The effect of oral supplementation of Paricalcitol on C-reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease patients: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigating the effect of oral supplementation of paricalcitol on reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients reported inconsistent findings. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have analyzed and interpreted the results obtained from previous randomized clinical trials on the effect of paricalcitol on C-reactive protein in CKD patients in the literature. METHODS: MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases were searched until January 2023 and related articles were obtained through a careful screening process allowing extraction of required data from selected articles. The effect size was calculated using a random effect model and weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2. RESULTS: Amongst the 182 articles obtained from the initial search, 4 studies (6 arms) were finally included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis shows that C-reactive protein levels significantly decrease after oral supplementation with paricalcitol (WMD: -2.55 mg/L, 95% CI (-4.99 to -0.11; P = 0.04). The studies used in this meta-analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 66.3% and P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oral paricalcitol supplementation in CKD patients can significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels, which may prevent CKD progression.

Synthetic Curcumin Analogs in the Treatment of Cancer: A Literature Review.

Treatment of cancer, one of the most fatal diseases in the present century, has become a topic of global concern. Unfavorable unintentional effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been the main reasons for the research on the discovery of drugs with a broader spectrum of effectiveness and efficiency, with minimal side effects. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a naturally occurring phenolic structure with anticancer properties through its inhibition of cell multiplication, metastasis, and prolongation of cell cycle suppression of apoptosis in various tumor cells. The primary restriction regarding the use of curcumin in cancer treatment is related to poor bioavailability and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles of curcumin due to its poor absorption rate, fast metabolism, and systemic elimination. A variety of ways have been proposed to overcome these limitations. With this background, the present study focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of the anticancer properties of curcumin derivatives and the synthesis of curcumin analogs with application to different types of cancers. The regulation of various target and signaling pathways is considered in various cancers, including breast, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and lung cancers. A review of the literature indicates that modifying the structure of curcumin through the substitution of the phenyl group and unsaturated carbon branch around the two main sites of oxygen can result in the improvement of physical and chemical properties, as well as the enhancement of physiological activities of the curcumin molecule and the anti-cancer activities of this polyphenol. Curcumin analogs demonstrate anticancer properties at multiple targets at different cell stages and by various signaling biochemical pathways. These include cytokines, transcription factors, growth factors, and modulation of genes involved in cellular proliferation and apoptosis in breast, gastrointestinal, skin, prostate, and lung cancers, thereby mitigating tumor progression.

Ginger and its constituents: Role in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with obscure etiology, are rising and are of worldwide concern. Of the various components of IBD pathogenesis and progression, irritation appears to play a major part. Investigations on the molecular and cellular pathways that activate the IBD provide the focus for the development of useful therapies. Ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has a broad spectrum of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenic factors in many diseases, including IBD. The most established components of ginger are phenolic compounds called gingerols. A wide range of pharmacological activities of the potential therapeutic benefit of Z. officinale have been detailed. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger has been documented by many researchers. It was shown that ginger is a potent inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STATs), Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and mTOR (mTOR) pathways, as well as inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present report, the potential application of ginger in the management of IBD is reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of ginger and its bioactive components. The significance of the functions, side effects, and delivery of ginger to the digestive system for particular application in IBD are also considered.

Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing proteins; toll-like receptors; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH-Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and 10-dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.

Impact of Curcumin on Microsomal Enzyme Activities: Drug Interaction and Chemopreventive Studies.

Curcumin, a yellow pigment in Asian spice, is a natural polyphenol component of Curcuma longa rhizome. Curcuminoid components include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Previous studies established curcumin as a safe agent based on preclinical and clinical evaluations and curcuminoids have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS). The present review collects and summarizes clinical and preclinical studies of curcumin interactions, with an emphasis on the effect of curcumin and curcumin analogs on the mRNA and protein levels of microsomal CYP450 enzymes (phase I metabolism) and their interactions with toxicants, drugs and drug probes. The literature search was conducted using keywords in various scientific databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies concerning the impact of curcumin and curcumin analogs on microsomal enzyme activity are reviewed and include oral, topical, and systemic treatment in humans and experimental animals, as well as studies from in vitro research. When taken together, the data identified some inconsistent results between various studies. The findings showed significant inhibition of CYP450 enzymes by curcumin and its analogs. However, such effects are often differed when curcumin and curcumin analogs were coadministered with toxicant and other drugs and drug probes. We conclude from this review that herb-drug interactions should be considered when curcumin and curcumin analogs are consumed.

