catarrh

Aloe vera

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Barbados:

  • aloe

Trinidad and Tobago:

  • aloe

Guadeloupe:

  • lalwé

Puerto Rico:

  • sábila

Venezuela:

  • sábila
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

“crystal”, liquefied, decoction or infusion, administered orally1,69

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to published and other information:

Use for asthma, colds, baldness, cuts, bounds and skin rashes is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented inthe TRAMIL surveys, toxicity studies, scientific validation, and published scientific information.

Due to the health risks related to asthma, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this plant remedy should be considered complementary to medical treatment.  There is no available information about its use for asthmatic crisis.

For topical application, strict hygiene measures should be observed in order to avoid contamination or additional infection.

Not for oral administration to  pregnant or lactating women or to children under 5 years of age.  The use of this resource should be avoided in cases of diabetes mellitus.

The gel can cause reactions of hypersensitivity.  It should not be used if it has turned a reddish color.

When cutting out the gelatinous part of the leaf, avoid contact with the yellow juice.  This juice can cause reactions of skin hypersensitivity or, if swallowed, it can have laxative effects.

Use for asthma or colds:

Peal the leaf and blend 15-30 grams (1-2 spoonfuls) of the “crystal” (gel, pulp, mesophyll) with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.  Drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

Prepare a decoction or infusion with 15-30 grams of gel in 250 mL (1 cup) of water.  For decoction, boil for at least 10 minutes in covered pot.  For infusion, add boiling water to 15-30 grams (1-2 spoonfuls) of gel, cover, and let cool.  Drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

For baldness, cuts, bounds and skin rashes:

Wash and peal the leaf, cut 15-30 grams (1-2 spoonfuls) of gel and apply to affected area of skin or scalp, twice a day.

1 BENEDETTI MD, 1994
Encuesta TRAMIL. Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

2 ZAMBRANO LE, 2007
Encuesta TRAMIL en Guareguare, Miranda. UCV, Caracas, Venezuela.

3 FAUJOUR A, MURREY D, CHELTENHAM-CORBIN B, CARRINGTON S, 2003
TRAMIL survey. enda-caribbean, IICA & UAG, Saint Thomas, Barbados.

4 DELAIGUE J, 2005
TRAMIL survey. UAG & PRDI, Tobago House of Assembly, Scarborough, Tobago.

5 BALZ E, BOYER A, BURAUD M, 2007
Enquête TRAMIL à Marie-Galante. U. Bordeaux 3, U. Paris XI Chatenay-Malabry, UAG, Guadeloupe.

6 BOULOGNE I, 2008
Enquête TRAMIL, Les Saintes, UAG, Guadeloupe (FWI).

7 MEDLINE PLUS 2009
Aloe (Aloe vera L.) U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. URL: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-aloe.html

8 GRUENWALD J, BRENDLER T, JAENICKE C, 2004
Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition. Montvale, NJ, USA: Thomson Healthcare, Inc. 988pp.

9 DUKE’S PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ETHNOBOTANICAL DATABASES 2009
www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

10 HOLDSWORTH DK, 1971
Chromones in Aloe species. Part I. Aloesin-A C-glucosyl-7-hydroxychromone. Planta Med 19:322-325.

11 MARY NY, CHRISTENSEN BV, BEAL JL, 1956
A paper chromatographic study of Aloe, aloin and cascara sagrada. J Am Pharm Assoc Sci Ed 45:229-232.

12 PASZKIEWICZ-GADEK A, CHLABICZ J, GALASINSKI W, 1988
The influence of selected potential oncostatics of plant origin on the protein biosynthesis in vitro. Pol J Pharmacol Pharm 40(2):183-190.

13 RAUWALD H, 1987
New hydroxyaloins: the periodate-positive substance from cape aloes and cinnamoyl esters from Curacao aloes. Pharm Weekbl (Sci Ed) 9(4):215.

14 ZWAVING JH, ELEMA ET, 1976
A comparative investigation of two methods for the determination of 1,8-dihydroxyanthracene derivatives in vegetable drugs. Pharm Weekb (Sci Ed) 111:1315.

15 WALLER GR, MANGIAFICO S, RITCHEY CR, 1978
A chemical investigation of Aloe barbadensis. Proc Okla Acad Sci 58:69.

16 WALLER GR, MANGIAFICO S, RITCHEY CR, CUMBERLAND CD, 1978
Natural products from Aloe barbadensis Miller. Lloydia 41:648A.

17 SUGA T, HIRATA T, 1983
The efficacy of the Aloe plants chemical constituents and biological activities. Cosmet Toiletries 98(6):105-108.

18 GUARDARRAMA I, HERNÁNDEZ M, DÍAZ-ACOSTA A, CARBALLO A, 1993
Observaciones clínicas sobre el efecto del Aloe barbadensis L. en el tratamiento de pacientes asmáticos. Estudio preliminar. Informe TRAMIL. Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas, Santa Clara, Cuba.

