Abstract / Summary
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, represent major contributors to chronic pain, functional impairment, and disability worldwide. Chronic inflammatory activity and disrupted redox balance are increasingly recognized as important drivers of disease development and worsening in these conditions, and may therefore offer relevant avenues for therapeutic intervention. Natural bioactive agents have drawn considerable interest in recent research, particularly [6]-gingerol ([6]-G), the principal pungent phenolic compound found in fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Its well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have made [6]-G a compound of growing interest in the context of MSDs. This review summarizes the chemistry, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and delivery strategies of [6]-G, with particular emphasis on its potential applications in MSDs. Experimental studies suggest that [6]-G modulates interconnected processes involved in inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress regulation, extracellular matrix preservation, and bone remodeling, contributing to its protective effects in joint and bone disorders. However, most available data come from preclinical studies, with limited clinical validation of purified [6]-G. Overall, [6]-G shows promise as a multitarget natural compound for MSDs, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy, tolerability, and clinical applicability.