Interactions between antidiabetic drugs and herbs: an overview of mechanisms of action and clinical implications.

Diabetes is a complex condition with a variety of causes and pathophysiologies. The current single target approach has not provided ideal clinical outcomes for the treatment of the disease and its complications. Herbal medicine has been used for the management of various diseases such as diabetes over centuries. Many diabetic patients are known to use herbal medicines with antidiabetic properties in addition to their mainstream treatments, which may present both a benefit as well as potential risk to effective management of their disease. In this review we evaluate the clinical and experimental literature on herb-drug interactions in the treatment of diabetes. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between drugs and herbs are discussed, and some commonly used herbs which can interact with antidiabetic drugs summarised. Herb-drug interactions can be a double-edged sword presenting both risks (adverse drug events) and benefits (through enhancement). There is a general lack of data on herb-drug interactions. As such, more rigorous scientific research is urgently needed to guide clinical practice as well as to safeguard the wellbeing of diabetes patients.

An ethnopharmacological approach to the preliminary screening of native Australian herbal medicines for anticancer activity.

BACKGROUND: Five plants used traditionally by Australian Aboriginals and two edible native Australian fruits have been investigated for anticancer activity. The aim was to identify native Australian herbal medicines which displayed anticancer activity, with cytotoxicity to cancer cells but sparing or even proliferating normal immunological cells, and subsequently provide potentially new anticancer drug leads. METHODS: Extracts and derived fractions were assayed for cell viability against a multiple myeloma cell line, RPMI-8226, in comparison to the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) representing normal human immunological cells. RESULTS: None of the crude extracts exhibited the desirable differential activity; however, following further fractionation of the Eremophila duttonii F. Muell. (Myoporaceae) extract, one fraction (termed F01) exhibited a greater cytotoxicity to the cancer cell line than to the normal cells. CONCLUSIONS: One fraction may potentially contain valuable compounds which may be useful for further investigation. This may focus on the identification of the bioavailable purified compounds present within these fractions or by detailed delineation of the related mechanisms of action.

Management of cardiorenal metabolic syndrome in diabetes mellitus: a phytotherapeutic perspective.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex disease in which the heart and kidney are simultaneously affected and their deleterious declining functions are reinforced in a feedback cycle, with an accelerated progression. Although the coexistence of kidney and heart failure in the same individual carries an extremely bad prognosis, the exact cause of deterioration and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the initiation and maintenance of the interaction are complex, multifactorial in nature, and poorly understood. Current therapy includes diuretics, natriuretic hormones, aquaretics (arginine vasopressin antagonists), vasodilators, and inotropes. However, large numbers of patients still develop intractable disease. Moreover, the development of resistance to many standard therapies, such as diuretics and inotropes, has led to an increasing movement toward utilization and development of novel therapies. Herbal and traditional natural medicines may complement or provide an alternative to prevent or delay the progression of CRS. This review provides an analysis of the possible mechanisms and the therapeutic potential of phytotherapeutic medicines for the amelioration of the progression of CRS.

Preventative effect of Zingiber officinale on insulin resistance in a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet-fed rat model and its mechanism of action.

Insulin resistance is a core component of metabolic syndrome and usually precedes the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have examined the preventative effect of an ethanol extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae) on insulin resistance in a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-fed rat model of metabolic syndrome. The HFHC control rats displayed severe insulin resistance, whilst rats treated with ginger extract (200 mg/kg) during HFHC diet feeding showed a significant improvement of insulin sensitivity using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) after 10 weeks (p < 0.01). An in vitro mechanistic study showed that (S)-[6]-gingerol, the major pungent phenolic principle in ginger, dose-dependently (from 50 to 150 µM) increased AMPK α-subunit phosphorylation in L6 skeletal muscle cells. This was accompanied by a time-dependent marked increment of PGC-1α mRNA expression and mitochondrial content in L6 skeletal muscle cells. These results suggest that the protection from HFHC diet-induced insulin resistance by ginger is likely associated with the increased capacity of energy metabolism by its major active component (S)-[6]-gingerol.

