ZINGIBER OFFICINALE IMPACT ON METABOLIC SYNDROME, OBESITY, AND INSULIN RESISTANCE
Keywords:
Ginger; Zingiber officinale; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; obesity; AMPK; IRS-1/Akt pathway; inflammation; oxidative stress; gingerol; shogaol; lipid metabolism.Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has attracted increasing scientific attention as a natural, multi-target therapeutic agent capable of modulating key metabolic pathways. This study summarizes the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying ginger’s effects on metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance. Its bioactive compounds- primarily 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and zingerone- improve insulin signaling by activating IRS-1/Akt pathways, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, and enhance glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Ginger also stimulates AMPK signaling, leading to increased energy expenditure, reduced lipogenesis, enhanced lipolysis, and decreased hepatic fat accumulation. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory activity reduces TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels and mitigates oxidative stress, contributing to improved metabolic profiles. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies demonstrates significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, and hepatic steatosis following ginger supplementation. Overall, ginger represents a safe, effective, and biologically potent phytotherapeutic agent for the comprehensive management of metabolic syndrome.
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