This is a portfolio on 5 different plants with pharmacological properties prepared by my colleague Svenia and Myself. It covers some important aspects such as background, uses and preparations etc. Hope it helps.

1. UNIVERSITY OF
MAURITIUS
Bachelor of Pharmacy Year 4
Pharmacognosy 4
Monographs of 5 Plants
Presented by: Naraino Majie Nabiilah-1216824
Joorawon Svenia-1217636
Date of Submission: 14th
September 2015

2. Monographs on: Page
1. Allium sativum 1
2. Apium graveolens 3
3. Citrus limon 5
4. Thymus vulgaris 7
5. Zingiber officinale 9

4. ALLIUM SATIVUM
1
Allium sativum
MAIN COMPONENTS
• Essential Oil (disulfide
diallyl, allicme)
• Carbohydrates
• Selenium
• Vitamins A, B, C and E
• Sulfur Compounds
MAIN EFFECTS
• Antibiotic
• Expectorant
• Active sweating
• Hypotensor
• Reduces blood clots
• Hypoglycemic
• Anthelmintic
GARLIC is the medicinal plant par
excellence. It is safe for home use
and proves effective to treat multiple
of health problems; it fights against
nose, throat and bronchi infections,
reduced cholesterol levels and
soothes circulatory disorders, such
as hypertension. Hypoglycemic,
garlic is a valuable supplement food
for diabetics. (Ayaz et al, 2007)
Garlic, very appreciated in the kitchen,
is grown for commercial purposes
TAXONOMY
Class: Equisetopsida
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Superorder: Lilianae
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Allium
Scientific name: Allium sativum L.
Common name: garlic (English);
ajo (Spanish); ail (French); arishtha,
lashuna (Sanskrit); lasan (Hindu
and Gujarat); vellaipundu (Tamil).
Conservation status: Not
considered to be threatened.
Habitat: Rocky valleys, riverbeds,
streambeds and gullies.
Key Uses: Food and drink,
medicine, pest control.
Known hazards: Adverse effects
including a burning sensation in the
mouth and intestine, sickness, and
odour from the breath and the body.
Skin reactions have also been
reported. Garlic may interfere with
some prescribed medicines.
(Anon-2014, Ayaz et al-2007,
Anon-2010)
CURRENT RESEARCH
• A complex solution: The therapeutic effects of
garlic have been mentioned in more than thousand
scientific articles. Garlic lowers lipid levels and
cholesterol in the blood; it prevents the formation
blood clots, reduces blood pressure and also reduces
the blood sugar and exerts antibiotic action.
(Jangam et al, 2014)
• Mechanism of action: Chemical analysis in the
1800s attributed garlic's activity to the sulfur
containing garlic oil. In the mid 1900s an American
chemist named the strong smelling liquid "allicin".
The sulfur compound alliin (S-allyl-l-cysteine
sulfoxide) produces allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) via
the enzyme allinase when the bulb is crushed or
ground. Other sulfur compounds, peptides, steroids,
terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols have increasingly
been identified as possible active ingredients as
allicin is metabolized. The exact mechanism of
action underlying garlic's effects remains unknown
and may vary according to the preparation and the
therapeutic effect. (Anon, 2011)
TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES
A traditional remedy: Before the invention of
antibiotics, garlic was used to treat all kinds of
diseases, from tuberculosis to typhoid fever. It was
also used for dressing wounds during WWI.
Bronchial Diseases: Garlic is great in case of
bronchial infections and treats colds as well as ear
infections.
The digestive tract: Garlic treats diseases of the
digestive system. It rids of the intestinal parasites.
The circulatory system: Garlic prevents circulatory
disorders and prevents their developments
by thinning the blood. It also decreases cholesterol
level.
Other uses: Garlic is used against infections; it
enhances the action of chemical antibiotics and
avoids side effects. It also reduces blood glucose, as
well as helps patients suffering from diabetes
mellitus.
PART USED
Bulbs
Cloves
Fresh
Plant
PREPARATION AND
USAGE
These parts
have been
used since
centuries in
medicine and
cooking for
its tonic
properties.
Garlic Syrup against
cough; take 1 spoon
every 3 hours
Minced cloves to
decrease cholesterol
and strengthen
immune system
These beads
contain garlic oil.
This increases the
resistance of the
body to infection.