Identification of a Calcium Signalling Pathway of S-[6]-Gingerol in HuH-7 Cells.

Calcium signals in hepatocytes control cell growth, proliferation, and death. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel superfamily are candidate calcium influx channels. NF κ B activation strictly depends on calcium influx and often induces antiapoptotic genes favouring cell survival. Previously, we reported that S-[6]-gingerol is an efficacious agonist of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) in neurones. In this study, we tested the effect of S-[6]-gingerol on HuH-7 cells using the Fluo-4 calcium assay, RT-qPCR, transient cell transfection, and luciferase measurements. We found that S-[6]-gingerol induced a transient rise in [Ca(2+)] i in HuH-7 cells. The increase in [Ca(2+)] i induced by S-[6]-gingerol was abolished by preincubation with EGTA and was also inhibited by the TRPV1 channel antagonist capsazepine. Expression of TRPV1 in HuH-7 cells was confirmed by mRNA analysis as well as a test for increase of [Ca(2+)] i by TRPV1 agonist capsaicin and its inhibition by capsazepine. We found that S-[6]-gingerol induced rapid NF κ B activation through TRPV1 in HuH-7 cells. Furthermore, S-[6]-gingerol-induced NF κ B activation was dependent on the calcium gradient and TRPV1. The rapid NF κ B activation by S-[6]-gingerol was associated with an increase in mRNA levels of NF κ B-target genes: cIAP-2, XIAP, and Bcl-2 that encode antiapoptotic proteins.

Attenuation of Proinflammatory Responses by S-[6]-Gingerol via Inhibition of ROS/NF-Kappa B/COX2 Activation in HuH7 Cells.

Introduction. Hepatic inflammation underlies the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. S-[6]-Gingerol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Important inflammatory mediators of interleukins include nuclear factor κ B (NF κ B) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). We now explore the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of S-[6]-gingerol in liver cells. Methods. HuH7 cells were stimulated with IL1ß to establish an in vitro hepatic inflammatory model. Results. S-[6]-Gingerol attenuated IL1ß-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in HuH7 cells, as evidenced by decreasing mRNA levels of inflammatory factor IL6, IL8, and SAA1, suppression of ROS generation, and increasing mRNA levels of DHCR24. In addition, S-[6]-gingerol reduced IL1ß-induced COX2 upregulation as well as NF κ B activity. Similar to the protective effects of S-[6]-gingerol, both NS-398 (a selective COX2 inhibitor) and PDTC (a selective NF κ B inhibitor) suppressed mRNA levels of IL6, IL8, and SAA1. Importantly, PDTC attenuated IL1ß-induced overexpression of COX2. Of particular note, the protective effect of S-[6]-gingerol against the IL1ß-induced inflammatory response was similar to that of BHT, an ROS scavenger. Conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrate that S-[6]-gingerol protects HuH7 cells against IL1ß-induced inflammatory insults through inhibition of the ROS/NF κ B/COX2 pathway.

Evidence-based toxicity evaluation and scheduling of Chinese herbal medicines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: While there is an increasing number of toxicity report cases and toxicological studies on Chinese herbal medicines, the guidelines for toxicity evaluation and scheduling of Chinese herbal medicines are lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to review the current literature on potentially toxic Chinese herbal medicines, and to develop a scheduling platform which will inform an evidence-based regulatory framework for these medicines in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Australian and Chinese regulations were used as a starting point to compile a list of potentially toxic herbs. Systematic literature searches of botanical and pharmaceutical Latin name, English and Chinese names and suspected toxic chemicals were conducted on Medline, PubMed and Chinese CNKI databases. RESULTS: Seventy-four Chinese herbal medicines were identified and five of them were selected for detailed study. Preclinical and clinical data were summarised at six levels. Based on the evaluation criteria, which included risk-benefit analysis, severity of toxic effects and clinical and preclinical data, four regulatory classes were proposed: Prohibited for medicinal usage, which are those with high toxicity and can lead to injury or death, e.g., aristolochia; Restricted for medicinal usage, e.g., aconite, asarum, and ephedra; Required warning label, e.g., coltsfoot; and Over-the-counter herbs for those herbs with a safe toxicity profile. CONCLUSION: Chinese herbal medicines should be scheduled based on a set of evaluation criteria, to ensure their safe use and to satisfy the need for access to the herbs. The current Chinese and Australian regulation of Chinese herbal medicines should be updated to restrict the access of some potentially toxic herbs to Chinese medicine practitioners who are qualified through registration.

