American Chemical Science Journal

8(4): 1-6, 2015, Article no.ACSj.16915

ISSN: 2249-0205

SCIENCEDOMAIN international
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Phytochemical Screening and Quantitative

Evaluation of Nutritional Values of
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
V. N. Osabor1, F. I. Bassey1 and U. U. Umoh1*
1

Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Calabar, P.M.B 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
Authors contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author VNO designed the study,
managed the literature searches and performed the statistical analysis. Author FIB wrote the protocol
and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author UUU managed the analyses of the study and
responded to all correspondence related to the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.
Article Information
DOI: 10.9734/ACSj/2015/16915
Editor(s):
(1) T. P. West, Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, USA.
Reviewers:
(1) Muhammad Yasin Naz, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia.
(2) Anonymous, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Complete Peer review History: http://sciencedomain.org/review-history/10135

Original Research Article

Received 18th February 2015

th
Accepted 12 March 2015
Published 10th July 2015

ABSTRACT
Phytochemical screening, proximate, mineral elements, and antinutritional composition of Zingiber
officinale rhizome were determined with a view to assess it nutritional and medicinal values. The
results of phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols,
cardiac glycosides and reducing sugars were present in both the aqueous extract (AE) and
petroleum ether extract (PEE). While tannins, phlobatannins, anthranoids, hydroxyl anthroquinones
and anthraquinones were absent in both aqueous extract (AE) and petroleum ether extract
(PEE).The results of the proximate analysis showed that the rhizorne of Zingiber officinale contains
28.200.42% moisture, 4.200.01% ash, 4.000.01% lipids, 0.530.01% protein, 10.600.12% fibre
and 80.600.16% carbohydrate. The results of proximate analysis revealed that Zingiber officinale
rhizome is rich in carbohydrate but low in protein contents. The mineral elements composition in
mg/100g revealed the following compositions: sodium (3.120.16), calcium (4.760.17), iron
(2.820.11), chromium (1.550.09), lead (0.050.01), nickel (0.070.02), mercury (0.020.01) and
cadmium (0.370.08). The mineral elements composition of Zingiber officinale revealed the
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Corresponding author: E-mail: unyimeumoh85@yahoo.com;

Osabor et al.; ACSj, 8(4): 1-6, 2015; Article no.ACSj.16915

presence of moderate amount of calcium which is a good source for strong teeths and bones
formation but very low in lead and mercury which are toxic mineral elements. The Phytochemical
screening revealed that Zingiber officinale have good secondary plants metabolites which justify its
therapeutic utility.
Keywords: Zingiber officinale; proximate; phytochemical screening.
samples were identified and authenticated by Dr.
F. Ebigwai (Botanist) from the Department of
Botany, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
The rhizome of Zingiber officinale were dried in
an oven at a steady temperature of 60C. The
dried samples were milled with an electric
blender before being ground into powder and
stored in a desiccators until required for analysis.

1. INTRODUCTION
The
analysis
and
physico-chemical
characterization of rhizome of Zingiber officinale
has been documented by several workers [1-5].
Zingiber officinale is a tropical shrub widely
grown in Nigeria. It is commonly known in
English as ginger, atale or aje by Yorubas, jinja
by Efiks/Ibibios of Cross River and Akwa Ibom
States [6]. It is a semi-woody perennial herb and
is 3 to 4 feet high from the root stock. Plant
grows rapidly and the leaves and flowers are
used medicinally [7].

2.2 Apparatus and Reagents

A
pye-unican
Atomic
Absorption
Spectrophotometer with acetylene flame was
used to analysis for calcium, manganese, iron,
chromium, cadmium, lead, nickel and mercury as
described by A. O. A. C. [16]. Sodium was
determined by flame photometer (Gallenkamp)
as described by Vogel [17]. Erlich concentrated
volumetric solutions was used as standard
metallic ions for calibration. All reagents were of
analytical grades and the water used was double
distilled.

