An Expert Report on Ginger (DB10344): Pharmacological Profile, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Applications

Section 1: Identification, Classification, and Bioactive Constituents

1.1 Substance Identification and Nomenclature

The substance under review is formally identified within the DrugBank database as DB10344, with the generic name Ginger.[1] It is derived from the rhizome (underground stem) of the plant

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, a species with a long history in traditional medicine and culinary practices worldwide.[2] To ensure precise identification across scientific, regulatory, and clinical domains, a comprehensive list of its identifiers is provided below:

• DrugBank Accession Number: DB10344 [1]
• Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Roscoe [2]
• Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Numbers: 84696-15-1, 977001-38-9 [4]
• FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII): IN6Q3S3414, C5529G5JPQ [4]
• European Community (EC) Number: 919-745-6 [4]
• NCI Thesaurus Code: C66725 [4]
• NLM RxNorm Terminology (RXCUI): 899420 [4]
• Common Synonyms: The substance is also known by various common names, including Indian ginger, Shoga, and Zingiberis.[4]

1.2 Regulatory and Pharmacological Classification: A Dual Identity

A critical analysis of the available data reveals that "Ginger" possesses a dual identity within the regulatory and pharmacological landscape. This distinction is fundamental to understanding its applications and mechanisms of action. Failure to differentiate between its two primary classifications can lead to significant misinterpretation of its biological effects.