薬理と治療

Abstract

Ginger–derived polyphenols such as 6–gingerol, 6–shogaol, 6–paradol, and 6–gingerdiol are known to reveal several biological and physiological actions. The previous studies demonstrated that 6–gingerol and 6–shogaol decreased gastrointestinal motility via inhibition of serotonin 5–HT3 receptors. However, since the content of 6–paradol and 6–gingerdiol in ginger extract is negligible, their physiological effects have not been examined in vivo. The present study investigated the effect of ginger–derived polyphenols obtained by fermentation techniques on intestinal motility in mice. The intestinal motility was determined in male ICR mice by charcoal meal and beads expulsion tests. 6–gingerol was directly isolated from ginger extract. The content of 6–shogaol in ginger extract was increased 4–times by heat treatment. The content of 6–paradol in ginger extract was increased 33–times after the fermentation treatment with Yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima. The fermentation of ginger extract with lactic acid bacteria Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Levilactobacillus brevis increased the content of gingerdiols by 44.3– and 65.5–times, respectively. These gingerdiols were different optical isomers, 3S,5S–6–gingerdiol and 3R,5S–6–gingerdiol, respectively. Among the ginger–derived polyphenols, 3S,5S,–6–gingerdiol the most potent and significantly reduced intestinal motility in charcoal meal and beads expulsion tests. Similarly, 5–HT3 antagonist ramosetron significantly decreased intestinal motility. These findings suggest that 3S,5S–6–gingerdiol decreased intestinal motility probably via 5–HT3 receptor antagonisms. Thus, 3S,5S–6–gingerdiol and ginger extract fermented with lactic acid bacteria Limosilactobacillus fermentum may be useful for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.（Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2023；51：1667‒75）