The plant is used in traditional medicine for the

treatment of several ailments in different parts of
the world. Such ailments includes: Rheumatism,
stomach disorder, diabetes, wounds, snake bite,
baldness, toothache, respiratory disorders,
arthritis, bleeding, rash etc [8,9,10]. Some of the
therapeutic properties of this plant have been
established by several workers. The non-volatile
extracts of the plant are known to possess anti
microbial and anti inflammatory activities [11,12].
Its efficacy in the treatment of wounds has been
reported by Okoli [13]. A decoction of the
rhizome has been recommended for use in
treating pulmonary hemorrhage and haemostasis
[8]. Goyal [14] administered methanol and ethyl
acetate extracts of Zingiber officinale for 8 weeks
to mice and found that the treatment reduced
gold thio glucose induced obesity in the treated
mice and further reduced the elevated glucose
and insulin levels. Weldner [15] evaluated the
toxicological properties of Zingiber officinale in
rats and reported that Zingiber officinale is
generally a safe herbal medicine. The present
study was designed to evaluate the chemical
profile of rhizome of Zinginer officinale obtained
from University of Calabar botanical Gordon with
a view to assessing its nutritional and therapeutic
potentials.

2.3 Proximate Analysis

Proximate analysis was carried out in all the
rhizome samples studied moisture, ash, crude fat
(CF), fibre and crude protein (CP) were
determined by the method adopted by A. O. A.
C. [18]. The crude protein content was then
calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content by
6.25. All determination was done in triplicates.

2.4 Mineral Elements Analysis

The mineral elements were determined by first
ashing the Zingiber officinale samples as
described by Osabor [19]. Sodium and
potassium were determined by flame photometer
(Gallenkamp). Iron, copper, zinc, calcium,
manganese, chromium, cadmium, lead, nickel
and mercury were determined by Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometer according to the
method adopted by A. O. A. C [16].

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Collection
Samples

and

Preparation

of

2.5 Phytochemical Screening

The Phytochemical screening for the presence of
alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phlobatanins,
reducing
sugars,
anthranoids,
cardiac

The rhizome of Zingiber officinale were obtained

from University of Calabar Botanical Garden. The
2

Osabor et al.; ACSj, 8(4): 1-6, 2015; Article no.ACSj.16915

glycosides, anthraquinones and polyphenols

were carried out according to the method
adopted by harborne [20,21,22].

and reducing sugars were present in the

petroleum ether extracts (PEE).
Table 3 shows the result of mineral elements
composition of Zingiber officinale rhizome. The
results obtained ranged from 0.20.01 mg/100
gDM for Hg to 47.600.17 mg/100 gDM for
calcium.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of proximate analysis of Zingiber
officinale (ginger) is presented in Table 1. These
include those of moisture, ash, fibre, fat, protein
and available carbohydrate. The rhizome of
Zingiber officinale had 28.200.42%, w/w of
moisture, 4.200.01%DM of ash, the percentage
crude fibre was 10.600.12%, the crude protein
content was 9.050.01%, the fat levels of
Zingiber officinale was 4.000.01%. The
carbohydrate content showed 80.670.66%
which is very high on the basis of the present
study.

Table 3. Mineral elements composition of

Zingiber officinale rhizome (mg/100gDM)
Mineral elements
Compositions
Calcium (Ca)
47.600.17
Sodium (Na)
31.200.15
Iron (Fe)
26.600.11
Copper (Cu)
25.100.13
Zinc (Zn)
21.600.12
Manganese (Mn)
28.200.11
Chromium (Cr)
15.500.09
Cadmium (Cd)
3.700.08
Lead (Pb)
0.500.01
Nickel (Ni)
0.0700.02
Mercury (Hg)
0.200.01
Value: mean+standard deviation of triplicate

Table 1. Proximate composition of rhizome of

Zingiber officinale (ginger)
Nutrients
Moisture
Ash
Crude fibre
Lipid
Crude protein
Carbohydrate

Compositions
28.20+0.42
4.20+0.01
10.60+0.12
4.00+0.01
0.53+0.1
80.67+0.66

determinations

4. DISCUSSION
This work was carried out to evaluate the
potential of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale
(ginger) for its nutritional and therapeutic utility.
The moisture content of the rhizome of Zingiber
officinale (28.20042%) was higher than those of
some common Nigerian rhizomes such as Alpina
rhizomes (6400.15%) [23], Adanonia digitata
(19.50%), Xanthosen sagitifolium (14.70%),
Vernonia amygdalina (27.40%) reported by
Tunde [24]. The moisture content of Zingiber
officinale is lower than 58.000.64% reported for
some Nigerian leafy vegetables [23]. The value
of moisture contents of Zingiber officinale
indicates it can be stored for a long time without
spoilage.