5. ALLIUM SATIVUM
2
REFERENCES
Web links
ANON, 2010. Garlic (Allium sativum). Sigma-Aldrich [online]. Available from:
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/allium-
sativum.html [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2011. Garlic. Mr Ginseng [online]. Available from: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/garlic/
[Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2014. Garlic (Allium Sativum L.). MedicineNet.com [online].Available from:
http://www.medicinenet.com/garlic_allium_sativum_l-oral/article.htm [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Allium sativum (garlic). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens [online]. Available from:
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/allium-sativum-garlic [Accessed September
2015].
Journals
AYAZ, E. and ALPSOY, H.C., 2007. Garlic (Allium sativum) and traditional medicine. PubMed.gov;
31(2), 145-149. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17594659
JANGAM, G.B. and BADOLE, S.L., 2014. Garlic (Allium sativum): Role in metabolic disorder.
Polyphenols in human health and disease; 1(46), 611-614.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123984562000463
SULERIA, H.A.R., et al., 2015. Garlic (Allium sativum) : diet based therapy of 21st
century – a review.
Asian Pacific Journal of tropical disease; 5(4), 271-278.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2222180814607829
SUNG, S., et al., 2014. Effects of Allium sativum essence oil as antimicrobial agent for food
packaging plastic film. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies; 26, 406-414.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1466856414000800

7. APIUM GRAVEOLENS
3
Apium graveolens var. graveolens
Celery is a plant used in both
medicine and cooking.
TAXONOMY
MAIN COMPONENTS
•Essential Oil (1.5 to 3%)
•Coumarins
•Furanocoumarins
(bergapten)
•Flavonoids (apune)
MAIN EFFECTS
•Antirheumatic
•Antispasmodic
•Diuretics
•Hypotensive
•Antiseptic
•Anti-
inflammatory
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Apium
Species: A. graveolens
MOST COMMONLY USED as a
vegetable than as medicaments, the
branches and seeds of celery treat
disorders such as rheumatism or
arthritis, celery helps cleanse the
body by removing toxins. Its seeds
effectively eliminate intestinal gas
and they relieve bloating related
abdominal pain. (Tobyn et al, 2011)
Scientific name: Apium graveolens L.
Common name: celery (English); apio
(Spanish); céleri (French); shalari
(Hindu and Gujarat); sedano (Italian).
Conservation status: Not considered to
be threatened except in Sweden.
Habitat: Marshy areas, terrestrial,
fresh water.
Key Uses: Vegetable, medicine,
dietary herb (China).
Known hazards: Adverse effects
include skin inflammation and
sensitivity to the sun. Unsafe for
pregnant women, people with bleeding
disorder, kidney problems and low BP.
(Anon- 2005, 2014, 2015)
CURRENT RESEARCH
• A complex solution: The essential oil
provides a calming effect on the nervous
system. Seed extracts may lower blood lipid
levels. Chinese Studies indicate that the oil is
effective against hypertension. Celery is a rich
source of phenolic phytonutrients that have
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
(Fuchs et al, 2012)
• Mechanism of action: Celery contains
phenols and furocoumarins (psoralens). Celery
seed oil contains the natural phthalide
sedanolide which showed protective effects
against hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and tert-butyl
hydroperoxide (tBOOH)-induced toxicity in
HepG2 and CaCo-2 cells. Celery tuber also
contains methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen)
and 5-methoxypsoralen and the allergen
profilin (Api g 1), which shows high homology
to birch pollen profilin. (Madhavi et al, 2013)
TRADITIONAL AND CURRENT USES
• An antique use: The use celery is cultivated
for at least 3000 years, particularly in Egypt. In
the fifth century BC, the Chinese already knew
about this plant. During history, celery has
always been consumed as food and at various
times, the whole plant and seeds were used for
medicinal purpose.
• The purifying properties: Today, the seeds
are used to treat gout and certain rheumatism.
They get the kidneys rid of their waste and
reduce the acidity of organ. Seeds treat arthritis
by detoxifying the body and improving blood
flow to the muscles and joints.
• A diuretic agent: Celery seeds have a mild
diuretic action and great antiseptic effect. They
are effective against cystitis since they
disinfect bladder.
PART USED
PREPARATION AND
USAGE
Leaves
All parts have
high nutritive
values but the
seeds are mostly
used in medicine.
Detoxifying drink; take one
cup of celery juice and
carrot juice once per day.
Seed infusion to treat gout
and arthritis; take one cup
with 1.5g of seed every day.
Powdered seeds to treat
arthritis; take one teaspoon
each day.

