Document Type : Review Paper
Authors
1
Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia, Phone No: +62-21-7270031, Fax No: +62-21-7863433.
2
Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia
3
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Salemba Raya No.6, Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a medicinal plant esteemed for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. The primary bioactive compounds found in ginger, particularly gingerol and shogaol, have shown notable therapeutic benefits but are limited by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced innovative delivery systems that address these limitations by enhancing stability, improving bioavailability, and facilitating targeted delivery of these bioactive compounds. Notable nanocarrier systems include polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and metal-based nanoparticles. Research indicates that polymeric and chitosan-based systems significantly enhance the oral absorption, antibacterial efficacy, and DNA-protective properties of ginger constituents. Micellar carriers, specifically, have demonstrated increased oral bioavailability and hepatoprotective benefits of 6-shogaol. Lipid-based nanoparticles have also made notable advances, offering sustained release, enhanced tissue penetration, and high entrapment efficiency for both topical and oral applications. Additionally, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, including silver, zinc oxide, and iron oxide, have exhibited potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, further establishing their role in expanding the therapeutic potential of ginger. Despite these promising developments, further research is imperative to optimize formulations, assess long-term safety, and determine the feasibility of large-scale clinical application. The integration of nanotechnology into ginger-based therapies holds significant promise for overcoming the limitations associated with traditional formulations and enhancing their therapeutic efficacy.
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