Ginger root is used in cooking to add flavor to foods, but also in alternative medicine to help prevent or treat various conditions. It contains active components that may help with cancer treatment without the sometimes serious side effects that accompany many other cancer treatments. However, research is still in the preliminary stages. Consult a physician before using ginger root for medicinal purposes.
Cancer-fighting Ability
In studies conducted using cells in test tubes and animals, the active component in ginger appears to fight cancer. A study presented at the 2003 American Association for Cancer Research meeting found that when the active component in ginger, called [6]-gingerol, was given to mice it inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells. Another study, presented at the 2006 American Association for Cancer Research meeting found that ginger powder applied to ovarian cancer cells caused the cells to die in two different ways, which may mean that ginger will be able to help prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to treatment.
Nausea Treatment
Ginger may also be useful for treating the nausea that many patients experience during chemotherapy, according to a study presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Participants given three capsules of ginger each day for five days starting three days before their chemotherapy treatment experienced significantly less nausea than those given a placebo. All participants received the standard anti-sickness medications as well as the either ginger or a placebo.
Dosage
When ginger is used for nausea, the dose ranges from 250 mg to 1 g of powdered ginger. Patients who participated in the study on chemotherapy nausea received either 500 mg, 1 g or 1.5 g of powdered ginger per day. Because the research on ginger and cancer treatment is very preliminary, no dose has been set for this purpose and you should continue to follow your regular cancer treatment rather than relying on ginger.
Side Effects and Safety
Side effects from taking ginger include dermatitis, heartburn, gas, bloating and upset stomach. Rarely, people have an allergic reaction to ginger. Ginger may also interfere with blood clotting, and should not be taken by people who take blood thinners. Do not take ginger supplements without first speaking to your doctor to verify they are safe for you and determine the appropriate dose. Studies on the benefits of ginger for chemotherapy nausea and cancer treatment are still preliminary and evidence is conflicting, so do not take ginger instead of following the conventional treatment prescribed by your doctor. However, ginger may be beneficial as a complementary treatment alongside your conventional cancer treatment.
