The
natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents
gingerol,
Shogaol and
Zerumbone, while turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains three active major
curcuminoids, namely,
curcumin,
demethoxycurcumin, and
bisdemethoxycurcumin. They have the same scientific classification and are reported to have anti-inflammatory and many
therapeutic effects. This article reviews the physiological and
therapeutic effects of ginger and turmeric on some endocrine gland functions, and signal pathways involved to mediate their actions. With some systems and adipose tissue, ginger and turmeric exert their actions through some/all of the following signals or molecular mechanisms: (1) through reduction of high levels of some
hormones (as: T4,
leptin) or interaction with
hormone receptors; (2) by inhibition of
cytokines/
adipokine expression; (3) acting as a potent inhibitor of
reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating
enzymes, which play an essential role between
inflammation and progression of diseases; (4) mediation of their effects through the inhibition of signaling
transcription factors; and/or (5) decrease the proliferative potent by down-regulation of antiapoptotic genes, which may suppress
tumor promotion by blocking signal transduction pathways in the target cells. These multiple mechanisms of protection against
inflammation and oxidative damage make ginger and
curcumin particularly promising natural agents in fighting the ravages of aging and degenerative diseases, and need to be paid more attention by studies.