Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber officinale Essential Oil and Extracts

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been traditionally employed in south East Asia as well as India and China for treatment of nausea, asthma, fever, vomiting, cough, constipation, pain, arthritis, inflammation, etc. This chapter discusses the phytochemical composition and pharmacological studies of ginger extracts, ginger essential oil (GEO), and active bioactive constituents. The essential oil of fresh and dry ginger was ranged between 0.2% - 2.62% and 0.72% - 4.17% respectively. The bioactive constituent zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-farnesene, camphene, and gingerol and shogal are the major constituents in ginger extracts. These compounds are chief bioactive substances responsible for pharmacological activities such antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anticoagulant, antiradiation, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, anti-obesity, and weight loss effects. Future research needs to investigate the suitable duration, maximum dosage of ginger, concerns of overdosage, and its side effects in animal models and humans.

Tanshinone IIA: Pharmacology, total synthesis, and progress in structure-modifications

: Tanshinone IIA, a major bioactive constituent of Danshen, a Chinese herbal medicine, has gained extensive exploration owing to its unique structural features and multiple promising biological activities. This review focuses on the pharmacology, total synthesis, and structural modifications of tanshinone IIA. We hope this review will contribute to a better understanding of the progress in the field and provide constructive suggestions for further study of tanshinone IIA.

Banana (Musa acuminata): Most popular and common Indian plant with multiple pharmacological potentials

Background: Musa acuminata (Musaceae) is a perennial tree-like plant that is grown in many tropical and subtropical areas throughout the globe. Bananas, which may be consumed as a fruit or a vegetable, is one of the most significant crops in many nations owing to their nutrient-dense diet and diverse therapeutic properties. Introduction: Apigenin glycosides, myricetin glycoside, myricetin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, malvidin, naringenin glycosides, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, dopamine, N-acetyl serotonin, rutin, polyphenols, flavonoids, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, lipids, proteins, and minerals are found in bananas. Objective: The primary goal of this research is to confirm and emphasize the therapeutic and nutritional value of M. acuminata. Methods: Fever, cough, bronchitis, dysentery, allergy infections, sexually transmitted infections, and certain non-communicable illnesses have all been linked to M. acuminata, according to a literature review. Result: M. acuminata has been reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. Pharmacological studies back up the medicinal plant's traditional significance and suggest that indigenous peoples used M. acuminata to cure and heal a variety of illnesses and ailments. Individual bioactive constituent(s) from different sections of this plant, on the other hand, need to be studied further to validate various pharmacological claims and to investigate the potential of M. acuminata in drug development and usage in functional foods. Conclusion: A thorough examination of M. acuminata's biological activity is provided, as well as potential processes and phytochemicals involved, in order to develop effective disease prevention and management methods.

Curcumin as a Natural Remedy for Atherosclerosis: A Pharmacological Review

Curcumin, a hydrophobic bioactive constituent from Curcuma longa, has several health promoting properties including anti-atherosclerotic properties. Further, curcumin has blood glucose- and lipid-lowering properties, prophylactic, and therapeutic effects in other cardiometabolic diseases. Atherosclerosis is an umbrella term for a series of degenerative and hyperplasic lesions such as thickening or sclerosis in large and medium -sized artery walls that decrease vascular-wall elasticity and lumen diameter. The atherosclerotic cerebro-cardiovascular disease has become a major concern to human health in recent years. Considering the notable cardiovascular actions of curcumin, the present review summarizes the current status and future perspective of research on curcumin and its ability to prevent or treat atherosclerosis