In the global race to combat COVID-19, an ancient root from the kitchen pantry might hold surprising scientific promise.
The COVID-19 pandemic ignited an unprecedented scientific quest for treatments, turning researchers' attention to both cutting-edge pharmaceuticals and traditional remedies.
Among these, ginger (Zingiber officinale), a staple of traditional medicine for millennia, has stepped under the modern scientific microscope. This humble root, long cherished for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, is now being scrutinized by computational biologists and clinical researchers alike for its potential role against SARS-CoV-2. The emerging evidence paints a compelling picture of how natural compounds can interact with our biology in the fight against this modern virus.
Ginger is not just a flavorful spice; it's a complex mixture of bioactive compounds. The primary active ingredients responsible for its characteristic pungency and health benefits are gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone 7 . These compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that form the basis for ginger's potential against COVID-19 2 .
One of the most dangerous aspects of severe COVID-19 is the "cytokine storm"—an overwhelming inflammatory response that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ failure 2 . Ginger's well-documented anti-inflammatory properties may offer protection here. Research has demonstrated that ginger can modulate cytokine production, potentially calming this destructive storm 8 .
The therapeutic potential is particularly notable given ginger's protective role against ARDS, which is the primary cause of mortality in severe COVID-19 cases 8 . By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, ginger may help protect lung tissue from the damage inflicted by an overactive immune response to the virus.
Bioactive compounds bind to viral spike proteins, inhibiting cell entry
Reduces cytokine storm and inflammation, protecting lung tissue
Before a single clinical trial could be designed, scientists needed to understand how ginger's numerous compounds might interact with SARS-CoV-2. This preliminary work occurred not in wet laboratories, but in silico—through sophisticated computer modeling that allowed researchers to screen hundreds of potential interactions rapidly.
In one groundbreaking computational study, researchers employed virtual screening on 113 phytochemicals derived from ginger to identify lead molecules active against SARS-CoV-2 5 . Using PyRx Virtual Screening software and BIOVIA Discovery Studio for molecular docking analysis, the team simulated how these natural compounds would interact with the virus's proteins.
Researchers downloaded the 3D structure of the D614G SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (7BNO) from the Protein Data Bank. They removed water molecules and heteroatoms, then added polar hydrogen atoms to create an ideal structure for analysis 5 .
The chemical structures of ginger's active compounds, including 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and gingerenone-A, were obtained from the Zinc Database in SDF format. Their energies were minimized before conversion to the required PDPQT format for docking 5 .
Using predefined search space coordinates, the researchers ran the docking simulation to calculate binding affinities between each ginger compound and the viral protein. Binding affinity, measured in kcal/mol, indicates how strongly two molecules will interact; more negative values signify stronger binding 5 .
Binding Affinity with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (kcal/mol)
Gingerenone A emerged as the most promising candidate, with a binding affinity of -7.6 kcal/mol, outperforming remdesivir by approximately 1% 5 . This suggests that ginger's compounds could potentially interfere with the spike protein's function, possibly inhibiting viral entry into human cells.
All selected phytochemicals demonstrated compliance with Lipinski's Rule of Five, indicating they possess drug-like properties suitable for oral administration 5 .
The computational predictions set the stage for human trials. Multiple clinical studies have explored whether ginger's theoretical benefits translate to measurable improvements in COVID-19 patients, with intriguing results.
Participants: 227 adults
Protocol: 1.5 g twice daily
Findings: ↓ Length of stay by 2.4 days; effects strongest in men, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions
Participants: 84 adults
Protocol: 1 g three times daily for 7 days
Findings: No significant viral clearance; reduced pulmonary infiltrate on imaging; safe profile
Participants: 144 adults
Protocol: 500 mg three times daily for 5 days
Findings: ↓ CRP and ESR levels; anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to turmeric
Data from a 2024 randomized controlled trial showing that both turmeric and ginger significantly reduced inflammatory markers compared to placebo in COVID-19 outpatients 4 .
Modern research into traditional remedies like ginger relies on sophisticated laboratory techniques and reagents. Here are some essential tools that enable scientists to unravel ginger's secrets:
(2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)
Another compound used to assess radical scavenging activity, complementing DPPH results 7 .
A mouse macrophage cell line used to study ginger's effects on immune response and inflammation 7 .
A cellulase enzyme used in enzyme-assisted extraction to improve yield of bioactive compounds from ginger 7 .
Software for molecular docking studies that predicts how ginger compounds interact with viral proteins 5 .
The investigation into ginger's potential has also revealed promising opportunities for sustainability. Research shows that ginger waste—including shoots, fingers, slices, and trunks generated during processing—contains phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity similar to the rhizome itself 3 .
This suggests that these typically discarded portions could be valorized as valuable byproducts, reducing waste while potentially providing additional sources of bioactive compounds 3 .
Novel extraction techniques like Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) and enzyme-assisted extraction are being optimized to maximize the yield of these beneficial compounds while minimizing environmental impact 7 .
The pursuit of natural treatments has thus created unexpected synergies with sustainability goals, exemplifying how health and environmental concerns can align in scientific research.
The scientific journey of ginger against COVID-19 represents a fascinating convergence of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technology. From computational models predicting molecular interactions to clinical trials measuring patient outcomes, the evidence suggests that ginger's bioactive compounds may offer genuine benefits—particularly in modulating the inflammatory response that makes COVID-19 dangerous.
However, it's crucial to maintain perspective. Ginger appears most promising as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical treatments, not a replacement. The clinical evidence remains mixed, and more research is needed to standardize dosages, identify which patient populations benefit most, and fully understand the mechanisms of action.
As science continues to unravel the complexities of this ancient root, ginger serves as a powerful reminder that nature's pharmacy still holds secrets relevant to our most modern challenges. Whether as a supportive therapy today or the inspiration for new treatments tomorrow, this spicy rhizome has cemented its place in the scientific narrative of the pandemic.
This article summarizes current scientific research and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to your health regimen.