19 GUARDARRAMA I, TORRES O, HERNÁNDEZ M, RUIZ MM, GÓMEZ M, CLAVO Y, 1994
Prueba de hiperreactividad bronquial a la carbacolina en pacientes asmáticos tratados con Aloe barbadensis. Medicentro 10(1):93-101.

20 MARTÍNEZ MJ, BETANCOURT J, ALONSO N, 1996
Ausencia de actividad antimicrobiana de un extracto acuoso liofilizado de Aloe vera (sábila). Rev Cubana Plantas Med 1(3):18-20.

21 HEGGERS JP, PINELESS GR, ROBSON MC, 1979
Dermaide Aloe/Aloe vera gel: Comparison of the antimicrobial effects. J Amer Med Technol 41:293-294.

22 GOTTSHALL RY, LUCAS E, LICKFELDT A, ROBERTS J, 1949
The occurrence of antibacterial substances active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in seed plants. J Clin Invest 28:920-923.

23 LORENZETTI LJ, SALISBURY R, BEAL JL, BALDWIN JN, 1964
Bacteriostatic property of Aloe vera. J Pharm Sci 53:1287.

24 MOHSIN A, SHAH AH, AL-YAHYA MA, TARIQ M, TANIRA MO, AGEEL AM, 1989
Analgesic antipyretic activity and phytochemical screening of some plants used in traditional Arab system of medicine. Fitoterapia 60(2):174-177.

25 FURONES JA, MORÓN FJ, PINEDO Z, 1996
Acción analgésica de un extracto acuoso liofilizado de Aloe vera L. en ratones. Rev Cubana Plant Med 1(2):15-17.

26 DAVIS RH, LEITNER MG, RUSSO JM, BYRNE ME, 1989
Wound healing. Oral and topical activity of Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 79(11):559-562.

27 YAGI A, SHIDA T, NISHIMURA H, 1987
Effect of amino acids in Aloe extract on phagocytosis by peripheral neutrophil in adult bronchial asthma. Jap J Allergol 36(12):1094-1101.

28 ATHERTON P, 1998
First aid plant. Chem Brit 34(5):33-36.

29 NAKAYAMA T, 1993
Hair cosmetics containing Aloe extract. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokkyo Koho-05 331,024:3. Chemical Abstracts 12191297H.

30 EL ZAWAHRY M, HEGAZY MR, HELAL M, 1973
Use of Aloe in treating leg ulcers and dermatoses. Int J Dermatol 12:68-73.

31 KAVOUSSI H, KAVOUSSI HP, 1993
Saturated solution of purified sodium chloride in purified Aloe vera for inducing and stimulating hair growth and for decreasing hair loss. Patent - USA: 5,215,760.

32 BUNYAPRAPHATSARA N, JIRAKULCAIWONG S, THIRAWARAPAN S, MANONUKUL J, 1996
The efficacy of Aloe vera cream in the treatment of first, second and third degree burns in mice. Phytomedicine 2(3):247-251.

33 ROWE TD, LOVELL BK, PARKS LM, 1941
Further observations on the use of Aloe vera leaf in the treatment of third degree X-ray reactions. J Am Pharm Assoc Sci Ed 30:266-269.

34 SAMBOONWONG J, THANAMITTRAMANEE S, JARIYAPONGSKUL A, PATUMRAJ S, 2000
Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on cutaneous microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. J of the Medical Association of Thailand 83(4):417-425.

35 DAVIS RH, DONATO J, HARTMAN G, HAAS R, 1994
Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 84(2):77-81.

36 DAVIS RH, LEITNER MG, RUSSO JM, 1987
Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe vera as measured by ear swelling. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 77(11):610-612.

37 DAVIS RH, LEITNER MG, RUSSO JM, 1988
Aloe vera. A natural approach for treating wounds, edema and pain in diabetes. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 78(2):60-68.

38 DAVIS RH, KABBANI JM, MARO NP, 1987
Aloe vera and wound healing. J Amer Podiatr Med Ass 77(4):165-169.

39 DAVIS RH, LEITNER MG, RUSSO JM, BYRNE ME, 1989
Anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe vera against a spectrum of irritants. J Amer Podiatr Med Ass 79(6):263-276.

40 DAVIS RH, AGNEW PS, SHAPIRO E, 1986
Antiarthritic activity of anthraquinones found in Aloe for podiatric medicine. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 76:61-66.

41 STRICKLAND FM, PELLEY RP, KRIPKE ML, 1994
Prevention of ultraviolet radiation-induced suppression of contact and delayed hypersensitivity by Aloe barbadensis gel extracts. J Invest Dermatol 102(2):197-204.

