Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Analgesic Effect of Ginger

Abstract

Chronic pain has a high prevalence and a profound impact on patients and society, and its treatment is a real challenge in clinical practice. Ginger is emerging as a promising analgesic—effective against various types of pain and well-tolerated by patients. However, we are just beginning to understand its complex mechanism of action. A good understanding of its mechanism would allow us to fully utilize the therapeutical potential of this herbal medicine as well as to identify a better strategy for treating chronic pain. To provide this information, we searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for in vitro studies or animal experiments investigating the analgesic effect of ginger extract or its components. The analysis of data was carried out in the form of a narrative review. Our research indicates that ginger extract, through its various active ingredients, suppresses the transmission of nociceptive signals while activating the descendent inhibitory pathways of pain.