The Metabolism of Zingerone, a Pungent Principle of Ginger

Abstract

1. The metabolism of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-2-one (zingerone), a pungent principle of ginger, has been investigated in rats.

2. Oral or intraperitoneal dosage (100mg/kg) of zingerone resulted in the urinary excretion of most metabolites within 24 h, mainly as glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates. While zingerone itself accounted for roughly 50—55% of the dose, reduction to the corresponding carbinol (11–13%) also occurred. Side chain oxidation took place at all three available sites and oxidation at the 3-position, giving rise to C₆—C₂ metabolites, predominated. About 95–97% of the dose was accounted for.

3. Appreciable (40% in 12 h) biliary excretion occurred. Biliary studies and studies in vitro using caecal micro-organisms indicated that several O-demethylated metabolites found in the urine are of bacterial origin.