42 LEE CK, HAN SS, MO YK, KIM RS, CHUNG MH, PARK YI, LEE SK, KIM YS, 1997
Prevention of ultraviolet radiation-induced suppression of accessory cell function of Langerhans cells by Aloe vera gel component. Immunopharmacology 37(2/3):153-162.

43 RODRÍGUEZ-BIGAS M, CRUZ NI, SUÁREZ A, 1988
Comparative evaluation of Aloe vera in the management of burn wounds in guinea pigs. Plast Reconstr Surg 81:386-389.

44 KIVETT WF, 1989
Aloe vera for burns. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 83:195.

45 DAVIS RH, DI DONATO JJ, JOHNSON RW, STEWART CB, 1994
Aloe vera, hydrocortisone, and sterol influence on wound tensile strength and anti-inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 84(12):614-621.

46 LUSHBAUGH CC, HALE DB, 1953
Experimental acute radiodermatitis following beta irradiation. V. Histopathological study of the mode of action of therapy with Aloe vera. Cancer 6:690-698.

47 ROVATTI B, BRENNAN RJ, 1959
Experimental thermal burns. Induct Med Surg 28:364.

48 NORTHWAY RB, 1975
Experimental use of Aloe vera extract in clinical practice. Vet Med Small Animal Clinic 70:89.

49 COBBLE HH, 1975
Stabilized Aloe vera gel. Patent - USA: 3,892,853.

50 FULTON JE, 1990
The stimulation of postdermabrasion wound healing with stabilized Aloe vera gel-polyethylene oxide dressing. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16(5):460-467.

51 DAVIS RH, KABBANI JM, MARO NP, 1986
Wound healing and antiinflammatory activity of Aloe vera. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences 60:79.

52 DAVIS RH, LEITNER MG, RUSSO JM, MARO NP, 1987
Biological activity of Aloe vera. Med Sci Res 15:235.

53 LANG L, FEAKINS RM, GOLDTHORPE S, HOLT H, TSIRONI E, DE SILVA A, JEWELL DP, RAMPTON DS, 2004
Randomized, bouble-blind, placebo-controlled triall of oral Aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 19(7):739-747.

54 THOMPSON JE, 1991
Topical use of Aloe vera derived Allantoin gel in otolaryngology. Ear Nose Throat J 70(2):119.

55 LEÓN JE, ROSALES V, ROSALES RA, PAVÓN V, 1999
Actividad antiinflamatoria y cicatrizante del ungüento rectal de Aloe vera L (sábila). Rev Cubana Plantas Med 4(3):106-109.

56 SARABIA JEL, CLARES VPR, CLARES RAR, HERNÁNDEZ VP, 1999
Actividad antiinflamatoria y cicatrizante del unguento rectal de Aloe vera L. (Sabila) Rev Cubana Plant Med 3(3):106-109.

57 VISUTHIKOSOL V, CHOWCHUEN B, SUKWANARAT Y, SRIURAIRATANA S, BOONPUCKNAVIG V, 1995
Effect of Aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound a clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai 78(8):403-409.

58 CREWE JE, 1939
Aloes in the treatment of burns and scalds. Minnesota Med 22:538-539.

59 HORMANN HP, KORTING HC, 1994
Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: Part I: Anti-inflammatory agents. Phytomedicine 1(2):161-171.

60 LEUNG AY, 1977 
Aloe vera in cosmetics. Drug Cosmet Ind 120:34.

61 BERNHARD JD, 1988
Aloe vera and vitamin E as dermatologic remedies. J Amer Med Ass 259(1):101.

62 COLLINS CE, COLLINS C, 1935
Roentgen dermatitis treated with fresh whole leaf of Aloe vera. Amer J Roentgen 33:396.

63 LOVEMAN AB, 1937
Leaf of Aloe vera in treatment of roentgen ray ulcers: report on two additional cases. Arch Dermatol Syphilol 36:838.

64 WRIGHT CS, 1936
Aloe vera in the treatment of roentgen ulcers and telangiectasis. J Amer Med Ass 106:1363-1364.

65 BARNES TC, 1947
The healing action of extracts of Aloe vera leaf on abrasions of human skin. Amer J Bot 34:597.

66 KESTEN B, MC LAUGHLIN R, 1936
Roentgen ray dermatitis treated with ointment containing viosterol. Arch Dermatol Syphilol 34:901-903.

67 MARET RH, COBBLE HR, 1975
Extracts of Aloe vera. Patent-US-3,878,197. Chemical Abstracts 8348187G.

68 MAENTHAISONG R, CHAIYAKUNAPRUK N, NIRUNTRAPORN S, KONGKAEW C, 2007
The efficacy of Aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns 33(6):713-718.

