain in the heart and abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea, cold limbs with weak pulse, cough due to cold, wind-cold-damp obstruction, Yang deficiency with vomiting, epistaxis, and hematochezia.
1. “Shennong’s Classic”: “Indicates fullness in the chest, cough, counterflow of Qi, warms the middle, stops bleeding, induces sweating, expels wind-damp obstruction, and treats diarrhea due to cold. Fresh is especially good.”
2. “Bielu”: “Treats cold abdominal pain, food poisoning, cholera, distension, wind evil toxins, and skin gas accumulation, stops blood spitting.”
3. “Yao Xing Lun”: “Treats cold pain in the waist and kidneys, cold Qi, breaks blood, expels wind, unblocks joints, opens the five organs and six bowels, expels wind-damp cold obstruction, and frequent urination at night. Treats cough, warms the middle, and stops persistent cholera, abdominal pain, and cold diarrhea, treats blood stasis. For patients who are weak and cold, it should be used more.”
4. “Tang Bencao”: “Treats wind, descends Qi, stops bleeding, and unblocks meridians, induces slight sweating.”
5. “Rihua Zibencao”: “Dissolves phlegm and descends Qi, treats cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, cold storage in the abdomen, counterflow and dry retching, blood stasis, bruises, stops nasal bleeding, resolves cold and heat toxins, opens the appetite, and dissolves food retention.”
6. “Yixue Qiyuan”: “The ‘Main Treatment Secret’ states, unblocks heart Qi, assists Yang, expels cold from the organs, and treats cold abdominal pain.”
7. Wang Haogu: “Indicates cold obstruction in the heart, and prolonged redness in the eyes. After preparation, it warms the Spleen and dries the Stomach.”
8. “Yixue Rumen”: “Prepared Ginger warms the Spleen and Stomach, treats internal cold water leakage, diarrhea, chronic malaria, cholera, cold pain and distension in the heart and abdomen, stops nasal bleeding, blood spitting, blood diarrhea, and menorrhagia.”
9. “Changsha Yaojie”: “Dries dampness, warms the middle, moves stagnation, descends turbidity, calms cough, lifts sinking, and stops diarrhea.”
Dosage and Administration Internal use: decoction, 3-10g; or in pills or powders. External use: appropriate amount, decocted for washing; or ground into powder for topical application.
Precautions Contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and internal heat, and blood heat disorders. Pregnant women should use with caution.
1. “Bencao Jingji Zhu”: “Qin Jiao is used as a guide. Avoid Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Tian Shu Shi. It kills Ban Xia and the toxic properties of Lantana.”
2. “Bencao Jing Shu”: “Long-term use damages Yin and harms the eyes. Yin deficiency with internal heat, Yin deficiency cough with blood spitting, exterior deficiency with heat sweating, spontaneous sweating, blood toxicity with hematochezia, due to heat vomiting and aversion to cold, fire heat abdominal pain, all should be avoided.”
Formulas 1. For sudden heart pain: Dried Ginger powder, warm wine, take a small spoon, several times, cured. (from “Supplementary Missing Elbow Formula”)
2. For Shaoyin disease, diarrhea with clear grains, internal cold and external heat, hands and feet cold and reversed, weak pulse about to disappear, body does not dislike cold, face red, or abdominal pain, or dry retching, or throat pain, or diarrhea with pulse not out: Licorice 2 liang (roasted), Aconite 1 piece (raw, peeled, broken into 8 pieces), Dried Ginger 3 liang (strong people can use 4 liang). Combine these three ingredients, boil with 3 sheng of water, extract to 1 sheng and 2 ge, remove residue, divide and take warm, pulse will return to normal. (from “Treatise on Febrile Diseases” Tongmai Si Nix Tang)
3. For cold diarrhea: Dried Ginger (prepared) ground into powder, take 2 qian with water. (from “Qianjin Fang”)
4. For dizziness and vomiting: Sichuan Dried Ginger 2 liang (prepared), Licorice 1 liang (roasted red). Combine these two ingredients, grind into coarse powder. Each dose 4-5 qian, boil with 2 cups of water, take hot before meals. (from “Chuanxin Shiyong Fang” Zhi Ni Tang)
5. For pregnancy vomiting that does not stop: Dried Ginger and Ginseng each 1 liang, Ban Xia 2 liang. Combine these three ingredients, grind into powder, make into pills the size of a walnut. Each dose 10 pills, taken three times a day. (from “Jinkui Yaolue” Dried Ginger Ginseng Ban Xia Wan)
6. After treating cold diarrhea, if sweating recurs, daytime restlessness and inability to sleep, quiet at night, no vomiting or thirst, no exterior symptoms, pulse deep and weak, body not too hot: Dried Ginger 1 liang, Aconite 1 piece (raw, peeled, cut into 8 pieces). Combine these two ingredients, boil with 3 sheng of water, extract to 1 sheng, remove residue, take all at once. (from “Treatise on Febrile Diseases” Dried Ginger Aconite Decoction)
7. For Spleen cold malaria: (1) Dried Ginger and Gao Liang Jiang in equal parts. Grind into powder. Each dose 1 qian, boil with 1 cup of water, take until 7 parts. (2) Dried Ginger roasted black into powder, take 3 qian with warm wine at the onset. (from “Wai Tai”)
