According to Dr. V. Srinivasan of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) and Powdered Ginger monographs have been approved by the USP Committee of Revision for inclusion in the National Formulary section of the USP23 - NF18. Accordingly, these monographs will appear in Supplement 7 to the USP23 - NF18. They will become official effective November 15, 1997.

Ginger, the traditional spice, is becoming known for its well-documented benefits for the digestive system and for its anti-nausea and anti-motion sickness activities. This is the first monograph on an herb that has been adopted as an officially recognized standard for identity by USP since its March 1995 Quinquennial Convention Meeting. Eight other monographs are being considered, including one on valerian. The USP contains about 25 other herb-based drugs, including digitalis from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L., Scrophulariaceae), and sennosides from senna leaf and pod (Senna alexandrina Mill., Fabaceae), psyllium seed husk (Plantago major L. var. pachyphylla, Pilger, Plantaginaceae).

Article copyright American Botanical Council.