Zingiber officinale
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Scientific
Classification
Synonyms: Amomum angustifolium Salisb.
Amomum zingiber L.
Curcuma longifolia Wall.
Zingiber aromaticum Noronha
Zingiber blancoi Hassk.
Zingiber majus Rumph.
Zingiber officinale f. macrorhizonum (Makino) M.Hiroe
Zingiber officinale f. rubens (Makino) M.Hiroe
Zingiber sichuanense Z.Y.Zhu, S.L.Zhang & S.X.Chen
Zingiber zingiber H.Karst. Common
Names: Ginger Local Names: Hausa: Citta Yoruba: Ata-ile Igbo: Jinja Efik: Umuji Akan (Twi): Abeoa Ga: Ngingya Species ID: NMP-199;wfo-0000617397;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 94328 Description Zingiber officinale, commonly
referred to as ginger, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to about one
meter in height. It produces pseudostems made from the rolled bases of leaves
and has narrow leaf blades. The flowers are pale yellow with purple edges,
emerging directly from the rhizome on separate shoots. The rhizome, known for
its pungent and aromatic qualities, is widely used as a spice and in
traditional medicine. Ginger contains numerous bioactive compounds, including
gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which are responsible for its pungent taste
and therapeutic effects. Essential oils derived from ginger include zingiberene
and bisabolene. Distribution
and Habitat
Ginger originated in Maritime Southeast Asia and was likely first domesticated
by Austronesian peoples. It has since spread and is now cultivated in tropical
and subtropical regions worldwide, including India, China, Africa, and the
Caribbean. Ginger thrives in humid, partly shaded environments with
well-drained soils. Medicinal
Properties Ginger
has a long history of use in traditional medicine and modern therapeutic
applications. Its medicinal properties include:
Toxicity Ginger is generally considered safe
for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, high doses can lead
to gastrointestinal discomfort, and it may interact with certain medications,
such as anticoagulants and diabetes medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding
women should consult healthcare providers before using ginger supplements. Additional
Information
Ginger is also widely used in culinary applications, adding flavor and aroma to
various dishes. It is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines and is
also used to make beverages like ginger tea and ginger beer. In addition to its
culinary and medicinal uses, ginger oil is used in the cosmetics industry for
its fragrance and therapeutic properties.
References
External
links
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| Compounds of Zingiber officinale |
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