8. For cold dysentery with blue color: Dried Ginger cut into bean-sized pieces, take 6-7 pieces with sea rice and drink. (from “Supplementary Missing Elbow Formula”)
9. For persistent vomiting blood: Dried Ginger ground into powder, take 1 qian with a boy’s urine. (from “Qianjin Fang”)
10. For vomiting and blood diarrhea: Angelica, Ejiao each 8 fen, Chuanxiong 5 fen, Puhuang 1 qian, Baiye 1 qian and roasted Ginger charcoal 7 fen. Combine and boil with water, take with Baicao powder. (from “Guanju Fang Yao Bu” Duan Hong Yin)
11. For Spleen and Stomach deficiency, reduced appetite, easily injured and difficult to transform, weakness, and thin muscles: Dried Ginger (frequently ground) 4 liang, cut into pieces with white syrup, water bath, melt in an iron pot, and make into pills the size of a walnut. Each dose 30 pills taken on an empty stomach with rice. (from “Shibian Liang Fang”)
12. For kidney-related diseases, with heavy body, cold in the waist as if sitting in water, body like water, not thirsty, urination is self-sufficient, appetite as usual, disease belongs to the lower burner, cold pain below the waist, abdomen heavy as if carrying 5000 qian: Licorice, Bai Zhu each 2 liang, Dried Ginger, Fu Ling each 4 liang. Combine these four ingredients, boil with 5 sheng of water, extract to 3 sheng, divide and take warm three times. (from “Jinkui Yaolue” Dried Ginger Ling Zhu Decoction)
13. For sudden red eyes: White Ginger powder, mixed with water, applied to the soles of the feet. (from “Pujifang”)
14. For initial stage of carbuncles: Dried Ginger 1 liang. Roast purple, grind into powder, mix with vinegar and apply around, leaving the head. (from “Zhu Zheng Bian Yi”)
Excerpt “Compendium of Materia Medica”
“Chinese Materia Medica”: Dried Ginger
Pinyin Gān Jiāng
English Name Dried Ginger
Alias Bai Jiang, Jun Jiang
Source From “Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica”
Origin Medicinal material source: The dried product of the rhizome of the ginger plant.
Latin name: Zingiber officinale Rosc.
Harvesting and Storage Harvest the rhizome when the stems and leaves wither from late October to late December, remove stems and roots, and dry. After drying, remove soil and rough skin, and clean to complete.
Form Ginger is a perennial herb, 50-80 cm tall. The rhizome is thick, with a yellow-white cross-section, and has a strong spicy aroma. Leaves are alternate, arranged in two rows, without petioles, nearly embracing the stem; leaf tongue is 2-4 mm long; leaf blade is lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 15-30 cm long, 1.5-2.2 cm wide, tapering to a point, with a narrow base, leaf sheath-like embracing the stem, hairless. Flower stalks emerge from the rhizome, 15-25 cm long; spike-shaped inflorescence is oval, 4-5 cm long; bracts are ovate, about 2.5 cm long, light green, with pale yellow edges, and a small pointed tip; calyx tube is about 1 cm long, with 3 short pointed teeth; corolla is yellow-green, tube 2-2.5 cm long, with 3 lobes, lanceolate, less than 2 cm long, the middle lobe of the lip is long oval and shorter than the corolla lobes, with purple stripes and pale yellow spots, lateral lobes are ovate, yellow-green, with purple edges; stamen 1, dark purple, anther about 9 m long, with the anther’s accessory body wrapping the style; ovary 3-celled, hairless, style 1, stigma nearly spherical. Capsule. Seeds are numerous, black. Flowering period is August.
Distribution Widely cultivated in central, southeastern, and southwestern China.
Cultivation Climate and soil: Suitable for slightly sloping terrain, with ample sunlight and well-drained sandy loam. Land preparation: Deep plow 40-50 cm in mid-February, remove weeds. In early April, plow 1-2 more times, then level and open furrows. Planting: In early March, sun-dry seed ginger for 2-3 days, then place in a greenhouse on bamboo mats, using a stove to maintain a temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius to promote sprouting. After about 3-4 weeks, when sprouts grow to 1-1.5 cm, take out, cut into small pieces with one sprout each, and plant during Qingming Festival in the furrows. Row and plant spacing is 45-50 cm, hole depth 10-15 cm, each time one piece, sprouts facing up, apply manure, urine, and wood ash as fertilizer after planting.
Characteristics Identification of characteristics: The rhizome is irregularly shaped, slightly flat, with finger-like branches, 3-7 cm long, 1-2 cm thick. The surface is gray-brown or light yellow-brown, rough, with longitudinal wrinkles and distinct nodes. Branching points often have scale leaves remaining, and the tips of branches have stem scars or buds. It is solid, with a yellow-white or gray-white fracture surface, powdery and granular, with a distinct ring (endodermis), fibrous points (vascular bundles), and scattered yellow oil spots. It has a fragrant, unique aroma and a spicy taste.
Best quality is firm, with a yellow-white fracture surface, sufficient powdery texture, and strong aroma.
