Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe; Family: Zingiberaceae) in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Review on the Existing Scientific Evidence and Way Forward

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is today the most prevalent hepatic disorder in the world. Although many pharmaceutical agents have been investigated for their potential to prevent or treat NAFLD, currently, there is no standard treatment to manage this ailment. Reports indicate that ginger and its phytochemicals gingerol and zingerone are effective in mitigating NAFLD in experimental study models. Furthermore, randomised control trials have demonstrated that ginger is also effective in preventing NAFLD in both adults and children. Mechanistic studies suggest that ginger mediates these beneficial effects by activating many pathways, such as reducing free radicals, dyslipidemia, and hepatic fat deposition. Concomitantly, ginger also increases antioxidant enzyme levels and insulin-sensitive effects, and all these pharmacological actions provide beneficial outcomes. In this review, the evidence from experimental and clinical trials has been emphasised. In addition, an attempt has been made to identify the gaps for future study to address for the benefit of the medical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agricultural businesses.