IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 13, Issue 10 Ver. III (Oct. 2014), PP 76-78 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 76 | Page The Effect of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Extract on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Healthy Humans L.S. Ojulari 1 , O.T. Olatubosun 1 , K.B. Okesina 1 *, B.V. Owoyele 1 1- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Abstract: Zingiber officinale (ZO) has a long history of traditional use. It contains several constituents such as gingerol, gingerdiol, gingerdione, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid and curumin. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of consumption of ZO on the heart rate and blood pressure (BP). Subjects for the study comprised of 22 males and 38 females making a total of 60 subjects. The subjects were in 3 groups of 20 each; a Control group (distilled water) and 2 experimental groups (100mg/kg bodyweight and 50mg/kg bodyweight of oral consumption of ZO extract). For each group, three readings were obtained per subject- one before administration, and the other two readings at intervals of 2hrs and 4hrs after consumption of water or ZO. The readings taken comprise of systolic BP, diastolic BP, and the heart rate. Results showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in all measured parameters 2hrs after ZO administration and a significant (p<0.05) increase in only the systolic BP, 4hrs after ZO administration. It can be concluded that consumption of ZO at doses employed in this study, has a blood pressure lowering effect and this effect is dose-dependent. Keywords: Zingiber officinale, systolic, diastolic, blood pressure, heart rate I. Introduction The use of herbs or medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases worldwide dates back to pre-historic times. One of the earliest records of the use of herbal medicine is that of Chaulmoogra oil from species of Hydrocarpus gaerth, which was found to be effective in the treatment of leprosy. Zingiber officinale (ZO), commonly known as “ginger”, is indigenous to southern China, from whence it spread to the Spice Islands and other parts of Asia, and subsequently to West Africa and the Caribbean. Ginger has been used as dietary spice, as well as in traditional oriented medicine (Surh et al; 1999). Due to its acclaimed medicinal effect, many people now take it so well in different ways. Notable among the medicinal uses of ZO is in the treatment of digestive problems, such as nausea, indigestion, intestinal infection and flatulence. It has also been reported to cure motion sickness (Cared du; 1999). In Nigeria, there are increasing reports on the use of some local herbs on infections such as diabetes, hemorrhoids, small pox, hypertension, paralysis and dysentery (Abimbola; 1986). ZO contains many cations and anions, among which are calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that function in bone formation, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. The high content of these minerals in ZO make it a useful candidate for muscle spasms, depression, hypertension, muscle weakness, convulsions, confusion, personality changes, nausea, lack of coordination and gastrointestinal disorders. The high content of potassium in ginger could protect the body against bone fragility, paralysis and sterility. In addition to the role of potassium in blood pressure regulation, it also regulates heartbeat (Shelly et al; 2004). The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate the effect of consumption of ZO on the cardiovascular system (CVS), using changes in heart rate and blood pressure (BP) as the indices. II. Materials And Methods The study was a randomized safety trial comprised of 60 subjects, 22 males and 38 females, from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The subjects were in 3 groups of 20 each. Informed consent was given by the subjects and ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethic Committee, University of Ilorin. 2.1 Study setting: The study was conducted on the 14 th of December, 2013 at The University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. 2.2 Extract preparation and administration: 250gms of rhizomes of ZO was brought from Oja Oba market in Ilorin, Nigeria. The covers were peeled off and the peeled rhizomes washed thoroughly with cold water and allowed to dry. The dried rhizomes were the powdered mechanically, thus made ready for extraction. The product was the transferred to the central