69 DAVIS RH, 1996
Aloe plant for promotion of wound healing. Patent-US-5,487,899:11. Chemical Abstracts 124270551V.

70 SCHULMAN JM, 1996
Medicated gels for healing aphthous ulcers. Patent-US-5,503,822:3. Chemical Abstracts 124298476Y.

71 LERNER FN, 1987
Investigation of effects of proteolytics enzymes, Aloe gel, and iontophoresis on chronic and acute athletic injuries. Chiropractic Sports Med 1(3):106-110.

72 VERMA SBS, SCHULZE HJ, STEIGLEDER GK, 1989
The effect of externally applied remedies containing Aloe vera gel on the proliferation of epidermis. Parfumerie Und Kometik 70(8):452-459.

73 SAYED MD, 1980
Traditional medicine in health care. J Ethnopharmacol 2(1):19-22.

74 DOMÍNGUEZ-SOTO L, 1992
Photodermatitis to Aloe vera. Int J Dermatol 31(5):372.

75 SYED T, AHMAD S, HOLT A, AHMAD S, AHMAD S, AFZAL M, 1996
Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health 1(4):505-509.

76 COUTTS BC, 1979
Stabilized Aloe vera gel. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokkyo Koho-79 119,018:6. Chemical Abstracts 9299563V.

77 RAMOS A, EDREIRA AYMEE, VILLESCUSA A, VIZOZO A, MARTÍNEZ MJ, 1996
Evaluación genotóxica de un extracto acuoso de Aloe vera L. Rev Cubana Plantas Med 1(2):18-23.

78 VIZOSO A, RAMOS A, GARCÍA A, PILOTO J, PAVÓN V, 2000
Estudio genotóxico in vitro e in vivo del extracto fluido de Cassia grandis L y el gel de Aloe vera L. Rev Cubana Plantas Med 5(3):91-96.

79 SETHI N, NATH D, SING R, 1989
Teratological evaluation of some commonly used indigenous antifertility plants in rats. Int J Crude Drug Res 27(2):118-120.

80 GOSWAMI CS, BOKADIA MM, 1979
The effect of extracts of Aloe barbadensis leaves on the fertility of female rats. Indian Drugs 16:124-125.

81 IKENO Y, HUBBARD GB, LEE S, YU BP, HERLIHY JT, 2002
The influence of long-term Aloe vera ingestion on age-related disease in male Fischer 344 rats. Phytother Res 16(8):712-718.

82 YOKEL R, OGZEWALLA C, 1981
Effects of plants ingestion in rats determined by the conditioned taste aversion procedure. Toxicon 19(2):223-232.

83 PRAKASH A, MATHUR R, 1976
Screening of Indian plant for antifertility activity. Indian J Exp Biol 14:623-626.

84 PARRA AL, YHEBRA RS, SARDINAS IG, BUELA LI, 2001
Comparative study of the assay of Artemia salina L. and the estimate of the medium lethal dose (LD50 value) in mice, to determine oral acute toxicity of plant extracts. Phytomedicine 8(5):395-400.

85 SHAH AH, QURESHI S, TARIQU M, AGEEL AM, 1989
Toxicity studies on six plants used in the traditional Arab system of medicine. Phytother Res 3(1):25-29.

Plectranthus amboinicus

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Cuba:

  • orégano francés

Mexico:

  • orégano grueso

Venezuela:

  • orégano orejón
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

fresh leaf, fried, orally17

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to published and other information:

Use for asthma is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, and on available published scientific information.

Due to the health risks involved with asthma, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this resource can be considered complementary to medical treatment.

Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should asthma persist for more than 2 days, seek medical attention.

Not for use during pregnancy, during lactation or by children under 3 years old.

The leaves ofPlectranthus amboinicus are widely used as a spice.

For asthma:

Prepare an infusion adding 1 liter (4 cups) of boiling water to 35 grams of half-roasted leaves (5-7 leaves).  Cover pot, let infusion settle for 5-10 minutes.  Filter, allow to cool and drink 1 cup as required by symptomatic indication, up to 3 times per day14.

Any medicinal preparation must be preserved cold and used within the 24 hours.

1 MENDEZ M, MEDINA ML, DURAN R, 1996
Encuesta TRAMIL. Unidad de recursos naturales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán CICY, Mérida, México.

2 MOREJON Z, LOPEZ M, GARCIA MJ, BOUCOURT E, VICTORIA M, FUENTES V, MORON F, BOULOGNE I, ROBINEAU L, 2009
Encuesta TRAMIL preliminar a grupos de vecinos en los municipios 10 de Octubre, Lisa, Marianao, Habana del Este (Cojímar) en la Ciudad de la Habana. Laboratorio Central de Farmacología, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, Cuba.

