Studies of the cellular localization of the phenolic pungent principle of ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe

summary Examination of cryo‐sections from mature rhizomes, immature rhizomes and adventitious roots of ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, showed the presence of yellow‐pigmented cells. There is a correlation between the number of pigrnenteci cells and the amount of [6]‐gingerol, the main pungent principle in ginger, in these organs. It is also shown histochemically and microspectrophotometrically that the yellow cells contain, in addition to flavonoid‐like compounds, possibly cureumin derivatives, phenolics and large amounts of lipid material. Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy also demonstrates the oil content of these cells. Therefore, it would appear that the site of accumulation of flavonoids, curcumin derivatives, phenolics including gingerol and the essential oils of this spice lies within the same cell type.