Polypharmacology and Neuroprotective Effects of Gingerol in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that results in brain shrinkage and the death of brain cells. The search for new treatment agents with many targets is now crucial due to the insufficient effectiveness, and adverse effects, including pharmacokinetic issues of traditional AD medications. Although phytochemicals have anti-disease characteristics and thus are widely used and accepted by people, researchers have also determined some of their most beneficial functions. Sesquiterpenes, volatile oils, and aromatic ketones (gingerols) are abundant in ginger. The most pharmacologically active components of ginger are considered to be gingerols. These gingerols are the compounds that impart spicy characteristics to the plant. Besides, gingerols readily undergo dehydration and produce another class of compounds, shogaols. These gingerols, shogaols, and other compounds, like zingerone, are mainly responsible for their distinctive aroma and pharmacological effects. This review aims to delineate the therapeutic potentials of gingerol in different AD models by assessing available literature reporting its effect on various cellular and molecular pathways. Although ginger is well recognized as a non-toxic nutraceutical, existing clinical research lacks robust evidence to support its efficacy in treating NDs, including AD. Clinical studies did not provide sufficient data that supports its use in treating various NDs including AD. Therefore, further research is essential to establish the safety and effectiveness of ginger and its constituents, ultimately paving the way for its development as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.