3 ZAMBRANO LE, 2007
Encuesta TRAMIL en Guareguare, Miranda. UCV, Caracas, Venezuela.

4 HAQUE I, 1988
Analysis of volatile constituents of Pakistani Coleus aromaticus plant oil by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. J Chem Soc Pak 10(3):369-371.

5 TIMOR CE, MANZINI ME, FERNANDEZ A, GONZALEZ ML, 1992
Physicochemical assessment of the essential oil from the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng. growing in Cuba. Rev Cubana Farm 25(1):63-68.

6 BRIESKORN CH, RIEDEL W, 1977
Flavonoids from Coleus amboinicus. Planta Med 31(4):308.

7 BRIESKORN CH, RIEDEL W, 1977
Triterpene acids from Coleus amboinicus. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 310(11):910-916.

8 ATAL CK, SRIVASTAVA JB, WALI BK, CHAKRAVARTY RB, DHAWAN BN, ROSTOGI RP, 1978
Screening of Indian plants for biological activity. Part. VIII. Indian J Exp Biol 16(3):330-349.

9 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p47.

10 LUCIANO-MONTALVO C, GAVILLAN-SUAREZ J, BOULOGNE I, 2013
A screening for antimicrobial activities of Caribbean herbal remedies. Informe TRAMIL. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 13:126.

11 LLANIO M, PEREZ-SAAD H, FERNANDEZ MD, GARRIGA E, MENENDEZ R, BUZNEGO MT, 1999
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (orégano francés): efecto antimuscarínico y potenciación de la adrenalina. Rev Cubana Plant Med 1(4):29-32.

12 MENENDEZ RA, PAVON V, 1999
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Rev Cubana planta Med 3(3):110-115.

13 BARZAGA P, TILLAN J, MARRERO G, CARRILLO C, BELLMA A, MONTERO C, 2009
Actividad expectorante de formulaciones a partir de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (orégano francés). Rev Cubana de Plant Med 14(2):revista electrónica.

14 GarcIa-GONZÁLEZ M, fallas LV, 2005
Toxicidad aguda dosis repetida, en ratones, del extracto acuoso (decocción) de las hojas frescas de Plectrantus amboinicus . Informe TRAMIL. PRONAPLAMED. Depto de Fisiología, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

15 LOPEZ M, GARCIA A, BACALLAO Y, DUMENICO A, MARTINEZ I, MORON F, 2013
Toxicidad aguda oral a dosis repetidas de hoja fresca de Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. frita en aceite al 50% y 30%. Informe TRAMIL. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Dr. Salvador Allende”, Laboratorio Central de Farmacología, La Habana, Cuba.

16 TILLAN J, BUENO V, MENENEZ R, CARRILLO C, ORTIZ M, 2008
Toxicología subcrónica del extracto acuoso de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Revi Cubana Plant Med 13(1):revista electrónica.

17 PARRA AL, YHEBRA RS, SARDINAS IG, BUELA LI, 2001
Comparative study of the assay of Artemia salina L. and the estimate of the medium lethal dose (LD50 value) in mice, to determine oral acute toxicity of plant extracts. Phytomedicine 8(5):395-400.

18 VIZOSO A, RAMOS A, EDREIRA A, BETANCOURT J, DECALO M, 1999
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (orégano francés). Estudio toxicogenético de un extracto fluido y del aceite esencial. Rev Cubana Plant Med 3(2):68-73.

19 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina Tradicional Herbaria. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p102.

Zingiber officinale

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Antigua and Barbuda:

  • ginger

Barbados:

  • ginger

Dominica:

  • ginger

Puerto Rico:

  • ginger
  • jengibre

St Vincent and Grenadines:

  • ginger

Saint Lucia:

  • ginger

Guatemala:

  • jengibre

Honduras:

  • jengibre

Venezuela:

  • jengibre

Costa Rica:

  • jengibre
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

rhizome, decoction, orally2

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to published and other information:

Uses for catarrh, flu, cold, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, flatulence and indigestion are classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, toxicity studies and available published scientific information.

Uses for asthma, cough and whooping cough are classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use (OMS/WHO)13 documented in the TRAMIL surveys.

Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should stomach pain, fever or vomiting persist for more than 2 days, seek medical attention.

Due to the health risks involved with whooping cough, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this resource can be considered complementary to medical treatment.

Not for use during lactation or by children under 6 years old14.

Ginger may increase bioavailability of sulfaguanidine by maximizing its absorption.

Patients who are receiving oral anticoagulants or anti-platelet aggregation treatments should seek the advice of their physician before taking any ginger preparations, due to increased risks of hemorrhage.

It is recommended that patients with gallstones seek the advice of their physician before taking any ginger preparations15.

The rhizome of Zingiber officinale is widely used for human consumption and is an industrial source of essential oil.

