Ginger
Ginger is a species of plants native to Asia, more particularly India. It is known for its rhizomes which are used as a condiment but also for its therapeutic properties.
Ginger is a large native plant, with very colorful flowers and aromatic rhizomes. The aerial part of the ginger can reach up to 1.50m in height and has alternate lanceolate, fragrant leaves. The rhizome is horizontal and fleshy.
Ginger was introduced to East Africa as early as the 8th century by the Portuguese. It wasonly on the 16th century that its presence in Madagascar was mentioned.
The cultivation of ginger is currently very widespread in the east coast of Madagascar.
PLANT NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
PART USED
EXTRACTION METHOD
Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of rhizomes
ALLERGENS
Geranial + neral : ≤ 3%
Limonene : ≤2%
Geraniol : ≤ 2%
Linalool : ≤1%
MAIN CONSTITUENTS
Alpha zingiberene :
17 – 27%,
Beta-sesquiphellandrene :
6 – 12%
Alpha-farnesene : 1.9 – 6.1%
Ar-curcumene :
4 – 12.5%
Beta-bisabolene : 2.1 – 7.5%
ORGAOLEPTIC CRITERIA
Aspect : Mobile liquid
Color : Pale yellow to brown
Odor : Fresh, camphoric and lemony
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CRITERIA
Flash point : + 65 ° C
Rotary power at 20 ° C : -52 ° to -12 °
Density at 20 ° C :
0.872-0.892
Refractive index at 20 ° C : 1.485 to 1.492
PROPERTIES / VIRTUES
Digestive tonic
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Hypoglycemic
Vasodilator
The essential oil of ginger is very famous for its aphrodisiac properties