The Role of Dried Ginger in Gastritis: A Comprehensive Multi-Omics Analysis of Its Healing Properties

Xiujuan Yang¹Jiajia Wang¹Yaxing Wang¹Qingyun Ji¹Shuo Li¹Yihong Tian²Zhijun Yang¹Yuefeng Li^1*Yunxiang Hai^2*

• ¹College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
• ²Gansu university of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China

Background: Gastritis is characterized by gastric mucosal inflammation and motility dysfunction. Although dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) has traditionally been used for digestive disorders, its anti-gastritis mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of dried ginger via a multi-omics integration. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) was used to identify and quantify the non-volatile chemical constituents of dried ginger. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine its volatile components. The efficacy of dried ginger was evaluated using a rat model of gastritis. Gastric emptying, intestinal propulsion, histopathology (inflammatory infiltration, edema), and biomarkers (nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8) were evaluated. A systems-level understanding of dried ginger's multi-target mechanisms in gastritis treatment was achieved through the integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics technologies. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure SOCS3, BDNF, ICAM1and TRPV4 mRNA levels. Results: UPLC-HRMS and GC-MS analyses identified 34 non-volatile and 28 volatile components in dried ginger. Our in vivo experiments revealed that dried ginger improved gastric motility, reduced inflammation/edema, and normalized oxidative/inflammatory markers. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed comprehensive alterations in various pathways. Metabolomics highlighted the modulation of porphyrin and cholesterol metabolism, supporting a role in mucosal repair. Transcriptomics revealed the targeting of several key pathways, including the Advanced Glycation End Product-Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE-RAGE), Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT), Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B (PI3K-Akt), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) pathways, which are critical in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and stress responses. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that SOCS3, BDNF, TRPV4, and ICAM1 genes may represent key targets for dried ginger in the treatment of gastritis. Conclusion: Dried ginger exhibits anti-gastritis effects through multi-target mechanisms that involve anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-motility actions, achieved through metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming. These findings validate its traditional use and provide a foundation for clinical optimization and drug development. Future studies should focus on human trials and the isolation of bioactive compounds.