According to ESCOP, ginger rhizome has been prescribed for the prevention of nausea and vomiting resulting from motion sickness (sea sickness) and as a post-surgical anti-emetic in minor surgeries.  The effectiveness of both indications has been confirmed by clinical assays.  The indications approved by Commission E are: dyspepsia and prevention of the gastrointestinal symptoms of motion sickness68.

For asthma, catarrh, flu, cold, stomach pain, fever, indigestion, cough, whooping cough, vomiting and flatulence:

Prepare a decoction with 5 grams of fresh rhizome in 250 mL (1 cup) of water. Boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered pot, leave to cool down and drink 2 to 4 times a day.

Any medicinal preparation must be preserved cold and used within the 24 hours.

1 DELENS M, 1990
Encuesta TRAMIL en Barlovento, Edo. Miranda de Venezuela. Centro al Servicio de la Acción Popular CESAP, Caracas, Venezuela.

2 BENEDETTI MD, 1994
Encuesta TRAMIL. Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

3 LAGOS-WITTE S, 1988-89, 1996
Encuesta TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Histología Vegetal y Etnobotánica, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

4 DELENS M, 1992
Encuesta TRAMIL en los Estados Lara y Sucre de Venezuela. Centro al Servicio de la Acción Popular CESAP, Caracas, Venezuela.

5 OCAMPO R, 1988
Encuesta TRAMIL (Costa atlántica), Instituto de Desarrollo Agrario, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

6 O'REILLY A, WILSON V, PHILLIP M, JOSEPH O, 1992
TRAMIL survey. Chemistry and Food Technology Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Dunbars, Antigua and Barbuda.

7 GERMOSEN-ROBINEAU L, GERONIMO M, AMPARO C, 1984
Encuesta TRAMIL. enda-caribe, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

8 PICKING D, MITCHELL S, DELGODA R, YOUNGER N, 2011
TRAMIL survey. Natural Products Institute, The Biotechnology Centre & Tropical Metabolic Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

9 GIRON L, 1988
Encuesta TRAMIL (Costa atlántica). Centro Mesoamericano de Tecnología CEMAT, Guatemala, Guatemala.

10 JEAN-PIERRE L, 1988
TRAMIL survey. St. Lucia national herbarium, Castries, St. Lucia.

11 FAUJOUR A, MURREY D, CHELTENHAM B, CARRINGTON S, 2003
TRAMIL survey. enda-caribbean, IICA & UAG, Saint Thomas, Barbados.

12 BALLAND V, GLASGOW A, SPRINGER F, GAYMES G, 2004
TRAMIL survey. enda-caribbean, IICA, UAG & U.PARIS XI, Saint Vincent.

13 CHARLES C, 1988
TRAMIL survey. Movement for Cultural Awareness MCA, Roseau, Dominica.

14 QUILEZ AM, GARCIA D, SAENZ T, 2009
Uso racional de medicamentos a base de plantas. Guía de interacciones entre fitomedicamentos y fármacos de síntesis. Sevilla, España: 1a Edición Fundación Farmacéutica Avenzoar.

15 CANIGUERAL S, 2003
Zingiber officinalis. Vademecum de Fitoterapia, Editorial Masson, Barcelona, España, Jul. 30, 2003. URL: www.masson.es/book/fitoterapia.html

16 WHO, 1999
Rhizoma zingiberis. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Volume I. WHO: Geneva, Switzerland. p284.

17 TANABE M, YASUDA M, ADACHI Y, KANOY, 1991
Capillary GC-MS analysis of volatile components in Japanese gingers. Shoyakugaku Zasshi 45(4):321-326.

18 NISHIMURA O, 1995
Identification of the characteristic odorants in fresh rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber oficinale Roscoe) using aroma extract dilution analysis and modified multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. J Agric Food Chem 43(11):2941-2945.

19 SAKAMURA F, OGIHARA K, SUGA T, TANIGUCHI K, TANAKA R, 1986
Volatile constituents of Zingiber officinale rhizomes produced by in vitro shoot tip culture. Phytochemistry 25(6):1333-1335.

20 WU P, KUO MC, HO CT, 1990
Glycosidically bound aroma compounds in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). J Agric Food Chem 38(7):1553-1555.

21 HAGINIWA J, HARADA M, MORISHITA I, 1963
Pharmacological studies on crude drugs. VII. Properties of essential oil components of aromatics and their pharmacological effect on mouse intestine. Yakugaku Zasshi 83:624.

22 VAN BEEK TA, LELYVELD GP, 1991
Isolation and identification of the five major sesquiterpene hydrocarbons of ginger. Phytochem Anal 2(1):26-34.

23 SHIBA M, MYATA A, OKADA M, WATANABE K, 1986
Antiulcer furanogermenone extraction from ginger. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokkyo Koho-61 227,523.

