ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res.

12(04), 1025-1030

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Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/18642

DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/18642

RESEARCH ARTICLE
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ARDRAKA AND SHUNTHI: PHARMACOGNOSTIC INSIGHTS INTO
ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE

Dr. Sonal Singh Kushwaha1, Dr. Priya Gupta2 and Dr. Suman Panwar3
1. PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital,
Chandigarh, India.
2. PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital,
Chandigarh, India.
3. Professor and HOD, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital,
Chandigarh, India.
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Manuscript Info Abstract
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Manuscript History Ginger, known botanically as Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has long been
Received: 28 February 2024 revered in culinary traditions and the ancient healing system of
Final Accepted: 31 March 2024 Ayurveda. This study delves into the multifaceted properties and
Published: April 2024 applications of ginger, focusing on both its fresh form, Ardraka, and its
dried rhizome, Shunthi. Through detailed pharmacognostic analysis,
Key words:-
Ardraka, Ginger, Macroscopy, ginger's macroscopic and microscopic characteristics are explored,
Microscopy, Pharmacognosy, Shunthi, revealing distinctive features such as a laterally compressed rhizome,
Zingiber officinale Roscoe buff-coloured appearance with longitudinal striations, and intricate
cellular structures containing bioactive compounds like gingerols and
shogaols. Chemically, ginger boasts a diverse array of compounds with
pharmacological effects ranging from anti-inflammatory to digestive
stimulation. Ayurvedic literature extols ginger's virtues for its ability to
balance doshas, enhance digestion, and alleviate various ailments
including colic, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory issues. Ardraka is
noted for its pungent, bitter, and sweet tastes, while Shunthi, possessing
similar therapeutic actions, may aggravate Pitta dosha due to its heating
nature. This comprehensive analysis underscores ginger's botanical
complexity and therapeutic potential, advocating for its integration into
both traditional and modern medicinal practices.

Copy Right, IJAR, 2024,. All rights reserved.

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Introduction:-
Ginger holds a significant place not only in culinary traditions but also in the ancient healing system of Ayurveda.
The dried rhizome of ginger is referred to as Shunthi, whereas the fresh form is known as Ardraka(Kushwaha SS et.
al.,2023).Ayurveda, which is the science of life, is a holistic approach to health and wellness that originated in
ancient India thousands of years ago. Within the realm of Ayurveda, Ginger is revered for its diverse medicinal
properties and therapeutic applications.

Botanically, it is classified as Zingiber officinale Roscoeand belongs to the Zingiberaceae family (Kirtikar KR et.
al., 1994). Its rhizome, or underground stem, is the primary part used in both culinary and medicinal preparations. In
Ayurveda,Zingiber officinale Roscoe, a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, boasts a creeping tuberous

Corresponding Author:- Dr. Sonal Singh Kushwaha 1025

Address:- PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Shri Dhanwantry
Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 12(04), 1025-1030

rhizome and erect leafy stems reaching 0.6-1.4 meters. Its narrow, linear leaves surround the stem, with light green
flowers appearing July-September. Cultivated widely in India, it's known by synonyms like Mahaoushadh and
Vishwbheshaj(Gupta P and Kushwaha SS, 2023). In Ayurveda, it is esteemed for its Katu taste, Snigdha qualities,
Ushna potency, and Madhura post-digestive effect. Praised for anti-inflammatory and dosha-balancing properties, it
aids digestion and finds use in treating ailments like colic, rheumatoid arthritis, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues,
among others.Shunthi is believed to balance the Vata and Kapha doshas while potentially aggravating Pitta dosha if
used excessively.

Chemically, ginger contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone
(Mao QQ et.al, 2019). These compounds exhibit various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and digestive stimulant properties(Ali BH et.al., 2008). In Ayurveda, ginger is commonly used to
enhance digestion, alleviate digestive discomforts like bloating and gas, and promote overall gastrointestinal health.
It is also valued for its ability to kindle Agni (the digestive fire), which is essential for proper metabolism and
assimilation of nutrients (Chunekar KC, 2020).
Samhita/ Nighantu Varga
Charak Samhita Arshoghna varga, Deepaniya varga, Sheeta
Prashamana, Sula Prashamana, Trishna nigrahana,
Stanya shodhana, Triptighna varga
Susrutha Samhita Trikatu, Pippalyadi gana
Ashtanga Hridaya Shunthi-Aushadha varga, Ardraka-Shaka varga
Bhavaprakash Nighantu Haritakyadi varga
Madanpal Nighantu Shunthyadi varga
Raj Nighantu Mishrakadi varga, Pippalyadi varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu Pippalyadi gana
Table 1:- Classification of Shunthi/Ardraka in various Samhitas and Nighantus.

Material and Methods:-

Collection of the sample
Fresh and dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoewere collected from the local market of Chandigarh in the
month of March 2024. The freshrhizome was washed under running tap water and blotted dry while the dried
rhizome was soaked in water for 12-14 hours.

Panchendriya Pareeksha (Organoleptic examination) of the fresh drug:

Organoleptic characters of the rhizome of Ardraka and Shunthi by Shravanendriya (Auditory), Sparshanendriya
(Tactile), Chakshurendriya (Visual), Rasanendriya (Taste) and Ghranendriya (Odour) has been evaluated (table 1).
Table 1:- The Organoleptic evaluation of the fresh and dried rhizome ofZingiber officinaleRoscoe.
Pareeksha (Examination) Fresh Dried
Shravanendriya (Auditory) Characteristic sound Characteristic sound
Sparshanendriya (Tactile) Comparatively Smooth or sightly Rough with longitudinal striations
wrinkled texture or scars.
Chakshurendriya (Visual) Outer yellowish-brown colour External- buff coloured
Inner- white coloured
Rasanendriya (Taste) Agreeable and pungent Agreeable and pungent
Ghranendriya (Odour) Aromatic Aromatic

Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation

Macroscopic characters like shape, size, and margins were recorded as per visual observation. For the Micrometric
evaluation, the fresh leaves were used. Sections were visualized under Compound microscope after slide preparation
by transverse sectioning using dissecting kit.