Microscopic identification of the transverse section of the rhizome: The wood column layer consists of multiple rows of flat wood column cells. The cortex has numerous leaf trace vascular bundles; the endodermis is distinct, with Casparian strips visible. The central column occupies most of the rhizome, with numerous external fibrous vascular bundles, and vascular bundles near the center are small and tightly arranged, with non-woody fiber bundles inside or surrounding the xylem. The thin-walled tissue of this product contains scattered oil cells. Thin-walled cells contain starch granules.
Chemical Composition Dried ginger oil contains volatile components: α-zingiberene, geraniol, β-bisabolene, nerol, 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, borneol, β-phellandrene, linalool, methylnonyl ketone, camphene, limonene, sesquiphellandrene, α-curcumene, and menthylacetate among over 70 others; spicy components: 6-gingerdione, 6-shogaol, 8-gingerol, 5-deoxy-6-gingerol, 6-gingediol, 6-gingediol-5-acetate, 6-gingediol-3-acetate, 6-gingediacetate, and 6-methylgingediacetate; diaryl heptane components: gingerone A, B, C, isogingerenone B, hexahydrocurcumin, and various acetoxy compounds.
Dried ginger also contains 6-gingesulfonic acid, angelicoidenol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and ginger glycolipid A, B, C.
Pharmacological Effects 1. Effects on the digestive system: 1.1 Protective effect of ginger on gastric mucosal cells in rats: 1.1.1 Ginger has a significant protective effect against gastric mucosal damage caused by 0.6N hydrochloric acid. Experimental rats were divided into three groups: ① control group, ② ginger group, and ③ ibuprofen plus ginger group. First, group ③ was given ibuprofen (5 mg/kg, prepared with saline) orally, while groups ① and ② were given equal amounts of saline orally. After 2 hours, groups ② and ③ were given 1 ml of 10% ginger decoction orally, while group ① received the same amount of saline (both saline and ginger decoction had a pH of 6.0). After 15 minutes, all three groups were given 1 ml of 0.6N hydrochloric acid orally, and after 1 hour, the animals were sacrificed to measure the number and severity of gastric mucosal damage. Results: Control group (n=9) had a damage count of 71.22±13.33 (mean±standard error) and severity of 2.11±0.42; ginger group (n=8): 23.75±8.39 and 0.83±0.30; ibuprofen plus ginger group (n=6): 106.60±11.56 and 2.83±0.30. Both the number and severity of damage in the ginger group were significantly different from the control group (P<0.05).
1.1.2 Ginger’s effect on stress-induced gastric damage: Rats were divided into three groups: ① control group, ② ginger group, and ③ ibuprofen plus ginger group. The animals were restrained by tying their limbs to a wire mesh and placed in a 20°C cold water pool, with the water level at the level of the mesh. Group ③ was given ibuprofen (5 mg/kg, orally) 2 hours before immersion, while groups ① and ② received equal amounts of saline orally. Groups ② and ③ were given 2 ml of 10% ginger decoction before and 3 and 6 hours after immersion in cold water, while group 1 received equal amounts of saline. After 9 hours, the animals were sacrificed, and the number and severity of gastric mucosal damage were measured. Results: Control group (n=6): damage count was 17.16±3.20, severity was 4.00±0.00; ginger group (n=8): 7.37±2.67 and 2.75±0.49; ibuprofen plus ginger group (n=6): 37.49±6.96. The ginger group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05).
1.1.3 Ginger’s effect on gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats: To observe whether ginger’s protective effect on gastric mucosa is related to inhibiting gastric acid secretion, rats were anesthetized with ether, pylorus ligated, and then the abdominal wall was sutured. They were given 2 ml of 10% ginger decoction (ginger group) or saline (control group) orally, and after 4 hours, the animals were sacrificed, and the pylorus was ligated to collect gastric juice. The total acidity of the gastric juice was measured. Results showed that 2 ml of 10% ginger decoction significantly stimulated gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, with total acidity and total acid output significantly higher than in control rats (P<0.05).
Based on the above three experiments, 10% ginger decoction significantly reduced gastric mucosal damage caused by 0.6N hydrochloric acid and stress-induced immersion. The protective mechanism may be due to ginger stimulating the gastric mucosa to synthesize and release endogenous prostaglandins that have protective effects. After using ibuprofen to block the synthesis of gastric endogenous prostaglandins, the protective effect of ginger on the gastric mucosa disappeared. The 10% ginger decoction also stimulated gastric acid secretion, possibly through a mechanism independent of prostaglandins. The above two effects of ginger may seem contradictory, but they are actually unified; stimulating gastric secretion to promote digestive function while protecting the gastric mucosa from gastric acid. This may be because the amount of prostaglandins required for gastric mucosal cell protection is much less than that required to inhibit gastric secretion, thus not showing the inhibitory effect of prostaglandins on gastric secretion, but only producing protective effects on the gastric mucosa.
