Ginger root, or Zingiber officinale, is a spice that has been used historically as a medicine in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, including to treat the common cold, headaches, menstrual period cramps, stomach upset and diarrhea, as well as colic, diarrhea, arthritis, and heart disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Active Ingredients in Ginger
Ginger is commonly available in powder, tincture, capsule and extract forms; these are made from fresh or dried ginger roots or from the oil distilled from the herb. The most important active components are pungent phenol antioxidants such as gingerols and shogaols and volatile oils such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. These chemicals act to reduce inflammation and nausea. Medline Plus notes that ginger is "possibly effective" for treatment of nausea and vomiting after surgery, dizziness, and preventing morning sickness.
Effect on Cholesterol
According to some medical studies, ginger may have a beneficial effect on high cholesterol levels, which can otherwise lead to or exacerbate damage to the heart. A study on mice published in the May 2000 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" showed that ginger extract supplementation reduced blood cholesterol and inhibited oxygenation of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Another clinical study published in the September 2008 issue of the "Saudi Medical Journal," focused on human subjects; the researchers found that taking ginger powder resulted in significant reductions in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides when compared to placebo capsules.
Effect on Clotting
Blood clots can cause serious problems for your cardiovascular system. In some cases, they can partially or completely block your arteries, which can lead to stroke, cardiac arrest and potential long-term damage to your heart. In a 1997 study published in the medical journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids," researchers found that giving patients a single 10 g dose of ginger powder resulted in a significant reduction in platelet aggregation, thereby cutting the incidence of clotting within the blood vessels and its associated risks. A lower 4 g dose of ginger had no effects on clotting, however.
Potential Interaction with Medications
Always consult your doctor before using ginger supplements for medicinal purposes, since it may interact with your current medication. Ginger can slow down the normal blood clotting process, which may increase your chances of bruising and bleeding if you're also taking anticoagulants and antiplatelets such as aspirin, diclofenac, warfarin and ibuprofen. Since ginger also reduces blood sugar and blood pressure, this may result in excessive drops when taken it is taken in conjunction with antidiabetes drugs and calcium channel blockers.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Ginger Extract Consumption Reduces Plasma Cholesterol, Inhibits LDL Oxidation and Attenuates Development of Atherosclerosis in Atherosclerotic, Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice; Bianca Fuhrman, et al.; May 2000
- MedlinePlus; Ginger; April 2011
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids"; Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on Blood Lipids, Blood Sugar and Platelet Aggregation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease; A. Bordia, et al; May 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; November 2008
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