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Fig 1:- Macroscopy of Zingiber officinale roscoe.

Results and Discussion:-

Transverse section of driedrhizome of Zingiber officinaleRoscoe
Macroscopic features:
The rhizome is laterally compressed and adorned with short, flattish, ovate branches on its upper side, each marked
by a depressed scar at its apex. Typically, the rhizome pieces measure between 5-15 cm in length, 1.5-6.5 cm in
width (with a usual diameter of 3-4 cm), and 1-1.5 cm in thickness. Externally, it boasts a buff-coloured appearance,
featuring longitudinal striations and occasional loose fibres, while its fracture yields a short, smooth surface.
Internally, a transverse section reveals a narrow cortex occupying about one-third of the radius, alongside a distinct
endodermis, and a wide stele housing numerous scattered fibro-vascular bundles and yellow secreting cells. Its scent
is characterized by an agreeable and aromatic aroma, while its taste is both agreeable and pungent.

Microscopic features:
The transverse section of the rhizome reveals a cortex consisting of isodiametric thin-walled parenchyma cells
interspersed with vascular strands and numerous isodiametric idioblasts, ranging from 40-80 µ in diameter. These
idioblasts contain a yellowish to reddish-brown oleo-resin. The endodermis, slightly thick-walled and devoid of
starch, is followed by a nearly continuous row of collateral bundles, typically lacking fibres(Gavrilova A et al,2022).
The stele comprises thin-walled parenchyma cells arranged radially around numerous scattered collateral vascular
bundles. Each vascular bundle includes a few unlignified, reticulate, or spiral vessels measuring up to about 70 µ in
diameter, accompanied by a group of phloem cells and unlignified, thin-walled, septate fibres up to about 30 µ wide
and 600 µ long, featuring small oblique slit-like pits. Additionally, scattered idioblasts similar to those found in the
cortex, ranging from 8-20 µ wide and up to 130 µ long with dark reddish-brown contents, are associated with
vascular bundles(Rungsung W et al,2014). The parenchyma of both the cortex and the stele is densely packed with
flattened, rectangular, ovate starch grains, predominantly measuring 5-15 µ wide, 30-60 µ long, about 25 µ wide,
and 7 µ thick, and exhibiting five transverse striations.

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Cork

Cortex

Endodermis

Oleo-Resin

Idioblasts

Figure 1:- Microscopic features of Shunthi (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe).

Oil globule

Figure 2:- Microscopic features of Shunthi (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe).

Transverse section of fresh rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Macroscopic features:
The rhizome of ginger occurs either as an entire structure or in smaller pieces, with a laterally compressed form
bearing flattish ovate branches on the upper side, each marked with a depressed scar at its apex. These pieces
typically measure between 5 to 15 cm in length, 1.5 to 6.5 cm in width (with an average of 3 to 4 cm), and 1 to 1.5
cm in thickness. When fractured, the rhizome exhibits a short fracture with projecting fibers, while a transverse
section reveals a wide central stele with numerous greyish cut ends of fibers and yellow secreting cells. Notably, the
unmistakable scent of ginger, reminiscent of its gingery aroma, and its pungent taste further confirm its identity.

Microscopic features:
The microscopic examination reveals detailed anatomical structures within the rhizome. Starting from the outermost
layer, irregularly arranged brown cells form the outer cork, succeeded by thin-walled, colourless cells forming the
inner cork. Moving inward, the secondary cortex consists of hexagonal to polygonal parenchymatous cells
containing circular to oval starch grains and oleo-resin globules in idioblasts. Oil cells have suberized walls, and
numerous cortical fibrovascular bundles are scattered throughout, more densely distributed inward. These bundles
vary in size and composition, with vessels exhibiting distinct patterns of thickening(Chittaragi D et. al., 2022). The

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endodermis surrounds the central stele, which comprises parenchymal cells filled with starch grains and oleo-resin
cells. Fibrovascular bundles include smaller ones along the pericycle and larger ones dispersed throughout the stele,
containing xylem, phloem, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

Vascular bundles

Oleo-resin

Figure 3:- Microscopic features of fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe).

Cortex

Cork

Figure 4:- Microscopic features of fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe).

Conclusion:-
The pharmacognostic analysis of Ginger (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe) emphasizes its detailed examination at both
macroscopic and microscopic levels. Macroscopically, ginger exhibits distinctive characteristics such as a laterally
compressed rhizome with ovate branches, buff-coloured appearance with longitudinal striations, and an agreeable
aroma. Microscopic evaluation reveals intricate structures including parenchymatous cells, fibrovascular bundles,
and oleo-resin cells containing bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols.

Ardraka, or fresh ginger rhizome, is characterized by its pungent, bitter, and sweet tastes, along with dry and
penetrating qualities. It possesses warming potency and is known for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and
aphrodisiac properties, beneficial for balancing Vata and Kapha doshas. On the other hand, Shunthi, or dried ginger
rhizome, shares similar therapeutic actions but may exacerbate Pitta dosha due to its heating nature, making it
suitable for Vata and Kapha imbalances while needing caution in Pitta conditions.

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This comprehensive analysis highlightsginger’s botanical complexity and therapeutic potential, facilitating its
integration into both traditional and modern medicinal practices.

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