The Role of Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) in Reducing Inflammatory Levels: A Literature Review

Red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) contains bioactive compounds with the potential to suppress inflammatory responses. This review aims to synthesize findings regarding the effects of red ginger on inflammatory markers and the underlying mechanisms. A literature review method was employed, involving searches for publications in Indonesian and English across six scientific databases. Ten articles were analyzed narratively using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and study design framework. The results indicate that the administration of ginger or its active compounds in various research models is associated with a reduction in proinflammatory markers specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, and cyclooxygenase-2. Some studies also reported increased levels of interleukin-10 and enhanced antioxidant defenses. The mechanisms discussed include the inhibition of proinflammatory signaling pathways and the enhancement of antioxidant responses. However, one study using an endometriosis model found no reduction in interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, despite a decrease in lesion size. Overall, ginger shows potential as an adjunct anti-inflammatory agent; however, the specific efficacy of red ginger remains inconclusive, as most of the reviewed articles examined ginger without specifying the red variety. Further clinical research specifically investigating red ginger is needed.