Ginger, along with the spices turmeric and cardamom, is a member of the Zingiveraceae family and a close relative of the lily. The ginger plant grows a reedlike stem each year from its underground root, called a rhizome. Modern scientific research has revealed anti-inflammatory properties of ginger root that may give it a place as a natural treatment for symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism.
History
Scientific research over the past several decades has confirmed ginger's anti-inflammatory properties, which have been recognized and used in traditional herbal medicine disciplines for hundreds of years, according a study published in the Summer 2005 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food." In the 1970s, scientists discovered that ginger inhibits prostaglandins -- a category of pro-inflammatory molecules. A new discovery that ginger exerts anti-inflammatory effects at the genetic level adds to the level of understanding of this useful herb and provides confirmation of ginger's ability to manage conditions associated with chronic inflammation.
Ginger Varieties
Joint tissue inflammation responds well to supplementation with ginger, according to a study published in the February 2005 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." In the tissue culture study, 100 mcg/ml of ginger extract decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine molecules in human synoviocytes -- cells that make up the outer capsule of certain joints. Two types of ginger -- Alpinia galanga and Zingiber officinale -- were used in the study. Researchers found that each exerted slightly different anti-inflammatory effects and the combination of the two was greater than either one by itself.
Antioxidants
A variety of compounds in ginger provide pain-relieving effects that benefit both acute and chronic arthritis, according to a study published in the February 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food." In the study on laboratory animals, doses of ginger extract between 10 mg and 100 mg per kilogram of body weight reduced pain and increased blood flow. Ginger extract also decreased swelling. The researchers said that ginger exerted its benefits by decreasing levels and activity of inflammatory prostaglandins and nitric oxide, resulting in potent suppression of inflammation. Additionally, ginger inhibited white blood cell migration into the joints, implying an anti-arthritic effect. The researchers concluded that antioxidant proanthocyanidins, shogaol and gingerdiols in ginger all contribute to the beneficial effects.
Extracts
Two types of ginger extract -- a whole root extract and isolated gingerol compounds -- were compared for their ability to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in a study on laboratory animals published in the March 2009 issue of the "Journal of Natural Products." Researchers found that both produced significant benefits in preventing joint inflammation. The researchers concluded that whole ginger root contains active anti-arthritic components other than gingerol compounds.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Ginger -- An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-inflammatory Actions; R. Grzanna et al.; Summer 2005
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Ginger Extract Components Suppress Induction of Chemokine Expression in Human Synoviocytes; P.V. Phan et al.; February 2005
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Anti-inflammatory Properties of Red Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Var. Rubra) Extract and Suppression of Nitric Oxide Production by Its Constituents; H. Shimoda et al.; February 2010
- "Journal of Natural Products"; Comparative Effects of Two Gingerol-containing Zingiber Officinale Extracts on Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis; J. Funk et al.; March 2009
- "The Spice Lilies"; Susanne Poth; 2000
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