Abstract

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE: MAHA-AUSHDHA OF AYURVEDA

Dr. Bhavna Singh*and Professor (Dr.) S.D. Upadhyaya

Abstract

Ginger, (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the important medicinal plants which is being used in Ayurveda from the ancient time. It naturally occurs in various countries like India, China, South East Asia, West Indies, Mexico and other parts of the world. Ginger has different chemical components like Amaldehyde, Gingerol, Shogaol, and Paradol etc. and has various numbers of pharmacological activities and has many beneficial effects on human body and cure various types of diseases. In some laboratory studies it has been shown as an anticancer agent. In Ayurveda, it has been referred as Mahaushadha meaning a great medicine and also Vishvabheshaja i.e. the universal medicine. This review aims at to provide the valuable knowledge related to pharmacological actions, different therapeutical uses and various formulations related to ginger as described in classics and later works, the different Nighantus. Moreover this article also refers the scientific studies conducted on this drug.

Keywords: Ardaraka, Brihattrayi, Nighantus, Sunthi.