What are the active molecules present in ginger?

Ginger is a plant originating from India and China. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, it is primarily recognised for its distinctive spicy flavour. Beyond its taste qualities, ginger also possesses beneficial properties for the body and skin, derived from its interesting biochemical composition.

Ginger contains gingerol.

Gingerol is one of the main bioactive ingredients found in the composition of ginger. It is responsible for the root's spicy taste, but also for some of its therapeutic properties.

Gingerol is primarily an anti-inflammatory. It works by reducing the activity of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the COX (cyclooxygenase) enzyme, which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, the chemical mediators of inflammation. In cosmetic use, this property of ginger helps to reduce redness, itching, and irritation of the skin and scalp.

It is also an excellent antioxidant, helping to counteract the damage of oxidative stress on the skin (hyperpigmentation, premature ageing...) but also on the hair. From a mechanistic point of view, gingerol acts at several levels by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and stimulating the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), antioxidant enzymes.

Ginger contains shogaol.

Shogaol is another active ingredient found in ginger. It shares similar properties with gingerol, including its antioxidant nature. As such, shogaol functions by inhibiting the action of free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress in skin cells. Studies have also shown that shogaol can modulate the activity of Nrf2, a transcription factor capable of regulating the level of antioxidant enzymes in cells.

Just like gingerol, shogaol also acts as a anti-inflammatory. Indeed, this active ingredient inhibits the activation of the NF-κB protein by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which consequently prevents the induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), enzymes involved in the processes of inflammation.

Ginger contains citral.

The two isomers of citral, geranial and neral, are also found in ginger rhizomes. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for soothing skin and scalp irritations. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that geranial is capable of inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, an inflammasome complex that triggers an inflammatory signalling pathway and the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and interleukin-4).

Another study conducted on mice demonstrated that citral was a antioxidant compound. Over a period of 24 weeks, a 1% citral cream was applied daily to shaved mice that had previously been exposed to UVB rays for 5 minutes. At the end of the experiment, researchers observed that the mice on which the cream had been applied had significantly fewer tumours.

From a mechanistic perspective, citral has activated the transcription factor Nrf2 by dissociating it from its inhibitor KEAP1. This has allowed for an increase in the production of glutathione, a tripeptide involved in the conversion of the oxidised form of ascorbic acid into vitamin C. Glutathione is also capable of neutralising free radicals through an electron donation, which prevents them from damaging the tissues and cells of the body.

Ginger contains some terpenes.

Ginger also contains various terpenes, such as curcumene, bisabolene, zingiberene... In addition to contributing to the spicy character of ginger, the compounds mentioned above have a antioxidant activity. The mechanisms involved are diverse and notably include the neutralisation of free radicals and the stimulation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Furthermore, bisabolene and zingiberene possess soothing and anti-inflammatory virtues, ideal for calming sensitive skin or skin prone to redness. Sunburn, insect bites or irritations... Ginger helps to alleviate these discomforts.

Various vitamins can be found in ginger.

Ginger contains traces of vitamins such as C, A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Although their concentration is too low to induce real benefits when ginger is used in cosmetics, they nevertheless contribute to making this ingredient a health ally in the culinary field. Indeed, in dried form or incorporated into a herbal tea, ginger helps to combat winter fatigue and contributes to good digestion.

Trace elements are present in ginger.

Finally, ginger contains several trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Their content is not strong enough to provide real benefits when applied topically, but they contribute to the nutritional value of ginger when taken orally.