Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is a perennial herb. It is a native of southern Asia, but is extensively cultivated throughout the tropics, including China, Jamaica, Haiti, and Nigeria. Its chemical composition includes the sesquiterpenes: bisabolene, zingiberene and zingiberol.

The extracts of ginger have multiple pharmacological effects. They are involved in various anti-oxidant functions, inhibition of prostaglandin, thromboxane, and leukotriene synthesis and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Ginger extracts also have cholesterol-lowering actions, cardiotonic effects, gastrointestinal actions, thermogenic and antibiotic activities.
Anti-oxidant functions: Ginger is often used in food preservation, as it slows the development of rancidity, especially in meat products. This is related to the potent anti-oxidant effect of the oleoresins found in extracts of fresh ginger. They are often used in combination with curcumins and other herbal anti-oxidant adjuncts for a synergistic effect. Prostaglandin metabolism: There are numerous constituents in ginger, which have been shown to be potent inhibitors of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. This, most likely, explains the historic use of ginger as an effective anti-inflammatory agent and as an oral supplement to hasten recovery from surgical procedures and decrease overall inflammation. Platelet effects: Ginger, like garlic and onions, have an effect on the inhibition of platelet aggregation. This factor may be of benefit in the treatment of heart disease. In some studies, water extracts of ginger have been shown to exert greater inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation than aqueous garlic and onion extracts. Ginger has also been shown to greatly reduce platelet lipid peroxide formation via its anti-oxidant capacity. Cholesterol-lowering effects: Ginger has been shown to significantly reduce serum and hepatic cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rats by impairing cholesterol absorption as well as stimulating enzyme cholesterol-7-alpha-hydroxylase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid synthesis. In addition, ginger seems to increase bile acid synthesis and, therefore, has some beneficial effect on liver and gallbladder function. Cardiotonic properties: Ginger also seems to have significant cardiac stimulatory effects in animal studies. These effects seem to result secondary to the acceleration of calcium uptake by the heart muscle. Analgesic effects: Ginger has demonstrated analgesic effects in experimental studies in animals. The effect, as noted previously, is thought to be exhibited by inhibiting the release of substance P, as well as pro-inflammatory prostaglandin mediators. Gastrointestinal smooth muscle effects: Ginger seems to improve gastric motility by exerting anti-spasmodic effects. For this reason, it is often used as a synergist in support of gastrointestinal-related disorders and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Anti-ulcer effects: Ginger has significant healing properties, as it relates to the mucosal layer of the intestinal tract. In clinical studies, ginger has been shown to prevent ulcer formation due to ingestion of alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as indomethacin and aspirin) and other ulcer-containing compounds. Interestingly, other studies have shown that extracts of ginger have accelerated the healing rate of various types of gastritis and ulcers. Antibiotic activity: Ginger seems to have significant antibiotic activity. It seems to be inhibitory to certain strains of bacteria, including Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae. In some studies, it has also been shown to be effective Trichomonas vaginalis. General: Ginger extracts find widespread use for the applications noted above.

Additionally, it is an effective treatment for motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger\'s anti-emetic actions have been studied in hyperemesis gravidarum (utilizing a dose of 250 mg, four times a day) to bring about a significant reduction in the severity of nausea and the number of attacks of vomiting in 19 of 27 cases of early pregnancy.

Ginger has been used in studies for motion sickness and compared to standard, conventional therapies (such as Dramamine) in relieving symptoms of nausea and vomiting during motion sickness symptomatology.

Please discuss appropriate use and dosing in individual situations with your physician or the office.

Dale Guyer, M.D.