6-姜酚能刺激黏膜，促进胃液分泌；在肠道中能抑制异常发酵，促进气体排放；对大脑皮质和血管运动中枢有兴奋作用，能增进血液循环。现代医学研究证实，6-姜酚具有抗菌、抗肿瘤、抗氧化、抗炎、抗血小板等作用，还具有强心、防治心血管疾病、抗凝血、抗溃疡、止呕、止晕、抑制前列腺素合成、利胆、防腐杀虫、驱虫和护肤美容等生物活性。

(+)-[6]-Gingerol is a bioactive compound found in ginger (Zingiber officinale) with antioxidant activity, which functions as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent. (+)-[6]-Gingerol down regulates p roinflammatory cytokine release by macrophages. (+)-[6]-Gingerol has been shown to inhibit COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of p38 MAP kinase and NF-ΚB in phorbol ester-stimulated mouse skin.