Supplements are often used to improve health, and spices like ginger and amino acids like arginine are two of these supplements. Though ginger contains a small amount of arginine, the two supplements may also interact and deliver a variety of health benefits. Before using either supplement, consult your doctor to see whether it is appropriate for you based on your particular health situation.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale is the plant of which ginger is the underground root. Ginger is used to treat stomach upset, digestion problems, inflammation, diarrhea and nausea and vomiting, and has also been used for arthritis, colic and as a general cooking spice. It may also have beneficial effects on high cholesterol and heart disease, although more research still needs to be done in this regard. Gingerols and shogoals are plant chemicals that are thought to be the active compounds in the plant, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are on blood-thinning medications, you may need to take precautions if you consume ginger supplements, as ginger can have effects on blood clotting.
Arginine
Arginine, also called L-arginine, is an amino acid that helps make urea and creatine. Urea helps the body get rid of toxic ammonia, and creatine is a substance that gives cells energy and is broken down into creatinine, which is then cleared by the kidneys, explains MayoClinic.com. L-arginine is described as a semi-essential amino acid, which means the body usually makes enough of it, but sometimes supplemental intake may be necessary. MayoClinic.com also states that this amino acid can help improve exercise tolerance by dilating arteries in the heart and improving blood flow. It may also help ease migraine pain when added to medication like ibuprofen. Before using arginine supplements, talk with your doctor about whether it is safe and appropriate for you to use.
Arginine and Ginger
Both ginger and arginine may help prevent blocked blood vessels and encourage blood flow, although more research needs to be done to provide definitive proof. A 2011 study by M. H. Khalid, et al, published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology, found that ginger had an antinociceptive effect, meaning it diminished pain sensations, possibly through an L-arginine pathway in the body. More research is necessary to see how arginine and ginger relate to one another.
Considerations
Do not take ginger or arginine in place of seeing a medical professional for any health problems you may be having, and do not stop taking medications you have been prescribed without first talking with your doctor. Before using ginger or arginine supplements, talk with your doctor about whether these are safe for you to consume. Tell her about any other supplements or medications you are taking, to avoid adverse interactions.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine; Natural Standard Patient Monograph; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine: Evidence; Natural Standard Patient Monograph; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; November 2008
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Antinociceptive Effect of the Essential Oil of Zingiber Zerumbet in Mice: Possible Mechanisms; MH Khalid, et al; 2011
- MedlinePlus: L-Arginine
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