2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a new emerging niche crop for small farmers in Virginia. Currently, locally grown ginger is not fully mature, and is marketed under ‘Baby ginger.’ Immature baby ginger is more perishable, less fibrous, and pungent when compared to fully mature imported products. It is also not known if phytochemical profile and health benefits of the “immature” ginger are different to “fully mature” produce. We conducted research to determine the phenolic content, and anti-oxidation properties of ginger at different harvesting times and to test its effects on obesity. Ginger samples at different stages of maturity were harvested every two weeks starting from October 15, 2017 until January 15, 2018. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest content of phenolic compounds and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic compounds and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matured. Furthermore, the data indicate that ginger was able to reduce oil droplet accumulation by 25%-40% in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose dependent manner, possibly via inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis. The effects of ginger on fat synthesis appear to be mediated through down-regulating PPAR-gamma and CEBP-beta gene expression. Our results suggest harvesting of ginger at appropriate (early) time to optimize or maintain the qualitative and quantitative levels of biological active compounds. The data also suggest that a regular use of ginger can potentially impact on lowering incidences of obesity and obesity-related complications, a growing concern in the state of Virginia. Furthermore, increase ginger consumption will help to develop local and regional farm economy.