Comparison of the effects of pelargonic acid vanillylamide and capsaicin on human vanilloid receptors.

Pelargonic acid vanillylamide is like capsaicin a natural capsaicinoid from chili peppers and commonly used in food additives to create a hot sensation, even in self-defense pepper sprays and as an alternative to capsaicin in medical products for topical treatment of pain. Although the chemical structures of both compounds are similar, preclinical data suggest that capsaicin is the more potent compound. We therefore performed voltage-clamp recordings using cells transfected with the human vanilloid receptor TRPV1 in order to assess the responses of pelargonic acid vanillylamide and capsaicin at the receptor level. We provide evidence that at the molecular target TRPV1, the concentration-response curves, kinetics of current activation, as well as inhibition by the competitive antagonist capsazepine were not significantly different between the two capsaicinoids. We suggest that the different effects of the two capsaicinoids observed in previous studies may rather be due to different physicochemical or pharmacokinetic properties than to different pharmacological profiles at the receptor level.

Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review.

Zingiber officinale (ginger) has been used as herbal medicine to treat various ailments worldwide since antiquity. Recent evidence revealed the potential of ginger for treatment of diabetes mellitus. Data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials has demonstrated the antihyperglycaemic effect of ginger. The mechanisms underlying these actions are associated with insulin release and action, and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The most active ingredients in ginger are the pungent principles, gingerols, and shogaol. Ginger has shown prominent protective effects on diabetic liver, kidney, eye, and neural system complications. The pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and the safety issues of ginger are also discussed in this update.

Gingerols of Zingiber officinale enhance glucose uptake by increasing cell surface GLUT4 in cultured L6 myotubes.

In this study we investigate the active constituents of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, Roscoe (ginger) and determine their activity on glucose uptake in cultured L6 myotubes and the molecular mechanism underlying this action. Freeze-dried ginger powder was extracted with ethyl acetate (1 kg/3 L) to give the total ginger extract, which was then separated into seven fractions, consisting of nonpolar to moderately polar compounds, using a short-column vacuum chromatographic method. The most active fraction (F7) was further purified for identification of its active components. The effect of the extract, fractions, and purified compounds on glucose uptake was evaluated using radioactive labelled 2-[1,2-³H]-deoxy-D-glucose in L6 myotubes. The pungent phenolic gingerol constituents were identified as the major active compounds in the ginger extract enhancing glucose uptake. (S)-[6]-Gingerol was the most abundant component among the gingerols, however, (S)-[8]-gingerol was the most potent on glucose uptake. The activity of (S)-[8]-gingerol was found to be associated primarily with an increase in surface distribution of GLUT4 protein on the L6 myotube plasma membrane, as detected by expression of hemagglutinin epitope-tagged GLUT4 in L6 muscle cells. The enhancement of glucose uptake in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells by the gingerol pungent principles of the ginger extract supports the potential of ginger and its pungent components for the prevention and management of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes.

Culturable endophytes of medicinal plants and the genetic basis for their bioactivity.

The bioactive compounds of medicinal plants are products of the plant itself or of endophytes living inside the plant. Endophytes isolated from eight different anticancer plants collected in Yunnan, China, were characterized by diverse 16S and 18S rRNA gene phylogenies. A functional gene-based molecular screening strategy was used to target nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and type I polyketide synthase (PKS) genes in endophytes. Bioinformatic analysis of these biosynthetic pathways facilitated inference of the potential bioactivity of endophyte natural products, suggesting that the isolated endophytes are capable of producing a plethora of secondary metabolites. All of the endophyte culture broth extracts demonstrated antiproliferative effects in at least one test assay, either cytotoxic, antibacterial or antifungal. From the perspective of natural product discovery, this study confirms the potential for endophytes from medicinal plants to produce anticancer, antibacterial and antifungal compounds. In addition, PKS and NRPS gene screening is a valuable method for screening isolates of biosynthetic potential.