8. APIUM GRAVEOLENS
4
REFERENCES
Web links
ANON, 2005. Celery. WebMD [online]. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-
supplements/ingredientmono-882-celery.aspx?activeingredientid=882&activeingredientname=celery
[Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Apium graveolens. Red List of Threatened Species [online]. Available from:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/164203/0 [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Celery (Apium graveolens). Sigma-Aldrich [online]. Available from:
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/apium-
graveolens.html [Accessed September 2015].
EHRLICH, S.D., 2015. Celery seed. Milton S. Hershey Medicinal Center [online]. Available from:
http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000231 [Accessed
September 2015].
MURRAY, M.T., 2014. Celery and Celery seed extract are powerful, Proven healers.
DoctorMurray.com [online]. Available from: http://doctormurray.com/celery-and-celery-seed-extract-
are-powerful-proven-healers/ [Accessed September 2015].
Journals
FUCHS, M., et al., 2012. Development and validation of a novel real-time PCR method for the
detection of celery (Apium graveolens) in food. Food Chemistry; 130(1), 189-195.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814611009526
MADHAVI, D, et al., 2013. A pilot study to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of a celery extract in
mild to moderate hypertensive patients. Natural Medicine Journal; 5(4).
http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2013-04/pilot-study-evaluate-antihypertensive-effect-
celery-extract-mild-moderate
MODARESI, M., et al., 2012. The effects of celery (Apium graveolens) extract on the reproductive
hormones in male mice. APCBEE Procedia; 4(2012), 99-104.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221267081200187X
TOBYN, G, DENHAM, A. and WHITELEGG, M., 2011. Apium graveolens, wild celery. Medical
Herbs; 9, 79-89. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443103445000148

10. CITRUS LIMON
5
Citrus limon
MAIN COMPONENTS
• Essential Oil (2 – 5% in
fruit peel), sesquiterpenes,
terpenoids, aldehydes, esters
• Coumarins
• Flavonoids
• Vitamins
MAIN EFFECTS
• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
• Anti-rheumatic
• Antiseptic
• Reduces fever
LEMON is a major natural remedy.
Common food with numerous
medicinal virtues, it is rich in
vitamin C and favours resistance
against infections which helps to
treat influenza and colds. It is
consumed in preventive way in case
of gastritis, circulatory problems and
atherosclerosis. (Anon, 2006)
Lemon treats scurvy (lack of
vitamin C).
TAXONOMY
Class: Magnoliophyta
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Superorder: Violanae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Scientific name: Citrus limon L.
Common name: lemon (English);
citron (French); limone (Italian);
limon (Creole); līmūn (Arabic);
nimbū (Sanskrit).
Conservation status: Least concern.
Habitat: Mediterranean region and
subtropical parts of the world.
Key Uses: Food and drink,
medicine, cosmetics.
Known hazards: Sore throat,
nausea, it may taste bitter after a
while.
(Anon- 2006, 2011,2012)
CURRENT RESEARCH
• A complex solution: Its most prominent
component, limonene, is likely the key to its
potency, found in many citrus oils but none so
strongly as lemon. Its cancer-fighting antioxidant
power is impressive, as well. (G. M. Et al, 2010)
• Mechanism of action: Its mode of action is not
clear. It acts in one or more different way to
exert its pharmacologic effect. (Bailey, 1976)
TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES
Famous medication: Spanish folk medicine
attributes so much therapeutic values to lemon
that entire books have been devoted to it.
Established properties: Once digested, lemon
has an antacid effect which makes it effective in
case of rheumatoid arthritis which favours
acidity. The essential oil is antiseptic and
antibacterial. The flavonoids present strengthen
the inner wall of blood vessels and favour the
disappearance of varicose veins and reduction of
bruises.
Preventive action: Lemon is a distinguished
preventive remedy. Its antiseptic and detoxifying
properties make it an important ally for persons
prone to atherosclerosis, fever and infectious
diseases of the stomach, liver and intestine. Its
action on the wall of blood vessels helps to
prevent circulatory problems and bleeding gums.
It is also an excellent and effective tonic against
certain chronic diseases.
Stimulate veins’ walls: The fruit and white peel
prevent atherosclerosis and weakness of
capillaries.
Juice: Lemon juice fights colds, flu and
infections. It stimulates liver detoxification and
improves appetite. It is a tonic of the liver and
the pancreas and it fights against ulcers and
rheumatoid arthritis. As gargle, it treats sore
throat, gum disease and mouth ulcer. For
external use, it is applied on acne, athlete’s foot,
bites, sunburn and warts.
(Lopes et al-2011, Freitas et al-2014, Nakajima
et al-2014)
PART USED
Fruit and peel improve
circulation and strengthen
resistance against infections.
White peel and zest contain
essential oil and most
flavonoids.
PREPARATION AND USAGE
Lemon
contains
twice as
much as
vitamin
C as
orange.
Lemon essential
Oil.
Dilute 5 drops
in 1 teaspoon of
neutral oil and
apply on mouth
ulcers.
Remedy against colds; mix
20ml of lemon juice with
50ml of hot water and add 1
crushed clove of garlic
together with 1 pinch of
cinnamon. Drink the
mixture 3 times per day.
Lemon juice for
throat irritation.
Mix 20ml of
lemon juice
with 20ml of
hot water and
use as gargle.

