Ginger-derived nanoparticles targeting NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathways: a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidence

Background: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulator of inflammatory responses involved in chronic inflammatory diseases. Bioactive compounds from ginger (Zingiber officinale) inhibit NF-κB signaling but are limited by poor bioavailability. This systematic review aimed to evaluate experimental evidence on the modulatory effects of ginger-derived nanoparticles on NF-κB mediated inflammatory signaling. Methods: Eligible studies included peer-reviewed English preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies assessing ginger-derived nanoparticles targeting NF-κB mediated inflammation; reviews, clinical studies, and non-nanoparticle ginger formulations were excluded. Databases searched were PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (January 2010 to August 2025). Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE, SciRAP, and MISEV 2018 tools, and findings were narratively synthesized due to methodological heterogeneity. Results: Seven preclinical studies were included. Ginger-derived nanoparticles consistently suppressed canonical NF-κB signaling by inhibiting IκBα phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress, and tissue inflammation. Evidence was limited by small study numbers, heterogeneous nanoparticle formulations, and reliance on preclinical data, preventing meta-analysis. Conclusion: Ginger-derived nanoparticles represent a promising experimental strategy for modulating inflammatory signaling pathways in preclinical models. Protocol Registration: PROSPERO (CRD420261337393).