Methodologies for investigating natural medicines for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a prominent condition in Western countries. In this review we describe the characteristics and current treatments of NAFLD and discuss opportunities for developing new therapeutic management approaches, with a particular emphasis on development of animal studies and in vitro assays for identification of components of natural product medicines. The main manifestation of NAFLD is hepatic lipid accumulation in the form of lipid droplets (LDs), known as hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). Current treatments for NAFLD generally aim to reduce triglyceride (TG) accumulation, often utilizing thiazolidinedines (TZDs) and fibrates, which are known to lower TG levels in hyperlipidemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Both of these compounds act through activation of nuclear receptors of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) family, thereby activating genes involved in triglyceride metabolism. Thus treatment using natural PPAR α and PPAR γ ligands, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), has also been considered. Alternatively, natural medicines for the treatment of NAFLD have a long and successful history of controlling disease without prominent side effects. However, active compounds in natural medicine responsible for lowering hepatic TG levels are yet poorly characterized. This points to the need for medium-high throughput screening assays to identify active components within natural herbs. As outlined in this review, the quantification of the size and number of lipid droplets could provide an opportunity to screen compound libraries derived from natural medicine for their potential to reduce NAFLD.

Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin--a pilot study.

Emerging evidence from preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies suggests that vitamin D3 plays vital roles in several diseases in addition to bone disorders. According to new medical evidence, it is being recommended that vitamin D3 intake to be increased for maximal benefits in human health. However, it is necessary to consider potential side effects of increased intake of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 exerts its actions through the vitamin D receptor, which is known to be an important regulator of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). As P-gp plays a significant role in limiting drug bioavailability, we undertook a study to compare single-dose digoxin (a P-gp substrate) pharmacokinetics in eight healthy male subjects before and after vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day). The geometric mean ratios for AUC(0-3h), AUC(0-48h) and C(max) were 1.06 (90% CI 0.92, 1.21) and 1.02 (90% CI 0.97, 1.08) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.86, 1.24), respectively. The median for digoxin T(max) was 0.75 h before and after vitamin D3 ingestion. The mean plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels remained constant after the intake of vitamin D3 (15.4 ± 3.7 and 14.4 ± 3.6 ng/mL, respectively), while there was a modest but statistically significant increase in plasma calcium levels, from 9.32-9.68 mg/dL (P = 0.0277). These results suggest that vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day) in human volunteers does not produce a P-gp-mediated drug interaction with orally administered digoxin.

Attenuation of liver pro-inflammatory responses by Zingiber officinale via inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in high-fat diet-fed rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with a ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats suppresses Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-driven hepatic inflammation and to subsequently explore the molecular mechanisms in vitro. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with an ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale (400 mg/kg) along with a HFD for 6 weeks. Hepatic cytokine mRNA levels, cytokine protein levels and NF-κB activation were measured by real-time PCR, Western blot and an NF-κB nuclear translocation assay, respectively. In vitro, cell culture studies were carried out in human hepatocyte (HuH-7) cells by treatment with Zingiber officinale (100 µg/mL) for 24 hr prior to interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß, 8 ng/mL)-induced inflammation. We showed that Zingiber officinale treatment decreased cytokine gene TNFα and IL-6 expression in HFD-fed rats, which was associated with suppression of NF-κB activation. In vitro, Zingiber officinale treatment decreased NF-κB-target inflammatory gene expression of IL-6, IL-8 and serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), while it suppressed NF-κB activity, IκBα degradation and IκB kinase (IKK) activity. In conclusion, Zingiber officinale suppressed markers of hepatic inflammation in HFD-fed rats, as demonstrated by decreased hepatic cytokine gene expression and decreased NF-κB activation. The study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory effect of Zingiber officinale occurs at least in part through the NF-κB signalling pathway.