1.2 Ginger’s anti-acid-ethanol gastric ulcer effect: Animals given ginger acetone extract at 1000 mg/kg showed a gastric mucosal damage inhibition rate of 97.5%, which is significant. Further separation of the acetone extract using silica gel column chromatography yielded gingerone, which when given at 25.50 mg/kg showed a gastric mucosal damage inhibition rate of 80.3% and 98.7%, with statistical significance. No gastric mucosal damage inhibition was observed when gingerone was given at 25 and 50 mg/kg via the duodenum for pylorus-ligated ulcers. In the water immersion stress test, no gastric mucosal damage inhibition was observed when gingerone was given at 25 and 50 mg/kg. Results indicate that ginger is an effective drug for treating acid-ethanol-induced ulcers, with gingerone being its effective component, possessing protective effects on gastric mucosal cells.
1.3 Ginger’s effect on enzymes: Ginger exhibits a strong inhibitory effect on pancreatic enzymes and two types of amylases. Pancreatic enzymes have strong digestive power for starch, protein, and fat, while ginger severely disrupts the amylase in pancreatic enzymes, significantly reducing the digestive effect of pancreatic enzymes on starch. Ginger also inhibits B-amylase in amylase, hindering starch saccharification.
1.4 Protective effect of ginger on liver damage: 1.4.1 Effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats: Healthy rats weighing 100-145 g were randomly divided into normal control, liver damage control, and experimental treatment groups 1 and 2. The last three groups were treated with 15% carbon tetrachloride in tea oil (0.2 ml/100 g) once on the first day of the experiment. After 24 hours, the normal control and liver damage control groups were given 1% Tween 80 saline orally; experimental treatment groups 1 and 2 were given ginger essential oil at 0.32 ml/kg and 0.4 ml/kg orally, respectively, once daily for 2 consecutive days. After the last dose, 16 hours later, the animals were fasted, and blood was collected to measure serum alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) levels. Results showed that treatment with ginger essential oil starting 24 hours after carbon tetrachloride poisoning accelerated the recovery of damaged liver cells, as evidenced by a reduction in serum SGPT levels in carbon tetrachloride-poisoned rats, indicating its therapeutic effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.
1.4.2 Effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice: Mice were given ginger essential oil at 0.5 mg/(kg·d) for 5 consecutive days, and then on the 5th day in the afternoon, 0.1% carbon tetrachloride tea oil at 10 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally. After 16 hours, blood was collected from the eyes, and serum SGPT levels were measured. Results indicated that ginger essential oil had a preventive effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.
1.4.3 Effect on sodium bromosulfophthalein (BSP) retention in mice: 30 mice were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was the normal control group, while the second and third groups were the liver damage control group and ginger essential oil group, respectively. On experimental days 1 and 2, the first and second groups were given 0.1% Tween 80 saline at 10 ml/kg orally; the third group was given ginger essential oil at 0.25 ml/kg orally. All groups were given the same dose twice daily. On the morning of day 3, each group continued to receive the same dose, and in the afternoon, the first group received 0.1% CCl4 ginger oil at 10 ml/kg intraperitoneally. The next morning, all groups of mice were given BSP at 200 mg/kg intravenously. After 20 minutes, blood was collected from the eyes, and serum was separated. 0.1 ml of serum was added to 0.1N HCl 5 ml, and the absorbance was measured at 520 nm wavelength. Then, 2N NaOH was added dropwise, and the absorbance was measured again. The difference in absorbance readings represented BSP retention. Results showed that mice poisoned with CCl4 had a significant increase in BSP retention. Ginger essential oil significantly reduced BSP retention in poisoned mice, further confirming that the liver damage in the ginger essential oil group was milder.
1.4.4 Effect of ginger honey sealing liquid on experimental liver repair function: Equal amounts of commercially available honey and fresh ginger were used. Fresh ginger was cleaned, peeled, and crushed, then filtered through double-layer gauze. The juice was mixed with honey and sealed in a ceramic jar, buried underground about 1 meter deep, and taken out after 10 days for use. Experimental rats were divided into normal control, liver damage, and treatment groups. On experimental days 1 and 5, the liver damage and treatment groups were given carbon tetrachloride (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) once. The normal control group was injected with saline at the same dose and method. Starting from the afternoon of experimental day 1, the treatment group was given ginger honey sealing liquid (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) orally once daily for 7 days, while the liver damage and normal control groups were given ordinary water orally. On experimental day 8, blood was collected from the eyes to measure serum transaminases and conduct morphological observations. Results showed that the treatment group had a significant decrease in SGOT compared to the liver damage group (P<0.05). The treatment group also exhibited less damage to the liver lobule structure. Additionally, ginger honey sealing liquid provided protection against experimental liver damage caused by 60% ethanol.
1.4.5 Ginger’s choleretic effect: Wistar rats (approximately 250 g) were anesthetized with ether and then with uratan, and the common bile duct was cannulated with polyethylene tubing. Each rat was stabilized for 1 hour, and then ginger acetone extract was administered via the duodenum. The volume of bile secretion was measured at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours after administration. Results showed that ginger acetone extract exhibited significant choleretic effects at 3 hours post-administration, while the water extract was ineffective. 6-gingerol significantly increased bile secretion 30-60 minutes post-administration (similar to the reference drug sodium dehydrocholic acid), and this effect remained significant after 4 hours. 10-gingerol also exhibited choleretic effects, although weaker, but still significant.