Data are meanstandard deviation of triplicate

determinations

Table 2. Phytochemical screening of

Zingiber officinale rhizome
Chemical
constituents

Aqueous
extract
(AE)

Cardiac glycoside
Alkaloids
Saponins
Tannins
Flavonoids
Polyphenols
Reducing sugars
Phlobatannius
Anthraquinone
Anthranoids

+
+
++
+
++
+
-

Petroleum
ether
extract
(PEE)
+
++
+
+
-

The ash content of Zingiber officinale rhizome

was found to be 4.200.11%DM. This result is
higher than 3.850.61% DM reported by Ladan
[23] for Zingiber officinale. The ash content is an
indication of the total inorganic mineral elements
content. The results obtained indicate that
Zingiber officinale rhizome samples has low
mineral elements compositions. The results
obtained from the analysis of Zingiber officinale
rhizome for crude fibre (CF) Table 1 was
10.600.12%. This result is higher than 7.20%
for sweet potatoes samples but lower than
13.00% for Tribulus terrestrices leaves and

Legend: + = Present; - = Absent; ++ Present in large

quantity

Table 2 show results of Phytochemical screening

of Zingiber officinale rhizome. The results
obtained revealed the presence of alkaloids,
saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and reducing
sugars in the aqueous extracts while cardiac
glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols
3

Osabor et al.; ACSj, 8(4): 1-6, 2015; Article no.ACSj.16915

29.00% for Balsam apple leaves reported by

Hassan and Umar [25]. Dietary fibre helps to
reduce serum cholesterol levels, risk of coronary
heart disease, colon and breast cancer and
hypertension [26]. The recommended daily
allowance (RDA) for fibre is 18 35 g [27]. This
indicates that Zingiber officinale rhizome cannot
provide the daily fibre requirement of the body.

the presence of saponius in both aqueous and

petroleum
ether
extract.
Saponins
are
heterogeneous groups of natural products with a
marked hormonal activity, strong expectorant
and aid in the absorption of nutrients [30].
Flavonoids: The results of the Phytochemical
screening of Zingiber officinale revealed the
presence of flavonoids in both aqueous and
petroleum ether extracts. Flavonoids possess
antioxidant properties and ensure healthy
circulation of blood. It help to to strengthen
capillaries wall. The compound is sometimes
referred to as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens
are associated with relief of menopausal
systems, reduction of osteoporosis, improvement
of blood cholesterol levels, and lowering the risk
of certain hormone-related cancers and coronary
heart disease [30]. The phytochemical screening
of Zingiber officinale rhizome also revealed the
presence of polyphenols and reducing sugars
this results compared favourable well with the
one reported by Osabor [31] for cola lepidota
seeds. Polyphenols have been implicated in
medical circle to protect person against ageing
and can inhibit cancer growth [30].

