Unveiling the Role of Zingiber officinale Roscoe in Combating Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Perspectives

NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a rising global health concern, closely linked with metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. In Unani medicine, it is conceptually correlated with Su’-i Mizāj Kabid Bārid (cold derangement of liver temperament) and Tashahhum al-Kabid (fatty infiltration of the liver). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger), known for its Hār Yābis (hot and dry) temperament, has been traditionally used for liver-related disorders. The objective of the study was to explore and elucidate the therapeutic potential of Z . officinale Roscoe in the management of NAFLD by analyzing mechanistic insights from contemporary scientific research and its traditional use in Unani medicine. This narrative review synthesizes data from classical Unani texts and modern scientific literature. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords related to ginger and NAFLD. Peer-reviewed clinical trials, in vivo and in vitro studies, and pharmacological reports were included alongside references from authoritative Unani manuscripts. Z . officinale Roscoe demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, insulin-sensitizing, digestive stimulant, and hepatoprotective activities. These pharmacological effects target key pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD, including hepatic fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. Clinical trials support its efficacy in reducing hepatic steatosis and improving inflammatory and metabolic markers without notable toxicity. Both classical Unani insights and modern evidence validate the role of Z . officinale Roscoe as a safe and effective adjunct in the management of NAFLD. Its multifaceted actions make it a promising candidate for integration into holistic treatment protocols, especially when combined with lifestyle and dietary modifications. Further large-scale trials are recommended to establish its therapeutic utility in broader clinical settings.