2. Effects on the circulatory system: After intravenous administration of gingerol at 500 µg/kg in rats, a transient decrease in blood pressure was observed, followed by an increase, and then a sustained decrease, indicating a triphasic effect. The transient hypotensive effect could be inhibited by cutting the vagus nerve. Electrocardiogram findings indicated that gingerol had a blocking effect on the conduction system, which may be partially related to its hypotensive effect. The hypertensive effect of gingerol could not be completely eliminated by vagus nerve cutting and pretreatment with trazodone and reserpine (5 mg/kg, 20 hours) or renal vascular ligation. When gingerol was administered to the brain pool and ventricle (1-10 µg/kg), a gradual increase in blood pressure was observed; in hind limb vascular perfusion experiments, the hypertensive effect of gingerol may be related to both central and peripheral components. Additionally, in hind limb vascular perfusion experiments, there was also an increase in systemic blood pressure. Therefore, when studying the effects of intravenous gingerol (1-10 µg/kg), some studies observed hypertensive effects, while others observed hypotensive effects. This hypertensive effect could be inhibited by trazodone, while the hypotensive effect could be inhibited by cutting the vagus nerve. These results indicate that gingerol has excitatory effects on the vagus nerve and inhibitory effects on the heart, leading to hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction, and sympathetic nervous system excitation, all of which contribute to the hypertensive effect. Chewing 1 g of fresh ginger (without swallowing) can raise blood pressure. Its alcoholic extract has excitatory effects on the vascular motor center and respiratory center. It also has a direct excitatory effect on the heart and can cause vasodilation, promoting blood circulation.
3. Effects on the central nervous system: 3.1 Effects on spontaneous activity in mice: Mice were randomly divided into three groups. The experiment was conducted during the active hours of the mice at night using the YSD-4 pharmacological physiological multi-use instrument to count. The number of spontaneous activities of each mouse was recorded for 5 minutes before administration. Each experimental group of mice was given ginger essential oil at 0.12, 0.19 ml/kg, while the control group received an equal volume of Tween saline. Spontaneous activity was measured 30 and 60 minutes after administration. Ginger essential oil significantly inhibited spontaneous activity in mice.
3.2 Effects on pentobarbital sodium sleep duration: Each group of mice was given ginger essential oil at 0.12, 0.19 ml/kg and equal volume of Tween saline. After 30 minutes, each group was given pentobarbital sodium at 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally, and the time from loss of righting reflex to recovery was recorded as the sleep duration indicator. Ginger essential oil significantly prolonged the sleep duration induced by pentobarbital sodium.
3.3 Effects on convulsions induced by central stimulants: Each group of mice was given ginger essential oil at 0.24, 0.3 ml/kg and equal volume of Tween saline. After 30 minutes, each group was given pentylenetetrazole at 100 mg/kg, strychnine at 7.5 mg/kg, and diazepam at 1.5 mg/kg, and the number of convulsions and deaths within 120 minutes were recorded. Results showed that ginger essential oil significantly counteracted pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions, but had no counteracting effect on strychnine and diazepam-induced convulsions.
3.4 Analgesic effects: 3.4.1 Twisting method: Each group of mice was given ginger essential oil at 0.3 mg/kg, morphine at 40 mg/kg, and equal volume of Tween saline. After 30 minutes, each group of mice was given 0.3% acetic acid at 0.2 ml/mouse, and the number of twisting responses was recorded within 20 minutes. Results showed significant analgesic effects, but weaker than morphine at 40 mg/kg.
3.4.2 Hot plate method: 30 mice were divided into 3 groups and tested under constant temperature conditions of 55±0.1°C, using the licking of the hind foot as the pain response indicator. Pain thresholds were measured twice before administration, with a 5-minute interval, and the average >3S <60s was used for the experiment. Each group of mice was given ginger essential oil at 0.4 ml/kg, morphine at 40 mg/kg, and equal volume of Tween saline. Pain thresholds were measured at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. If there was no pain response within 60 seconds, it was recorded as 60 seconds. Results showed that ginger essential oil had significant analgesic effects.
3.5 Effects on yeast-induced fever in rats: The experiment simulated a beer yeast suspension method. 24 rats were divided into 3 groups, and fresh beer yeast was prepared into a 20% suspension with saline at a dose of 2 ml/100 g. After injection, rectal temperature was measured 5 hours later. Each group was given ginger essential oil at 0.375 ml/kg, and the antipyretic effect began immediately and lasted for 5 hours.
4. Effects of dried ginger and its extracts on adrenal cortex function: 4.1 Effects on thymus weight in mice: Young mice weighing 10-12 g were randomly divided into four groups, except for hydrocortisone given subcutaneously, the rest were given orally once daily for 7 days, and then sacrificed to weigh the thymus. The results showed that dried ginger at 4.0 g/kg significantly caused thymic atrophy in young mice, only 50.7% of the control group (P<0.01).
4.2 Effects on vitamin C content in the adrenal glands of rats: Dried ginger and its extracts significantly reduced the vitamin C content in the adrenal glands of young rats (100-120 g).