11. CITRUS LIMON
6
REFERENCES
Web links
ANON, 2006. Citrus limon. Learn 2 grow [online]. Available from:
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/citrus-limon/ [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2011. Citrus limon L. Taxonomy for plants [online]. Available from: http://www.ars-
grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?10732 [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2012. Citrus limon – L. Plants for a future [online]. Available from:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+limon [Accessed September 2015].
BAILEY, et al., 1976. Lemon. Encyclopedia of Life [online]. Available from:
http://eol.org/pages/582200/overview [Accessed September 2015].
KASRAOUI, F., 2006. Le citronnier. Kasroui.com Le site officiel [online]. Available from:
http://www.kasraoui.com/Secteur-Agricole/Agrumes-Citronnier.html [Accessed 10 September
2015].
Journals
GONZALEZ-MOLINA, E. et al., 2010. Natural bioactive compounds of Citrus limon for food and
health. Journal of Pharmaceutical and biomedicinal analysis. 51(2), 327-345.
LOPES CAMPÊLO, L.M. et al., 2011. Antioxidant and Antinociceptive effects of Citrus limon
essential oil in mice. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2011(2011), 1-8.
Freitas, E. S., Viana, M. D. M., Silva-Neto, G. J., Oliveira, L. M. S., Duzzioni, M., Castro, O. W.,
Ferro, J. M. S., Barreto, E., Campesatto, E. A. and Alexandre-Moreira, M. S. (2014) ‘026 —
(FRE0127) Motor performance evaluation of mice treated with essential oil’, Epilepsy & Behavior,
38, pp. 192–193. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.08.059.
Nakajima, V. M., Macedo, G. A. and Macedo, J. A. (1205) ‘Citrus bioactive phenolics: Role in the
obesity treatment’, LWT - Food Science and Technology, 59(2), pp. 1205–1212. doi:
10.1016/j.lwt.2014.02.060.

