Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. It originated in South-East Asia and was then used in many countries as a spice and condiment to add flavor to food.

Besides this, the rhizome of ginger has also been used in traditional herbal medicine

Rich in 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 6-paradol.

HAIR SUPPRESSION

The treatment of the dermal papilla with 6-gingerol, which is the active component of the Ginger Root, significantly suppresses the elongation of the hair shaft (1.06 + 0.21 mm). It suppresses the hair shaft growth through down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and its inhibitory effect on dermal papilla cells (DPCs). 6-gingerol was shown to induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial death pathway.

6-Gingerol significantly suppresses hair shaft elongation and reduced hair re-growth ratio by increasing the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA, which are a family of zinc-dependent proteases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

In addition, MMP-2 and MMP-9 can regulate numerous growth factors, which exert an essential role in hair growth and hair cycle progression. Therefore, the topical application of 6-Gingerol decreased EGF (epidermal growth factor), KGF (keratinocyte growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and IGF-1 (insulin growth factor -1) concentrations, and increased TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) concentration to inhibit the hair follicle growth.

Topical application of 6-gingerol can also decrease the number of hair follicles by delaying anagen induction from telogen thus inhibiting the hair re-growth (prolongation of the telogen phase).

ANTIOXIDANT

Ginger Root has antioxidant properties to protect the skin from harsh environmental factors due to the presence of 6-gingerol. It protects the skin by donating an electron to the free radicals in order to neutralize the oxidative stress that damages the skin. Consequently, Ginger Root prevents lipid peroxidation by protecting lipid and other cellular components from being oxidized and destroyed.

ANTIMICROBIAL

Ginger Root has antimicrobial properties due to the presence of 6-gingerol. It exhibits antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogens, and Escherichia coli. It also has antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Ginger contains 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol that reduce inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory benefits of 6-gingerol can reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the inhibition of the COX enzyme and prostaglandin production. It also suppresses the inflammation triggered by oxidative stress.

Ginger Root is safe to be used in cosmetic practice.

https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/ctfa-static/online/lists/cir-pdfs/SR839.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6721508/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106649/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3578824/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29267793/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18058610/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17454143/