Ginger and its Medicinal Properties

Zanjabil (ginger, Zingiber officinale) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in traditional Uzbek medicine (tabobat) and remains a key component in modern herbal practices across Central Asia. This review summarizes the pharmacological properties of ginger, supported by both traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific evidence. Ginger exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, antiemetic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic effects.

 In Uzbekistan, ginger is traditionally used to treat colds, coughs, digestive disorders, rheumatism, menstrual pain, and as a warming agent (issiqlik) during winter. Recent clinical studies confirm its efficacy in reducing nausea (especially in pregnancy and chemotherapy), alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis, improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, and enhancing immune response. The main bioactive compounds responsible for these effects are gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. In the Uzbek context, ginger is commonly consumed as fresh rhizome (zanjabil ildizi), dried powder (quruq zanjabil), or in tea (zanjabil choyi) with honey and lemon, often ombined with local herbs such as zira (cumin), anise, and mint. This review highlights ginger’s dual role in traditional Uzbek healing practices and modern phytotherapy, emphasizing its safety and cost-effectiveness for preventive and therapeutic use in the population.