13. THYMUS VULGARIS
7
Thymus vulgaris
MAIN COMPONENTS
• Essential Oil (thymol,
carvacrol, linalol)
• Flavonoids
• Phenolics
MAIN EFFECTS
• Antiseptics
• Tonic
• Muscle relaxant
• Expectorant
• Vermifuge
• Antioxidant
Thyme is characteristic to the
Mediterranean flora; it is also known as
"farigoule" in southern France. Known for
its aromatic qualities, it also has many
medicinal properties. Fortifying and
antiseptic, thyme still relieves multiple
disorders, particularly breathing disorders.
(Hossain,2013)
Thyme has pink flowers that attract
bees and confer their honey a special
flavor.
TAXONOMY
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Thymus L.
Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris L.
Common names: Thym (French), Garden
thyme (English), Thymian (German),
Timo (Italian), Zatr (Arabic)
Conservation status: There are no
conservation measures.
Habitat: Dry slopes, rocks and maquis.
Always found on clay or limestone soils.
Key Uses: Thyme is used for cough and
bronchitis as it produces expectoration and
reduces bronchial spasm. It also makes a
good use in indigestion, gastritis, and
diarrhea.
Known hazards: Avoid in inflammatory
disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Internal use contraindicated especially in
pregnancy. Caution if sensitive to grasses.
(Anon-2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, katzer-
2003, Khela-2014)
CURRENT RESEARCH
• A complex solution: Thyme is another
aromatic member of the mint family. In
this case, its oils, when ingested, help to
relieve congestion and infection in the
respiratory tract. The herb factors into
many a good recipe for cough syrup.
(Nezhadali et al, 2013)
• Mechanism of action: It is thought that
the phenolic compounds of thyme exert
antibacterial activity by complexing with
the bacterial membrane proteins.
Bronchospasmolysis is attributed to the
flavonoids thymonin, cirsilineol and 8-
methoxycirsilineol. Antioxidative effects
of thyme oil have been attributed mainly
to its phenolic constituents (thymol and
carvacrol). (Hossain et al, 2013)
TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES
Infections: Thyme is good against
bronchitis, pertussis, and pleurisy. The
infusion treats benign infections of the
throat and bronchi
Asthma and hay fever: Thyme is
prescribed to asthmatic children. It is
effective in case hay fever.
Anthelmintic: Thyme is prescribed to
children as an anthelmintic.
Stomach ulcer: Thyme extracts have a
powerful antibacterial effect against
H. pylori, a bacterium often linked to
stomach ulcers.
Other uses: It soothes insect’s bites
when applied on the skin. It is used
in sciatic pain or rheumatoid arthritis. It
also treats herpes, athlete's foot, mouth
ulcers, fungal infections, scabies and lice.
(Anon-2014, 2015, Komaki-2015)
PART USED
Fresh aerial
parts
Fresh leaves
The aerial parts harvested
in summer contain
essential oil with
antiseptic properties.
Dried aerial parts
PREPARATION AND
USAGE
Infusion:
During
cold, take
50 ml 3
times per
day.
Essential Oil:
Against scabies,
should dilute and
then stamp the
infected area.
Syrup:
Against cough;
take 20ml thrice
per day

14. THYMUS VULGARIS
8
REFERENCES
Web links
ANON, 2010. Thyme. Doctor Schar [online]. Available from: http://doctorschar.com/archives/thyme-
thymus-vulgare/ [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2012. Thymus vulgaris L. Plants for a future [online]. Available from:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Thymus+vulgaris [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2012. Thymus vulgaris. Southern Cross University [online]. Available from:
http://scu.edu.au/scps/index.php/128/ [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2014. Thyme, Garden. Botanical.com [online]. Available from:
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thygar16.html [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Thyme. Ayurvedic Herbs [online]. Available from:
http://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/thyme.html [Accessed September 2015].
KATZER, G., 2003. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Spice Pages [online]. Available from:
http://gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com/engl/Thym_vul.html [Accessed September 2015].
KHELA, S. 2014. Thymus vulgaris. Red List of Threatened Species [online]. Available from:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/203348/0 [Accessed 11 September 2015].
Journals
HOSSAIN, M.A., et al., 2013. Study of total phenol, flavonoids contents and phytochemical
screening of various leaves crude extracts of locally grown Thymus vulgaris. Asian Pacific Journal of
tropical biomedicine; 3(9), 705-710.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169113601422
KOMAKI, A., et al., 2015. Study of the effect of extract of Thymus vulgaris on anxiety in male rats.
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015000188
NEZHADALI, A., et al., 2014. Chemical variation of leaf essential oil at different stages of plant
growth and in vitro antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris Lamiaceae, from Iran. Beni-Suef
University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences; 3(2), 87-92.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2314853514000304

