In regards to the in vitro test, it was found that (S)-[6]-gingerol, a major active component in ginger, increased activated protein kinase a AMPKa phosphorylation in L6 skeletal muscles cells and increased mRNA expression of PGC-1a within 5 h, a very important activity since down-regulation of PGC-1a and defects in mitochondrial function are closely related to the pathogenesis of IR and T2D. The gene discussed is PPARGC1A; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.