5. Effects of dried ginger on hypoxia and cold in mice: Dried ginger was extracted with petroleum ether at boiling point (30-60°C) twice, each time soaked for 3 days, and the petroleum ether was recovered to obtain a yellow-brown oily dried ginger petroleum ether extract. The residue was boiled in water for 0.5 hours twice, yielding 1 ml of dried ginger water extract containing 1 g of raw medicine.
5.1 Effects on the tolerance of mice to hypoxia under normal pressure: 60 mice weighing 220±2.5 g were divided into 6 groups, and each group was given dried ginger ether extract and control solution orally 1 hour later, and then placed individually in a 145 ml wide-mouth bottle to measure the time required for the oxygen content in the bottle to drop from 21% to 15%, 10%, and 7% (i.e., oxygen consumption rate), survival time, and residual oxygen content at death. The dried ginger ether extract slowed the overall oxygen consumption rate in mice and extended the survival time of mice under normal pressure hypoxia.
5.2 Effects on the duration of mouth-opening actions in decapitated mice: 60 mice weighing 19.2±2.4 g were divided into 6 groups, and each group was given dried ginger extract and control solution orally 1 hour later. After decapitation, the duration of mouth-opening actions was recorded. The dried ginger ether extract significantly prolonged the duration of mouth-opening actions.
5.3 Effects on the survival time of mice poisoned with sodium nitrite (NaNO2): Mice weighing 22.6±2.0 g were divided into 6 groups, and each group was given dried ginger extract and control solution orally 1 hour later, followed by NaNO2 at 800 mg/kg, and the survival time was recorded immediately. Results showed that doses of 1.5 ml/kg, 3.0 ml/kg of ether extract, and 10-20 g/kg of water extract did not significantly differ from the control group and could not extend survival time.
5.4 Effects on the survival time of cold-exposed mice: 72 mice weighing 19.5±1.3 g were divided into 6 groups, fasted and deprived of water for 24 hours, and then each group was given dried ginger extract and control solution orally 0.5 hours later. They were placed in iron boxes, with 6 mice per box, and the boxes were placed in a refrigerator at 18-20°C. Observations were made every hour until all mice died. Results showed that both dried ginger ether extract and water extract did not extend the survival time of cold-exposed mice.
6. Effects on platelet aggregation: 6.1 For ADP (10 µmol/L) induced platelet aggregation in rabbits, 6-gingerol only showed mild inhibitory effects at high concentrations. However, for arachidonic acid (160 µmol/L) induced platelet aggregation, 6-gingerol exhibited significant inhibitory effects, stronger than the control drug ibuprofen, with an IC50 value of 2.2 µmol/L for 6-gingerol and 4.3 µmol/L for ibuprofen. Additionally, 6-gingerol also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by amine, with an IC50 value of 24 µmol/L, which is about 1/10 weaker than the effect on arachidonic acid.
6.2 Anti-aggregation effect of ginger water extract: Studies on the metabolic effects of ginger water extract on platelets indicated a significant reduction in TXB2 and PGs. Ginger water extract can reduce the formation of PG-derived peroxides. The reduction of TX and PGs in the presence of ginger water extract is dose-dependent. It was also found that the formation of 6-keto-PGF1a from labeled AA in the aorta of rats was reduced in the presence of ginger water extract. Ginger water extract can strongly inhibit platelet aggregation, and even the smallest volume of water extract can eliminate aggregation induced by AA. Ginger water extract also mildly inhibits the synthesis of PGI2.
6.3 Effects on PGI2 production capacity: Using ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rabbits as an indicator, the effects of 6-gingerol on PGI2 production in rat aortic strips were studied. The liquid from incubated aortic strips showed significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. However, when 6-gingerol (36, 360 µmol/L) was incubated with the aortic strips, the response to ADP-induced platelet aggregation was significantly enhanced compared to the response obtained from incubating only the aortic strips. The results varied with concentration. Additionally, incubating aspirin (560 µmol/L) with the aortic strips also promoted the response to ADP-induced platelet aggregation, showing a more significant effect than the response obtained from incubating only the aortic strips.
7. Effects on PG biosynthesis: Collier HOJ et al. reported that some irritating drugs containing phenolic hydroxyl groups stimulate PG synthase activity. In vitro experiments indicated that gingerone (Zingerone) stimulated PG biosynthesis, with PGE2 as the detection standard, with an SC50±se concentration of 0.041±0.002 mmol/L and a maximum effective concentration of 0.52 mmol/L.
8. Anti-inflammatory effects: 8.1 Ginger essential oil at 0.25-0.4 ml/kg in mice significantly inhibited the increase in capillary permeability caused by histamine and acetic acid; it significantly inhibited inflammation in mouse ear induced by xylene and swelling in rat paw induced by egg white, and it significantly inhibited granulation tissue proliferation, reduced thymus weight in young rats, and increased adrenal weight, indicating its inhibitory effect on the pituitary-adrenal cortex system.
8.2 Effects on the cyclooxygenase system: 6-gingerol (3.6-360 µmol/L) showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity. 6-gingerol also exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of TXB2 production. The control drug ibuprofen (28-280 µmol/L) also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cyclooxygenase and TXB2 production. The IC50 of 6-gingerol compared to ibuprofen was 0.38. 6-gingerol also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase at concentrations of 0.3-100 µmol/L, with an IC50 value of 1.6±0.6 µmol/L. These results indicate that 6-gingerol may be effective not only against inflammation but also against allergies.
9. Antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects: The water extract of ginger showed varying degrees of inhibition against Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, Trichophyton, and Trichomonas vaginalis. Ginger has a preventive effect on the hatching of schistosomiasis eggs, especially when the extract contains ketone components, which is stronger. Administering ginger powder and ginger water extract tablets or gingerone-containing tablets to children with schistosomiasis can reduce egg counts, indicating a certain killing effect on schistosomiasis.
10. Other effects: The gingerol contained in ginger can cause the release of certain active substances from nerve endings, such as substance P, somatostatin, intestinal peptide, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Studies on the absorption-promoting effect of ginger water extract on sulfanilamide using the rat intestinal recirculation method showed that ginger water extract significantly promoted absorption, enhancing its bioavailability. The IC50 of ginger methanol extract against linoleic acid oxidation was 2.34×10-2 for TBAV (Thiobarbituric acid value) and 3.04×10-2 for POV (Peroxide value).
Toxicity The LD50 of ginger essential oil in mice via intraperitoneal injection was 1.23±0.11 ml/kg (P=0.95), and via oral administration was 3.45±0.28 ml/kg (P=0.95). Mice exhibited reduced activity, ataxia, muscle relaxation, lethargy, and contact with the bottom of the cage before dying from respiratory paralysis. The LD50 of mice given dried ginger petroleum ether (30-60°C) extract and observed for 7 days was 16.3±2.0 ml/kg (P=0.95). Mice given 120 g of dried ginger water extract per 100 g of raw medicine and observed for 7 days showed animal deaths. The LD50 of ginger infusion for subcutaneous administration in mice was 33.5 g/kg.
Identification Physicochemical identification: Thin-layer chromatography: Take 1 g of dried ginger and 5 g of fresh ginger, grind, and add an appropriate amount of methanol, shake, and let sit for 1 hour, then filter. Concentrate the filtrate to about 1 ml as the test solution, using linalool and 1,8-cineole as reference substances, and apply to the same silica gel G thin-layer plate, developing with petroleum ether-ethyl acetate (85:15), and color with 1% vanillin sulfuric acid solution. The test solution chromatogram shows the same spots as the reference substances at corresponding positions.
Quality standards (1995 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China): The product must contain volatile oil of no less than 0.8% (ml/g).
Preparation Dried Ginger: Remove impurities, soak in water for 3-6 hours, drain, steam, and then slice or cut into small cubes and dry. Prepared Ginger: Take ginger pieces, stir-fry in a pot over high heat until puffed and the outer skin turns dark yellow, the inside yellow, spray with a little water, remove, and dry.
Taste and Properties Taste is spicy; nature is hot.
Meridians Entered Spleen; Stomach; Heart; Lung meridians.
Functions and Indications Warms the middle, disperses cold; restores Yang and unblocks meridians; warms the lungs and transforms phlegm. Indicated for cold pain in the abdomen; vomiting; diarrhea, loss of Yang with counterflow; cough due to cold phlegm; cold damp obstruction pain.
Dosage and Administration Internal use: decoction, 3-10 g; or in pills or powders. External use: appropriate amount, decocted for washing; or ground into powder for topical application.
Precautions Contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and internal heat, and blood heat disorders.
Various Discussions 1. Zhang Yuanshu: Dried ginger is originally spicy, and when prepared, it is slightly bitter, thus it stops and does not move, so it can treat internal cold, unlike Aconite which moves and does not stop. It is used in the “Regulating Middle Decoction” for its Yang-replenishing properties. 2. Li Gao: Dried ginger, raw is spicy and prepared is bitter, Yang, used raw to expel cold evil and release the exterior, while prepared removes stomach cold and guards the middle. Excessive use depletes original Qi, and the spicy nature disperses, thus it strengthens fire and food Qi. It should be used with raw licorice to moderate it. Spicy and hot to disperse internal cold, used with Schisandra to warm the lungs, and with Ginseng to warm the stomach. 3. Dried ginger enters the lungs to benefit lung Qi, enters the kidneys to dry dampness, enters the liver to guide blood medicines into the blood, and can also guide blood medicines into the Qi division to generate blood, thus for blood deficiency with fever, postpartum heat, it should be used. It stops blood spitting and blood diarrhea, and must be used roasted black. For blood that is pale and lacks luster, with a soft pulse, this indicates great cold, thus it is appropriate to use the spicy warmth of dried ginger to benefit blood, and great heat to warm the meridians. 4. “Compendium”: Dried ginger can guide blood medicines into the blood division and Qi medicines into the Qi division. It can also remove evil and nourish the new, having the meaning of Yang generating Yin, thus for blood deficiency, it should be used. For those with blood spitting, hematemesis, and blood diarrhea, with Yin and no Yang, it is also appropriate to use, as it is heat treating heat. 5. “Bencao Jing Shu”: Prepared ginger can disperse evil and resolve knots, warm and remove cold, thus it is indicated for fullness in the chest, cough, counterflow of Qi, warms the middle, induces sweating, expels wind-damp obstruction, and treats diarrhea due to cold. The mention of stopping bleeding indicates that blood deficiency leads to heat, and heat leads to blood running amok. Roasted black dried ginger can guide various blood-replenishing medicines into the Yin division; when blood is replenished, Yin is generated and heat retreats, thus blood does not run amok. This also applies to treating intestinal obstruction. 