16. ZINGIBER OFFICINALE
9
Zingiber officinale
MAIN COMPONENTS
• Essential Oil (1 – 2%) and
derived sesquiterpenes
• Phenols (glycerol, gingerol)
• Cinnamic acid
• Oleoresin (mixture of
essential oil and resin)
MAIN EFFECTS
• Anti-
inflammatory
• Antiemetic
• Stimulant
• Antiseptic
• Soothes cough
• Promotes
elimination of
intestinal gases
Widespread spice and condiment,
GINGER is the one of the most
employed remedy worldwide. Since
ancient time, it was very popular in
Asia and at Middle Age, Europeans
believed that it came from the
Garden of Eden. Ginger relieves
morning and travel sickness and
cures circulatory problems. Fresh, it
has a spicy and slightly acidic taste.
(Gupta et al, 2014).
Ginger is effective in case of
gastrointestinal disturbances.
TAXONOMY
Class: Equisetopsida
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Superorder: Lilianae
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
R.
Common name: ginger (English);
gingembre (French); singabera
(Sanskrit); zenzero (Italian);
gingiber (Latin); zingiberi (Greek).
Conservation status: Least concern.
Habitat: Humid, partly-shaded
habitats in the tropics and
subtropics.
Key Uses: Food and drink,
medicine, cosmetics.
Known hazards: Ginger may cause
allergic reactions when applied to
the skin. Pregnant women should
use it with caution as its safety is
not yet confirmed.
(Anon-2011, 2014, 2015)
CURRENT RESEARCH
• Therapeutic effects: According to various
studies, the therapeutic actions of ginger are
greatly due to the oleoresin and essential oil
that it contains. The sharp taste and stimulant
properties of the plant come from gingerol, a
bitter component that forms when the root is
dried, which is more irritating and bitter than
components from fresh rhizome. (Imtiyaz et al,
2013)
• Antiemetic: Ginger is very effective against
travel sickness. Experimental tests performed in
1990 have established that it treats
postoperative nausea better than conventional
medicine.
• Antiseptic: In China, 70% of patients affected
by dysentery would have been cured by ginger.
TRADITIONAL & CURRENT USES
Digestive disturbances: Ginger is very effective
in case of indigestions, nausea (usually morning
sickness), flatulence, colitis, travel sickness and
also against gastrointestinal infections (due to
certain food poisoning) due to its antiseptic
properties.
Circulatory problems: Ginger is an effective
remedy against degeneration of organs and
when the body’s extremities are poorly irrigated
since it improves blood circulation in
capillaries. Ginger also increases arterial
pressure, stimulate sweating and reduces fever.
Respiratory problems: Ginger alleviates cough
and treats flu and other respiratory diseases.
“Sheng join”: In China, fresh ginger is
prescribed in case of chills, fever, headache and
muscular pain while dried ginger is given
against cold.
(Chang et al-2013, Baliga et al-2015, Anon-
2015)
PART USED
Dried Rhizome
Fresh
Rhizome
PREPARATION AND
USAGE
Rhizome
contains a
high amount
of essential
oil with
stimulant
effects.
Ginger essential
Oil against
arthritis. Apply 5
diluted drops in
20 drops of sweet
almond oil on
painful zones.
In case of morning sickness, 1
Ginger Capsule of 75mg is taken
every hour and to facilitate
digestion, 30 drops of Ginger
Tincture are taken in water twice
per day.
Ginger
Infusion for
nausea. Drink
1 cup 3 times
per day.

17. ZINGIBER OFFICINALE
10
REFERENCES
Web links
ANON, 2011. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Chamberlin’s [online]. Available from:
http://www.chamberlins.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?storeID=2cb86c7b36be4cfd914079104818c
49b&DocID=bottomline-ginger [Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2014. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). MedicineNet.com [online]. Available from:
http://www.medicinenet.com/ginger_zingiber_officinale-oral/article.htm [Accessed September
2015].
ANON, 2015. Ginger. Mr Ginseng [online]. Available from: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/ginger/
[Accessed September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Zingiber officinale (ginger). Kew Royal Botanical gardens [online]. Available from:
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/zingiber-officinale-ginger [Accessed 6
September 2015].
ANON, 2015. Zingiber officinale. National Tropical Botanical Garden [online]. Available from:
http://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=11651 [Accessed September 2015].
Journals
GUPTA, S.K. and SHARMA, A., 2014. Medicinal properties of Zingiber officinale Roscoe – A
Review. Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences; 9(5), 124-129.
IMTIYAZ, S. et al., 2013. Zingiber officinale Rosc.: A traditional herb with medicinal properties.
Humanitas Traditional Medicine; 3(4), 1-7.
Atashak, S., Peeri, M., Azarbayjani, M. A. and Stannard, S. R. (2014) ‘Effects of ginger ()
supplementation and resistance training on some blood oxidative stress markers in obese men’,
Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 12(1), pp. 26–30. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2014.01.002.
Baliga, M. S., Latheef, L., Haniadka, R., Fazal, F., Mane, P. P., Kalekhan, F. and Chacko, J. (2015)
‘Chapter 12 – Ginger ( Roscoe) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis’, Foods and Dietary Supplements in
the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Older Adults, , pp. 111–117. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-
418680-4.00012-9.
Chang, J. S., Wang, K. C., Yeh, C. F., Shieh, D. E. and Chiang, L. C. (2013) ‘Fresh ginger () has anti-
viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines’, Journal
of Ethnopharmacology, 145(1), pp. 146–151. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043.