Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of ginger and its bioactive components on inflammatory response, oxidative stress, the immune system, and organ failure in sepsis: a comprehensive systematic review.

This systematic review examines the potential therapeutic roles of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its bioactive components—such as gingerol, shogaol, gingerdione, and zingerone—in sepsis, a severe and often fatal systemic inflammatory condition triggered by infection. Based on 48 eligible experimental and animal studies, ginger and its constituents demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and immune overactivation, thereby reducing organ injury and improving survival in sepsis models. The review highlights mechanisms involving inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. While findings support ginger's potential as a novel therapeutic agent for sepsis, the authors note variability in dosages, models, and methodologies, and recommend further randomized controlled clinical trials in humans to confirm efficacy and safety.