Insights into biological activities profile of gingerols and shogaols for potential pharmacological applications

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries to promote good health and well-being, treating conditions such as diarrhea, stomach discomfort, nausea, cholera, asthma, and respiratory diseases. Gingerol and shogaol are essential bioactive phenolic compounds abundantly found in fresh and dried ginger and have been extensively studied using modern technology to evaluate their therapeutic effects. These phenolic compounds demonstrate a wide range of properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects, which operate through various mechanisms. Furthermore, researchers have utilized the chemical structures of gingerol and shogaol as templates to develop novel, safer, and more effective drugs for treating multiple illnesses. This review article focuses on previous literature assessing the potential efficacy of these compounds as therapies based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties.