Where is ginger from

An aqueous ginger extract was reported to induce a dose-dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure in a variety of animal models Ghayur and Gilani a , b. At least one group found that administration or consumption of standardized ginger extract decreased aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas, plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein LDL -associated lipid peroxides, and LDL aggregation in mice Fuhrman et al. In rabbits that were fed a high-cholesterol diet, administration of ginger extract resulted in a significant antihyperlipidemic effect and a lower degree of atherosclerosis compared to the group that was fed cholesterol alone Bhandari, Sharma, and Zafar Triglyceride and cholesterol were substantially decreased as was LDL levels compared to placebo group.

Notably, the high-density lipoprotein HDL level of the ginger group was higher than that of the placebo group, whereas the very-low-density lipoprotein VLDL level of the placebo group was higher than that of the ginger group Alizadeh-Navaei et al.

Dried ginger powder 0. This effect was associated with decreased lipid peroxidation and increased fibrinolytic activity with ginger, but blood lipid levels were not different from control animals Verma et al.

Ginger was also reported to slightly reduce retinoid-binding protein mRNA expression levels in liver and visceral fat in male rats that were fed cholesterol to induce hyperlipidemia Matsuda et al. These results hint that ginger consumption might improve lipid metabolism Matsuda et al. Antiplatelet therapy is an effective approach for preventing coronary heart disease. Ginger components are suggested as a potential new class of platelet-activation inhibitors without the potential side effects of aspirin, which is most commonly used in this approach.

In a comparison of gingerols and analogs with aspirin, ginger compounds were found to be less potent compared to aspirin in inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet release and aggregation and COX activity Koo et al.

However, several analogs had a significant inhibitory effect, suggesting that further development of more potent gingerol analogs might have value as an alternative to aspirin therapy in preventing ischemic heart disease Koo et al.

Consumption of ginger 5 g inhibited platelet aggregation induced in men who consumed g of butter daily for 7 days Verma et al. An evaluation of the antiplatelet activity of 20 pungent constituents of ginger revealed that [8]-paradol was the most potent COX-1 inhibitor and antiplatelet aggregation agent Nurtjahja-Tjendraputra et al. Ginger and nifedipine a calcium-channel blocker were reported to have a synergistic effect on antiplatelet aggregation in normal human volunteers and hypertensive patients Young et al.

Ginger compounds have been reported to directly stimulate myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum SR calcium uptake Antipenko, Spielman, and Kirchberger ; Maier et al. Ginger is also used to treat asthma, diabetes, and other conditions. Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and hypersensitivity of airway smooth muscle cells to different substances that induce spasms, and ginger has been used for centuries in treating respiratory illnesses.

Components of ginger rhizomes are reported to contain potent compounds capable of suppressing allergic reactions and might be useful for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases Chen et al. Ghayur, Gilani, and Janssen reported that a ginger extract inhibits airway contraction and associated calcium signaling, possibly by blocking plasma membrane calcium channels.

In a mouse model of Th2-mediated pulmonary inflammation, an intraperitoneal injection of a ginger extract mainly comprised of gingerols markedly decreased the recruitment of eosinophils to the lungs in ovalbumin-sensitized mice and also suppressed the Th2 cell-driven response to allergen Ahui et al. Ginger has been suggested to have antidiabetic effects. In the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, rats that were fed ginger exhibited better glucose tolerance and higher serum insulin levels than untreated rats, suggesting that it can help control blood sugar levels Islam and Choi Treatment with a ginger extract produced a significant reduction in fructose-induced elevation in lipid levels, body weight, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin resistance Kadnur and Goyal These results give some suggestion that ginger might be valuable in managing the effects of diabetes in humans.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronically recurrent inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin, and in rats, ginger extract alleviated the symptoms of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis El-Abhar, Hammad, and Gawad Ginger is recognized by the U. The extract had been adulterated with a neurotoxic organophosphate compound, triorthocresyl phosphate TOCP; Crandall ; Morgan and Penovich The extract was banned in A later study suggests that [6]-shogaol is much less mutagenic than [6]-gingerol and that the active part of [6]-gingerol is the aliphatic chain moiety containing a hydroxyl group Nakamura and Yamamoto To our knowledge, these studies have not been confirmed nor repeated, and no recent evidence suggests that ginger or its components are mutagenic.

This result is somewhat in contrast to an earlier study, in which administration of ginger tea to pregnant rats resulted in twice the loss of embryos but heavier surviving fetuses compared to untreated controls Wilkinson a. Ginger rhizome extract 0. No overt organ abnormalities were observed and hematological and blood biochemical parameters in treated and untreated control animals were similar.

Observational studies in humans suggest no evidence of teratogenicity from treatments for early pregnancy nausea that included ginger Jewell and Young Overall, these data indicate that ginger consumption appears to be very safe with very limited side effects. Ginger is not only an extremely popular dietary condiment used for flavoring food but also an herb that has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments.

Chemical and metabolic analyses have revealed that ginger comprises hundreds of compounds and metabolites. The most extensively studied bioactive components include gingerols and shogaols, especially [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol, respectively.

The content of each component is clearly dependent on the source and preparation of the ginger rhizome. Research interest in determining the role of natural compounds in preventing disease has increased markedly over the last few years. In spite of the abundance of research studies, many of the results are phenomenon based and provide data that are descriptive and observational rather than mechanistic.

More studies are needed in animals and humans on the kinetics of ginger and its constituents and on the effects of consumption over a long period of time. Specific molecular targets and mechanisms of action need to be identified. Ginger clearly has a vast number of components and metabolites, many of which have not been studied in detail. The lack of standardization of ginger supplements is disconcerting, and whether consumption of high levels of isolated components e.

Ginger acts as a potent antioxidant in vitro and ex vivo, but the data are not obvious for in vivo application and specific targets and mechanisms are lacking. Ginger appears to exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing COX-2 with subsequent inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis. On the other hand, the data supporting the effectiveness of ginger in alleviating pain and swelling associated with arthritis are somewhat conflicting.

The most common use of ginger is to alleviate the vomiting and nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and some types of surgery. The clinical data undoubtedly indicate that ginger is at least as effective, and may be better, than vitamin B6 in treating these symptoms.

Again, mechanisms are lacking, but no reports indicate that ginger has any adverse side effects or that it can worsen illness in pregnant women or patients. Interest in ginger as an anticancer agent has markedly increased over the last few years and a direct protein target has been identified in colon cancer. Ginger also appears to reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism, thereby helping to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In summary, ginger has been reported to possess diverse pharmacological properties, although its specific biological targets are largely unknown and remain to be determined.

However, in spite of the lack of specific mechanistic information, use of ginger appears to be safe and its effects are mighty and amazing in its many applications. Turn recording back on. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Search term.

G eneral A ntioxidant P roperties of G inger The presence of oxidative stress is associated with numerous diseases and a common mechanism often put forth to explain the actions and health benefits of ginger is associated with its antioxidant properties Aeschbach et al.

G inger as an A ntinausea A gent The most common and well-established use of ginger throughout history is probably its utilization in alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting. A nticarcinogenic A ctivities of G inger A great deal of interest by numerous research groups, including our own, is now being focused on the cancer-preventive and potential cancer therapeutic applications of ginger and its various components.

C ardiovascular and O ther D isease -P reventive E ffECTs of G inger In addition to its effects in relation to cancer, some evidence supports a protective role for ginger in cardiovascular function and a number of other disease conditions. Antioxidant actions of thymol, carvacrol, [6]-gingerol, zingerone and hydroxytyrosol.

Food Chem Toxicol. Ginger: An ethnomedical, chemical and pharmacological review. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. Aggarwal B. B, Kunnumakkara A. B, Harikumar K. B, Tharakan S. T, Sung B, Anand P. Potential of spice-derived phytochemicals for cancer prevention. Planta Med. Ahmad N, Katiyar S. K, Mukhtar H. Antioxidants in chemoprevention of skin cancer. Curr Probl Dermatol. Ahmed R.

S, Seth V, Banerjee B. Influence of dietary ginger Zingiber officinales Rosc. Indian J Exp Biol. S, Seth V, Pasha S. T, Banerjee B.

S, Suke S. K, Banerjee B. Protective effects of dietary ginger Zingiber officinales Rosc. Phytother Res. Ahui M. L, Champy P, Ramadan A, editors. Ginger prevents Th2-mediated immune responses in a mouse model of airway inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol. Aikins Murphy P. Alternative therapies for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Obstet Gynecol. H, Duke C. C, Roufogalis B. D, Ammit A. Al-Amin Z. Anti-diabetic and hypo- lipidaemic properties of ginger Zingiber officinale in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Br J Nutr. Ali B. H, Blunden G, Tanira M. O, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe : A review of recent research. Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels.

A double blind controlled clinical trial. Saudi Med J. Altman R. D, Marcussen K. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. Antipenko A. Y, Spielman A. I, Kirchberger M. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy. J Med Assoc Thai. Bailey-Shaw Y. A, Williams L. A, Junor G. A, Green C. E, Hibbert S. L, Salmon C. N, Smith A. Changes in the contents of oleoresin and pungent bioactive principles of Jamaican ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe during maturation.

J Agric Food Chem. Baldwin A. Annu Rev Immunol. Assessing the risks and benefits of herbal medicine: An overview of scientific evidence. Altern Ther Health Med. Bhandari U, Sharma J. N, Zafar R. The protective action of ethanolic ginger Zingiber officinale extract in cholesterol fed rabbits.

J Ethnopharmacol. Bidinotto L. T, Spinardi-Barbisan A. L, Rocha N. S, Salvadori D. M, Barbisan L. Effects of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on DNA damage and development of urothelial tumors in a mouse bladder carcinogenesis model.

Environ Mol Mutagen. Black C. D, Oconnor P. Acute effects of dietary ginger on quadriceps muscle pain during moderate-intensity cycling exercise. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Bode A. M, Dong Z. Packer L, Ong C. M, Ma W. Y, Surh Y. J, Dong Z.

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor-induced cell trans-formation and activator protein 1 activation by [6]-gingerol. Cancer Res. Boone S. A, Shields K. Treating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting with ginger.

Ann Pharmacother. H, Izzo A. Effectiveness and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Brown A. T, Zhang J. G, Jadus M. Ginger's Zingiber officinale Roscoe inhibition of rat colonic adenocarcinoma cellsproliferation and angiogenesis in vitro.

Bryer E. A literature review of the effectiveness of ginger in alleviating mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Midwifery Womens Health. Inhibitory effects of ginger oil on spontaneous and PGF2alpha-induced contraction of rat myometrium. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: A meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Chang L. K, Whitaker D. The impact of herbal medicines on dermatologic surgery.

Dermatol Surg. Chen C. Y, Chen C. H, Kung C. H, Kuo S. J Nat Prod. Y, Li Y. W, Kuo S. Y, Liu T. Z, Liu Y. W, editors. Chen B. H, Wu P. Y, Chen K. M, Fu T. F, Wang H. M, Chen C. Antiallergic potential on RBL- 2H3 cells of some phenolic constituents of Zingiber officinale ginger. Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Chrubasik S, Pittler M. Addendum to a recent systematic review on ginger.

Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. H, Roufogalis B. Zingiberis rhizoma: A comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles.

Chung W. Y, Jung Y. J, Surh Y. J, Lee S. S, Park K. Antioxidative and antitumor promoting effects of [6]-paradol and its homologs. Mutat Res. Cohen R. J, Ek K, Pan C. Complementary and alternative medicine CAM use by older adults: A comparison of self-report and physician chart documentation. Crandall F. Paralysis-from spurious Jamaica ginger extract: Report on Los Angeles county outbreak. Cal West Med. Dedov V. N, Tran V.

C, Connor M, Christie M. J, Mandadi S, Roufogalis B. Gingerols: A novel class of vanilloid receptor VR1 agonists. Br J Pharmacol. DerMarderosian A, Beutler J. The Review of Natural Products. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer; Dias M. C, Spinardi-Barbisan A. L, Rodrigues M. A, de Camargo J. L, Teran E, Barbisan L. Lack of chemopreventive effects of ginger on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats.

Ding G. Pharmacokinetics of [6]-gingerol after intravenous administration in rats. Chem Pharm Bull Tokyo. Dong Z, Birrer M. J, Watts R. G, Matrisian L.

M, Colburn N. Blocking of tumor promoter- induced AP-1 activity inhibits induced transformation in JB6 mouse epidermal cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci. Dupuis L. L, Nathan P. Options for the prevention and management of acute chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting in children. Paediatr Drugs. Eberhart L. H, Mayer R, Betz O, editors. Ginger does not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesth Analg. El-Abhar H. S, Hammad L. N, Gawad H. Modulating effect of ginger extract on rats with ulcerative colitis.

El-Sharaky A. S, Newairy A. A, Kamel M. A, Eweda S. Protective effect of ginger extract against bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Eldershaw T. P, Colquhoun E. Q, Dora K. A, Peng Z. C, Clark M. Pungent principles of gin-ger Zingiber officinale are thermogenic in the perfused rat hind limb. Eliopoulos C. Ginger: More than a great spice. Identification and exploration of herb-drug combinations used by cancer patients.

Integr Cancer Ther. Ensiyeh J, Sakineh M. Comparing ginger and vitamin B6 for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial. Ernst E, Pittler M. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

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Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. Funk J. L, Frye J. B, Oyarzo J. N, Timmermann B. Comparative effects of two gingerol- containing Zingiber officinale extracts on experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Ghayur M. N, Gilani A. Ginger lowers blood pressure through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of ginger in gastrointestinal disorders. Dig Dis Sci. A, Agbedahunsi J. M, Choudhary M. I, Houghton P. J Pharm Pharmacol. H, Janssen L. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.

Gilmore T. Clinically relevant findings. J Clin Invest. Grant K. L, Lutz R. Am J Health Syst Pharm. Ginger root against seasickness: A controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. Ginger-an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. Gupta Y. K, Sharma M. Reversal of pyrogallol-induced delay in gastric emptying in rats by ginger Zingiber officinale.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. Habib S. A, Das S, Ngah W. Z, Yusof Y. Ginger extract Zingiber officinale has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects on ethionine-induced hepatoma rats. Clinics Sao Paulo. Halvorsen B. L, editor. A systematic screening of total antioxidants in dietary plants. Several studies have found that ginger could help prevent the formation of stomach ulcers, which are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach and cause symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, heartburn and abdominal discomfort.

In fact, one animal study showed that ginger powder protected against aspirin-induced ulcers by decreasing levels of inflammatory proteins and blocking the activity of enzymes related to ulcer development.

Unfortunately, symptoms like pain, period cramps dysmenorrhea and headaches are commonly associated with menstruation for many women. While some turn to over-the-counter medications to provide symptom relief, natural treatments like ginger can be just as useful at easing menstrual pain. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine s showed that ginger reduces menstrual pain as effectively as drugs like ibuprofen and mefenamic acid.

Another study in had similar findings, reporting that it decreased both the intensity and duration of pain. One of the most impressive effects of ginger is its anti-cancer properties thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol.

A study found that ginger derivatives, in the form of an extract or isolated compounds, exhibit relevant antiproliferative, antitumor, invasive and anti-inflammatory activities. However, more research is needed to determine how well it can inhibit cancer and how it may translate to humans.

Research shows that ginger helps promote normal blood sugar. That means it may be helpful for reducing negative symptoms associated with high blood glucose levels, such as frequent urination, headaches including migraines and increased thirst.

