PHYTO - PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROPERTIES, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SHUNTHI (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Shunthi or Zingiber officinale Roscoe is a plant that has been used for long time in Ayurveda. It is used in many diseases such as Amavata, Vibandha, Agnimandya, Shotha, Grahni, etc. Ancient literature has described several aspects of Shunthi, including its synonyms, Rasa Panchaka, therapeutic actions, recommended dosages, and contraindications. It exhibits Katu rasa, Laghu Snigdha Guna, Ushna Virya, Madhura Vipaka, and has a Kaphavatahara effects. Currently, there is a growing interest in ginger that focuses in identification and isolating its chemical components, as well as validating its pharmacological effects on different systems with the help of modern tools. The purpose of this article is to explore Shunthi in Ayurvedic literature and to validate it by using current research. According to recent studies, ginger acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic & anti-microbial agent. Researchers give an example of how Shunthi works using traditional pharmacology and biochemistry.