Ginger is a widely cultivated tropical plant that has been used as an herbal remedy in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for at least 2,000 years. Its medicinal value is essentially due to ginger's pungent aromatic rhizome. Today, many naturally oriented doctors recommend ginger as a therapeutic agent to prevent and treat cancer. Before you decide to take ginger, be sure to consult your doctor first.
Apoptosis
Scientists at the University of Michigan have demonstrated that ginger kills ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Ginger acts as a biological response modifier that promotes or supports the body's immune system response to cancer. Moreover, ginger is rich in potent antioxidants that keep your body strong and are good for any disease state, but ginger should not be used in place of standard cancer therapy.
Anti-Tumorigenic Effects
In a study published in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology" in May 2007, investigators at the Industrial Toxicology Research Center in India have shown that the pungent compounds from the rhizome of ginger possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of these properties, the constituents of ginger, especially gingerol, paradol, shogaols and zingerone, are thought to exert their anti-tumorigenic effects. The chemopreventive outcomes of ginger in several tumor types might be achieved through the inhibition of various cellular mechanisms.
Post-Chemotherapy Nausea
Ginger might lessen side effects that might be caused by some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, according to scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Chemotherapy-induced nausea has been a significant issue. Ginger can help alleviate nausea as much as 40 percent in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, says Julie Ryan, a ginger researcher at Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. Moreover, ginger has long been used as an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy and is well-absorbed by the body.
Side Effects
Adverse effects with ginger are rare. In extremely high doses, ginger might cause mild heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth. If you have gallbladder stones, consult your physician before taking ginger supplements. They can also reduce the blood-thinning effect of many medications such as warfarin and might increase the risk of bleeding. If you have bleeding disorders, do not take ginger without consultation with your doctor.
References
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; "Cancer Preventive Properties of Ginger: A Brief Review"; Y. Shukla and M. Singh; May 2007
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Ginger Quells Cancer Patients' Nausea From Chemotherapy
- University of Michigan Health System: Ginger Causes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Die, U-M Researchers Find
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
