Efficacy of Red Ginger in Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 Severity in COPDPatients: A Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a significant global health challenge, contributing to rising healthcare expenditures and diminished productivity. Patients with COPD exhibit a higher incidence of coronary ischemia and other risk factors that elevate their suscep- tibility to complications associated with COVID-19. A robust immune system plays a crucial role in enhancing the body’s defenses, thereby mitigating the risk of infection and complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for utilizing natural therapies in the management of chronic diseases presents a unique opportunity for Indonesia, a tropical nation rich in diverse plant species that could serve as herbal remedies. Among these, red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) stands out as one of the most commonly utilized medicinal plants in Indonesia. No- tably, red ginger possesses superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties compared to other ginger varieties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of red ginger not only aid in reducing the severity of COVID-19 but also contribute to the enhancement of lung function. The preparation of red ginger that has been used in the community is steeping. Therefore, red ginger has the potential to effectively reduce the risk of COVID-19 severity in COPD patients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in reducing NF-κB and the effectiveness of im- proving lung function.