24 YOSHIKAWA M, HATAKEYAMA S, CHATANI N, NISHINO Y, YAMAHARA J, 1993
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of bioactive principles in Zingiberis Rhizoma by means of high performance liquid chromatography and gas liquid chromatography. On the evaluation of Zingiberis Rhizoma and chemical change of constituents during Zingiberis Rhizoma processing. Yakugaku Zasshi 113(4):307-315.

25 TANABE M, CHEN YD, SAITO KI, KANO Y, 1993
Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitory component from Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Chem Pharm Bull 41(4):710-713.

26 KANO Y, TANABE M, YASUDA M, 1990
On the evaluation of the preparation of Chinese medicinal prescriptions (V) diterpenes from Japanese ginger "kintoki". Shoyakugaku Zasshi 44(1):55-57.

27 KAWAKISHI S, MORIMITSU Y, OSAWA T, 1994
Chemistry of ginger components and inhibitory factors of the arachidonic acid cascade. Asc Symp Ser 547:244-250.

28 KIKUZAKI H, NAKATANI N, 1993
Antioxidant effects of some ginger constituents. J Food Sci 58(6):1407-1410.

29 KIUCHI F, IWAKAMI S, SHIBUYA M, HANAOKA F, SANKAWA U, 1992
Inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis by gingerols and diarylheptanoids. Chem Pharm Bull 40(2):387-391.

30 HARVEY DJ, 1981
Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric studies of ginger constituents. identification of gingerdiones and new hexahydrocurcumin analogues. J Chromatogr 211(1):75-84.

31 YUSUFOGLU H, ALQASOUMI SI, 2008
High performance thin layer chromatographic analysis of 10-gingerol in Zingiber officinale extract and ginger-containing dietary supplements, teas and commercial creams. FABAD J Pharm Sci 33:199–204.

32 MASADA Y, INOUE T, HASHIMOTO K, FUJIOKA M, UCHINO C, 1974
Studies on the constituents of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) by GC-MS. Yakugaku Zasshi 94(6):735-738.

33 ANON, 1982
Analgesic formulations containing shogaol and gingerol. Patent-Japan Kokai Tokkyo Koho-82 46,914.

34 CHEN CC, ROSEN RT, HO CT, 1986
Chromatographic analyses of isomeric shogaol compounds derived from isolated gingerol compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). J Chromatogr 360:175-184.

35 SCHWERTNER HA, RIOS DC, 2007
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 6-shogaol in ginger-containing dietary supplements, spices, teas, and beverages. J of Chromatography B856(1-2):41-47.

36 HARTMAN M, 1971
Chemical composition of certain products from ginger (Zingiber officinale). Zivocisna Vyroba 16(10/11):805-812.

37 SCHULTZ JM, HERRMANN K, 1980
Occurrence of hydroxybenzoic acids and hydroxycinnamic acid in spices. IV. Phenolics of spices. Z Lebensm-Unters Forsch 171:193-199.

38 FU HY, HUANG TC, HO CT, DAUN H, 1993
Characterization of the major anthocyanin in acidified green ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Zhongguo Nongye Huaxue Huizhi 31(5):587-595.

39 NELSON EK, 1920
Constitution of capsaicin, the pungent principle of ginger. II. J Amer Chem Soc 42:597-599.

40 LIN ZK, HUA YF, 1987
Chemical constituents of the essential oil from Zingiber officinale Roscoe. of Sichuan. You-Ji Hua Hsueh 6:444-448.

41 ERLER J, VOSTROWSKY O, STROBEL H, KNOBLOCH K, 1988
Essential oils from ginger (Zingiber officinalis Roscoe). Z Lebensm-Unters Forsch 186(3):231-234.

42 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p172.

43 KIUCHI F, SHIBUYA M, KINOSHITA T, SANKAWA U, 1983
Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by the constituents of medicinal plants. Chem Pharm Bull 31(10):3391-3396.

44 SRIVASTAVA KC, 1984
Aqueous extracts of onion, garlic and ginger inhibited platelet aggregation and altered arachidonic acid metabolism. Biomed Biochim Acta 43(8/9):5335-5346.

45 ADACHI I, YASUTA A, MATSUBARA T, UENO M, TERASAWA K, HORIKOSHI I, 1984
Macrophage procoagulant activity. Effects of hot water extracts of several Kanpo-prescriptions on macrophage procoagulant activity, I. Yakugaku Zasshi 104(9):959-965.

46 PODLOGAR JA, VERSPOHL EJ, 2012
Antiinflammatory effects of ginger and some of its components in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Phytother Res 26(3):333-336.

47 KUO PL, HSU YL, HUANG MS, TSAI MJ, KO YC, 2011
Ginger suppresses phthalate ester-induced airway remodeling. J Agric Food Chem 59(7):3429-3438.

48 MASCOLO N, JAIN R, JAIN SC, CAPASSO F, 1989
Ethnopharmacologic investigation of ginger (Zingiber officinale). J Ethnopharmacol 27(1/2):129-140.