6. “Bencao Zheng”: For lower source deficiency cold leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea, it is especially suitable to warm and tonify, thus it should be used roasted yellow. For postpartum deficiency heat, excessive virtual fire leading to blood spitting and blood diarrhea, it should be used roasted until charred. If roasted to black charcoal, it has lost its ginger nature. Its use for stopping bleeding is based on its black and astringent nature. If Yin is excessive and obstructs Yang, fire does not return to the source, and Yang deficiency cannot contain blood, leading to blood spitting, hematemesis, and blood diarrhea, it is best to use roasted mature ginger to retain its nature, as it is the most important medicine for stopping bleeding. 7. “Yao Pin Hua Yi”: Dried ginger, when dried for a long time, the body becomes constricted, Qi then leaks out, and the taste is contained. Compared to fresh ginger, it is spicier and hotter, thus it stops and does not move, specifically dispersing internal cold. For abdominal pain and cold body, undigested food, it should be paired with licorice to take the spicy and sweet combination to harmonize for Yang. It is used in “Wuji San” to assist in dispersing surface cold, treating lower abdominal cold pain; used in “Regulating Middle Decoction” to stabilize cold cholera, stopping loose stools; assists Aconite to unblock cold in the meridians, greatly having the power to restore Yang; paired with Ginseng and Bai Zhu to warm the middle Qi, further having the function of returning to the source. Fresh ginger disperses, while dried ginger guards, these two are greatly different. … Prepared ginger can expel virtual heat.
8. “Bencao Chongyuan”: “Shennong’s Classic” only mentions fresh ginger and dried ginger, without mentioning prepared ginger. Later generations refer to dried ginger roasted black as prepared ginger. “Jinkui Yaolue” uses ginger and licorice decoction for lung atrophy, which also refers to prepared ginger: thus prepared ginger is used, and Zhongzong is its predecessor. Ginger is originally spicy, and after preparation, the spicy taste is slightly reduced, mainly treating postpartum blood deficiency and body heat, as well as internal cold leading to blood spitting, hematemesis, and blood diarrhea. If the preparation is excessive, the essence is lost, referred to as ginger charcoal, its taste is slightly bitter and not spicy, its quality is light and floating, and it does not match the function of prepared ginger. Even when using prepared ginger, it must be the three-quadrant opening ginger to be effective.
9. “Bencao Qiuzhen”: Dried ginger, very hot and non-toxic, guards and does not leak, for all stomach cold deficiency, when original Yang is about to be exhausted, combined with Aconite, it can restore Yang effectively, hence the saying “Aconite cannot heat without ginger”. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing’s “Four Reversal Decoction”, “Baitong Decoction”, and “Ginger Aconite Decoction” all use it. Additionally, when combined with Schisandra, it can unblock lung Qi and treat cold cough; when combined with Bai Zhu, it can dry dampness and tonify the Spleen; when combined with Bai Shao, it can enter Qi and generate blood. … 10. “Bencao Jing”: Indicates fullness in the chest, cough, counterflow of Qi, warms the middle, stops bleeding, induces sweating, expels wind-damp obstruction, and treats diarrhea. Fresh is especially good.
11. “Hulu”: Treats cold abdominal pain, food poisoning, cholera, distension, wind evil toxins, and skin gas accumulation, stops blood spitting.
12. “Yao Xing Lun”: Treats cold pain in the waist and kidneys, cold Qi, breaks blood, expels wind, unblocks joints, opens the five organs and six bowels, expels wind-damp cold obstruction, and frequent urination at night. Treats cough, warms the middle, and stops persistent cholera, abdominal pain, and cold diarrhea, treats blood stasis. For patients who are weak and cold, it should be used more.
13. “Tang Bencao”: Treats wind, descends Qi, stops bleeding, and unblocks meridians, induces slight sweating.
14. “Rihua Zibencao”: Dissolves phlegm and descends Qi, treats cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, cold storage in the abdomen, counterflow and dry retching, blood stasis, bruises, stops nasal bleeding, resolves cold and heat toxins, opens the appetite, and dissolves food retention.
15. “Yixue Qiyuan”: “The ‘Main Treatment Secret’ states, unblocks heart Qi, assists Yang, expels cold from the organs, and treats cold abdominal pain.”
16. Wang Haogu: “Indicates cold obstruction in the heart, and prolonged redness in the eyes. After preparation, it warms the Spleen and dries the Stomach.”
17. “Yixue Rumen”: “Prepared Ginger warms the Spleen and Stomach, treats internal cold water leakage, diarrhea, chronic malaria, cholera, cold pain and distension in the heart and abdomen, stops nasal bleeding, blood spitting, blood diarrhea, and menorrhagia.”
18. “Changsha Yaojie”: “Dries dampness, warms the middle, moves stagnation, descends turbidity, calms cough, lifts sinking, and stops diarrhea.”
Excerpt “Chinese Materia Medica”