Ginger Extract

Ginger has been used in India and China for centuries. The tuber traditionally has a firm place in Ayurveda teachings and has also become an integral part of Asian cuisine. No wonder, as ginger contains more than 160 valuable ingredients! The plant originally comes from South-East Asia and is now mainly cultivated in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China and Vietnam, as well as South America and Australia. The plant has an underground rootstock and can grow to a height of between 50 and 150 centimetres. However, it is mainly the tuberous root that is used, as it contains most of the valuable ingredients. The root contains 1.5 to 3.0 per cent essential oils and the pungent substances that give ginger its typical flavour. These pungent substances mainly include gingerols and shoagols. But that’s not all, because ginger extract harbours a real treasure trove of valuable ingredients.

Ginger and its ingredients

Ginger is a tried and tested medicinal plant: no wonder, as it is rich in minerals. The sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron content is extremely high and accounts for around 1.2 per cent in the root alone. The tuber is also a real vitamin C powerhouse, as 100 grams of ginger contain up to 6,000 milligrams of vitamin C. The content of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) is also very high. In addition, ginger provides relevant amounts of copper and manganese as well as somewhat smaller amounts of iron and zinc. Finally, ginger extract also contains the flavonoid kaempferol.

Why ginger is so healthy

The ingredients listed include a variety of positive properties. For example, there are the essential oils borneol and cineol: While borneol improves the bioavailability of other substances, cineol has an expectorant and antibacterial effect. The flavonoid kaempferol is said to have valuable anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The two “pungent agents” also provide valuable services. Gingerols have been shown in several studies to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. Shogaols are considered to be so-called neuro-enhancers, which means that they can improve memory and cognitive performance.

The trace elements contained in ginger extract also have numerous positive properties. For example, zinc plays an important role in cell division, growth, immune defence and hormone production, manganese is involved in the formation of new glucose and bone metabolism and copper is responsible for pigment metabolism. The numerous minerals are involved in the regulation of the water and electrolyte balance and the entire cell metabolism; they are also important for the function of numerous enzymes and the transmission of signals in nerve, muscle and heart muscle cells. Then there are the vitamins contained in ginger extract: The high vitamin C content serves as a valuable antioxidant and is involved in collagen metabolism, while the various B vitamins support energy and amino acid metabolism as well as the nervous system.

Ginger extract in cosmetics

Ginger extract is also playing an increasingly important role in cosmetics, as the great tuber is good for our skin. It combats possible inflammation in the human body and helps to improve what is known as microcirculation. This is of great importance for healthy and beautiful skin. At the same time, ginger is also an antiseptic wonder weapon that simply kills off any pathogenic microorganisms. Ginger extract is therefore ideal for combating acne and other skin diseases.

If you apply ginger in the form of a mask, you will quickly notice an improvement in blood circulation. As a result, the cells are better supplied with oxygen and the skin immediately looks younger and fresher. In addition, ginger extract stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin during application. The result is also a more youthful appearance. Overall, ginger improves the skin’s appearance in the long term. Those who suffer from an uneven complexion or pale skin can also achieve good results with ginger extract.

The extract from the ginger root is even suitable as a preparation for a thorough facial cleansing. The reason: the ingredients help to significantly dilate the pores so that subsequent cleansing products can work more effectively. Further information on facial cleansing can be found here: ABC Facial Cleansing.

However, the cosmetic use of ginger has one small disadvantage: as it is a very strong product, it is not necessarily recommended for use on very sensitive or irritated skin. The same applies to rosacea, wounds and other skin injuries.

There are no concerns for all other skin types. If you are not sure whether you can tolerate ginger extract, you can test the preparation on a small, inconspicuous area of the body before using it.

100 millilitres of ginger extract contain up to 1.5 kilograms of fresh ginger.

Profile: Ginger Extract 

INCI: Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract

CAS number: 84696-15-1

Functions: skin-caring, skin-strengthening, protection of human body cells from oxidation by free radicals

Most important ingredients: Pungent substances (gingerols and shoagols), vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, copper, manganese

We like to work with these active ingredients containing ginger:

Cosmetics with ginger extract

Ginger extract is a real boon for our skin and can be easily integrated into high-quality cosmetic products. Whether to combat acne, as a face mask to stimulate blood circulation or as a cream – the spice plant is not only healthy, but also ensures an attractive, fresh complexion with the appropriate extract. Contact us for more information and personalised advice on the development of ginger-based cosmetic products. 

Sources:

In vitro antimicrobial and anti-endotoxin action of Zingiber Officinale as auxiliary chemical and medicament combined to calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine.; Valera MC, Cardoso FG, Maekawa LE, Camargo CH, de Oliveira LD, Carvalho CA.Acta Odontol Scand. 2015;73(7):556-61.

Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe).; Mao QQ, Xu XY, Cao SY, Gan RY, Corke H, Beta T, Li HB. Foods. 2019 May 30;8(6):185.

Processed Gingers: Current and Prospective Use in Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Industry.; Choi JS.Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric. 2019;10(1):20-26. 

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of Zingiber officinale mouthwash on patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.; Bauer Faria TR, Furletti-Goes VF, Franzini CM, de Aro AA, de Andrade TAM, Sartoratto A, de Menezes CC.Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2021 Jan;159(1):21-29