49 WOO W, LEE E, HAN B, 1979
Biological evaluation of Korean medicinal plants. III. Arch Pharm Res 2(2):127-188.

50 MAY G, WILLUHN G, 1978
Antiviral activity of aqueous extracts from medicinal plants in tissue cultures. Arzneim-Forsch 28(1):1-7.

51 ADEWUNMI CO, 1984
Natural products as agents of schistosomiasis control in Nigeria: A review of progress. Int J Crude Drug Res 22(4):161-166.

52 FEROZ H, KHARE AK, SRIVASTAVA MC, 1982
Review of scientific studies on anthelmintics from plants. J Sci Res Pl Med 3:6-12.

53 PANTHONG A, SIVAMOGSTHAM P, 1974
Pharmacological study of the action of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on the gastrointestinal tract. Chien Mai Med Bull 13(1):41-53.

54 KASAHARA Y, SAITO E, HIKINO H, 1983
Pharmacological actions of Pinellia tubers and Zingiber rhizomes. Shoyakugaku Zasshi 37(1):73-83.

55 SAKAI K, MIYAZAKI Y, YAMANE T, SAITOH Y, IKAWA C, NISHIHATA T, 1989
Effect of extracts of Zingiberaceae herbs on gastric secretion in rabbits. Chem Pharm Bull 37(1):215-217.

56 MINAIYAN M, GHANNADI A, KARIZMADEH A, 2006
Anti-ulcerogenic effect of ginger (rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on cystemine induced duodenal ulcer in rats. DARU J of Pharmaceutical Sciences 14(2):97-101.

57 MOWREY DB, CLAYSON DE, 1982
Motion sickness, ginger and psychophysics. Lancet 82(1):655-657.

58 GRONTVED A, BRASK T, KAMBSKARD J, HENTZER E, 1988
Ginger root against seasickness. A controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockholm) 105(1/2):45-49.

59 HOLTMANN S, CLARKE AH, SCHERER H, HOHN M, 1989
The anti-motion sickness mechanism of ginger. A comparative study with placebo and dimenhydrinate. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockholm) 108(3/4):168-174.

60 WOOD CD, MANNO JE, WOOD MJ, MANNO BR, MIMS ME, 1988
Comparison of efficacy of Ginger with various antimotion sickness drug. Clin Res Pract Drug Reg Affairs 6(2):129-136.

61 FISCHER-RASMUSSEN W, KJAER SK, DAHL C, ASPING U, 1991
Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstetr Gynecol Reprod Biol 38(1):19-24.

62 PILLAI AK, SHARMA KK, GUPTA YK, BAKHSHI S, 2011
Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 56(2):234-238.

63 PERIS JB, STUBING G, 2003
Zingiber officinalis. Vademecum de Fitoterapia, Editorial Masson, Barcelona, España, Jul. 30, 2003. URL: www.masson.es/book/fitoterapia.html

64 BETANCOURT J, MARTINEZ MJ, LOPEZ M, MOREJON Z, BARCELO H, LAINEZ A, MONTES ME, REGO R, BOUCOURT E, MORON F, 2000
Toxicidad aguda clásica de rhizome de Zingiber officinalis Roscoe. Laboratorio Central de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Dr. Salvador Allende”, La Habana, Cuba.

65 BETANCOURT J, MARTINEZ MJ, LOPEZ M, MOREJON Z, BOUCOURT E, MORON F, 2000
Actividad genotóxica in vitro de rhizome de Zingiber officinalis Roscoe. Laboratorio Central de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Dr. Salvador Allende”, La Habana, Cuba.

66 CARBALLO A, 1995
Plantas medicinales del Escambray cubano. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio provincial de producción de medicamentos, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba.

67 SHALABY MA, HAMOWIEH AR, 2010
Safety and efficacy of Zingiber officinale roots on fertility of male diabetic rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48(10):2920–2924.

68 ASWAL BS, BHAKUNI DS, GOEL AK, KAR K, MEHROTRA BN, MUKHERJEE KC, 1984
Screening of Indian plants for biological activity: Part X. Indian J Exp Biol 22(6):312-332.

69 EMIG H, 1931
The pharmacological action of ginger. J Amer Pharm Ass 20:114-116.

70 ANON (Select Committee on GRAS Substances), 1976
GRAS status of foods and food additives. Washington DC, USA: Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration 41, 38644.

71 KUMAZAWA Y, TAKIMOTO H, MIURA SI, NISHIMURA C, YAMADA A, KAWAKITA T, NOMOTO K, 1988
Activation of murine peritoneal macrophages by intraperitoneal administration of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang (Japanese name: Shosaiko-To). Int J Inmunopharmacol 10(4):395-403.