Bitter ginger
Zingiber zerumbet
Zingiber zerumbet is a perennial herb used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied to address conditions such as asthma, cough, stomach aches, diarrhea, skin complaints, wounds, and bacterial infections. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that the compound zerumbone may modulate inflammatory pathways to assist skin barrier function and shows potential antifibrotic activity in pulmonary fibrosis models. Additionally, studies indicate zerumbone may induce autophagic cell death in human melanoma cells in preclinical settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.
- Traditionally for
- asthma · cough
- Traditions
- Unani · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- asthma
- cough
- stomach ache
- diarrhea
- leprosy
- skin complaints
- stomach complaints
- toothache
- vermifuge
- wounds
- aperitif
- bacterial infections
- bilious
- bronchitis
- burns
What the science says
- Zerumbone from Zingiber zerumbet modulates MAPK/NF-κB, Akt, and STAT pathways to reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis models.
- Zingiber zerumbet rhizome extract exhibits potent antifibrotic activity by regulating TGF-β1 and TNF/NF-κB signaling in preclinical models of pulmonary fibrosis.
- The complete plastome of Zingiber ottensii was characterized, confirming its phylogenetic relationship to Zingiber zerumbet.
- Zerumbone induced autophagic cell death in human melanoma cells through ROS mediation, both in vitro and in vivo.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bitter ginger?
Bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Bitter ginger traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Bitter ginger for: asthma, cough, stomach ache, diarrhea, leprosy, skin complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Bitter ginger?
Bitter ginger appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bitter ginger?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bitter ginger; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Zerumbone from Zingiber zerumbet modulates MAPK/NF-κB, Akt, and STAT pathways to reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis models.
How strong is the evidence for Bitter ginger?
The strongest finding for Bitter ginger carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bitter ginger safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bitter ginger in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bitter ginger interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bitter ginger in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bitter ginger?
Bitter ginger is also known as: Имбирь зерумбет, Gingembre cône-de-pin.
Is Bitter ginger a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 The complete plastome and phylogenetic analysis of Zingiber ottensii Valeton. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Zingiber zerumbet rhizome attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1 and TNF/NF-κB signaling to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast activation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Zerumbone from Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. ameliorates atopic dermatitis by regulating the MAP kinase/NF-κB, Akt, and STAT pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Zerumbone Induced ROS-Mediated Autophagic Cell Death in Human Melanoma Cells: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. literature abstract metadata