The crude lipid (CL) contents of Zingiber

officinale was 4.000.01% which is lower than
2.84% reported by Osabor [19] for Diplizium
summattii leaves. Lipid is the principal source of
energy but to avoid obesity and other related
disease. One gramme of lipid provides 8.37 kcal
of energy [28]. The crude protein for Zingiber
officinale rhizome was found to be lower than
6.30% in water spinach, 11.29% in balsam apple
[25], 24.85% in sweet potatoes leaves, 29.78%
pipes guieenses and 31.05% Talium triangulare
[29]. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
of daily protein intake for children, adult males,
adult females, pregnant women and lactating
mothers are 28, 63, 50, 60 and 65 g respectively
[26]. The results obtained from this investigation
indicates that Zingiber officinale rhizome is not a
good source of protein. The carbohydrate
contents was 80.670.66%DM which is higher
than those reported for Tribulus terresris leaves
56.67% and water spinach leaves 54.67% but
lower than 92.80% for Corchorus trident [27].
Carbohydrate and fat are the principal sources of
energy the results obtained from this
investigation are very high indicating that it is a
good source of energy. This high amount of
carbohydrate in Zingiber officinale rhizome plays
a significant role in human health, apart from the
energy supply, carbohydrate are also needed in
numerous biochemical reactions that are not
directly concerned with energy metabolism. The
results of phytochemical screening show the
presence of cardiac glycosides in the water
extract (WE) of Zingiber officinale rhizome.
Cardiac glycosides are of great value since they
have a strong and direct action on the heart, help
to support its strength and rate of contraction
when it is failing. Alkaloids was detetected in the
water extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome.
Alkaloids
have
diverse
and
important
physiological effects on humans and other
animals. The medicinal properties of alkaloids
are quite enormous for instance morphine and
alkaloids is a powerful narcotic used for the relief
of pains [29].

The result of the mineral elements composition

Table 3 revealed that Zingiber officinale rhizome
constitutes a rich source of mineral elements.
The mineral elements composition showed
increased levels in iron, sodium, copper, zinc,
calcium and manganese and low levels in
chromium, cadmium, nickel and mercury. Iron is
required for the formation of blood cells and its
deficiency causes anaemia [32]. Thus the iron
contents of 26.6 mg/100 g obtained in the
present investigation is lower than the quantity of
iron required in the body 4.50 g. Manganese is
an essential trace element in higher animals, it
participates in the action of many enzymes, lack
of manganese causes testicular atrophy. Higher
levels of this mineral element in plants and
animal has toxic effects. Zinc is an essential
trace element in the human body when it is found
in high levels in the red blood cells as an
essential part of the enzyme carbonic anhydrate
which promotes many reactions relating to
carbondioxide metabolism. Zinc present in the
pancreas may aid in the storage of insulin. Zn in
plants could serve in the management of
diabetes which results from insulin malfunction
[33]. The sodium contents of Zingiber officinale
rhizome were found to be 31.200.15 mg/100 g
was considered too low. This is an added
advantage since high sodium levels intake is
implicated with hypertension [34].

Saponins: The results of Phytochemical

screening of Zingiber officinale extract revealed

Osabor et al.; ACSj, 8(4): 1-6, 2015; Article no.ACSj.16915

The calcium levels in Zingiber officinale rhizome

found to be 47.600.17 mg/100 g. The results
obtained from this investigation is lower than
2464.35 mg/100 g reported by [35] for Aspilla
africana leaves. Calcium is one of the major
contributors for strong bones and teeths, from
the present study Zingiber officinale is a good
source of calcium. Normal extra cellular calcium
levels are necessary for blood coagulation and
for the intracellular cement substances [33].The
low levels of lead, nickel and mercury in Zingiber
officinae rhizome is an advantage since there are
not lethal to man when consumed. Mercury is a
toxic element which is of no use to the biological
system; it results in weakness, loss of appetite,
irritability and brain damage following large
doses [35]. Nickel occurs naturally in the
environment
at
low
concentration
[36],
respiratory effects have been reported in humans
of inhalation exposure to nickel [34]. The low
levels of cadmium is also an advantage because
cadmium can cause serious lung irritation, long
term exposure may cause kidney damage.

2.
3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

5. CONCLUSION
Zingiber officinale rhizome contains high levels of
available carbohydrates, moisture and crude
fiber however, other proximate parameters such
as fat, protein and ash were relatively low. The
mineral
elements
composition
revealed
increased levels in calcium, manganese, copper,
iron and sodium while mercury, nickel, cadmium,
lead and chromium were low. The phytochemcial
screening of Zingiber officinale rhizome shows
the presence of cardiac ghycosides, alkaloids,
saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and reducing
sugars in both aqueous and petroleum ther
extracts. As a rich source Phytochemical and
mineral contents Zingiber officinale can be
considered a potential source of medicinal herb.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors appreciate all Professionals in the
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
University of Calabar, Calabar-Nigeria.

13.

COMPETING INTERESTS
Authors have
interests exist.

declared

that

no

competing
14.

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