According to one study, it can improve lipid profiles and benefit glucose control, insulin sensitivity and glycosylated hemoglobin to protect against development of type 2 diabetes. In one study, ginger supplementation actually reduced fasting blood suga r by 12 percent and improved long-term blood sugar control by 10 percent. A study conducted on mice found that ginger also has anti-obesity effects and may play a role in modulating development of adipocytes fat tissue. When mice were fed a high-fat diet, ginger supplementation significantly reduced weight gain , hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia high cholesterol and hepatic steatosis liver fat without altering food intake.

Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, adding ginger into your diet could help treat both muscle pain and arthritis-related joint pain, including from osteoarthritis. One study showed that daily consumption resulted in moderate to large reductions in muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury.

Another study found that ginger extract helped decrease knee pain and the need for pain medication in individuals with osteoarthritis. From producing bile to manufacturing hormones, cholesterol is essential to overall health. However, high levels of cholesterol can build up in the blood, causing blockages and increasing your risk of heart disease. One of the biggest benefits of ginger is its ability to naturally lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides to reduce your risk of heart problems.

An animal study also showed that ginger was nearly as effective in lowering cholesterol improving cholesterol markers as atorvastatin, a drug commonly prescribed for high blood cholesterol. With its wealth of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is believed to play an important role in the health of your brain. Several animal studies have found evidence that ginger extract could help protect against brain aging and cognitive decline.

Not only that, but a study also found that ginger extract helped improve cognitive function and attention in middle-aged women. In addition to its antifungal properties, ginger boasts the ability to fight off bacterial infections as well, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. According to one test-tube study, the compounds found in this spice could help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Another test-tube study showed that ginger extract was effective against several strains of drug-resistant bacteria as well. Although inflammation can be a normal, healthy immune response to injury and infection, chronic inflammation is believed to be a major contributor to conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

One review in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that ginger extract may help inhibit the synthesis of certain markers of inflammation. There is also a possibility that ginger benefits include preventing blood clots thus reducing risk of heart attack due to its natural acids that thin the blood, but studies so far are inconclusive. One of the most powerful ginger benefits is its ability to support digestive health and prevent problems like dyspepsia, a common condition of impaired digestion characterized by symptoms like pain, heartburn, fullness and discomfort.

According to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology , ginger helps speed up the emptying of the stomach by 25 percent compared to a placebo in people with indigestion. Another study even found that taking ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of gastric emptying. According to the USDA, grams about 3. In addition to the nutrients listed above, ginger also contains a small amount of calcium, zinc, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamine.

However, keep in mind that most people consume a very small portion of ginger, so it should be combined with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods to meet your micronutrient needs. You can find ginger in a variety of forms and can easily incorporate into your daily routine each day.

When purchasing fresh ginger, look for roots that have thin, shiny skin that can easily be scraped with your fingernail. In an older study from , people who received 3 grams of ginger powder in capsule form each day also saw significant reductions in most cholesterol markers. These findings are supported by a study in rats with hypothyroidism or diabetes. Ginger extract lowered LDL bad cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin Study subjects from all 3 studies also experienced drops in total cholesterol.

Participants in the study, as well as the lab rats, also saw reductions in their blood triglycerides 28 , 29 , The anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large amounts in raw ginger. A form known as [6]-gingerol is viewed as especially powerful 31 , In a day study of individuals at normal risk for colorectal cancer , 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon It may be effective against breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well.

In general, more research is needed 37 , Ginger contains the substance gingerol, which appears to have protective effects against cancer. However, more studies are needed. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

Some animal studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain In a study of healthy middle-aged women, daily doses of ginger extract were shown to improve reaction time and working memory In addition, numerous studies in animals show that ginger can help protect against age-related decline in brain function 41 , 42 , Animal studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain.

It can also help improve brain function in middle-aged women. In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria 44 , These are both inflammatory gum diseases Fresh ginger may also be effective against the respiratory syncytial virus RSV , a common cause of respiratory infections If you want to add ginger to your diet, you can do so through what you eat and drink.

Here are a few chicken and beverage recipes to try:. Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Read this article in Spanish.

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