How Ginger extract works on Arthritis:
Ginger extract when taken orally is absorbed by the digestive tract and is said to inhibit the production of prostaglandin and leukotriene. These two compounds are linked with pain and inflammation. In a study of 261 people with osteoarthritis, subjects who take ginger extract twice daily felt lesser pain and swelling compared to those subjects who are receiving placebo. Another study suggest that ginger can lower cholesterol levels and thus it may also protect the blood vessels from being clogged.
Side Effects and Precautions of Ginger extract:
Ginger is very safe and side effects are very rare. Overdose of ginger may cause mild heartburn, belching or upset stomach. If you have gallstone, bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood thinning medication, seek first the advice of your doctor before taking ginger.
Forms, Dosage and Brand Names of Ginger extract products:
Adults: Ginger products are available from fresh or dried ginger root, oil from steam distillation of the root, tinctures and capsules. Fresh ginger can be used also as a tea. The general dosage is 75 - 2,000 mg per day in divided dose. Do not exceed more than 4 grams a day.
Pregnant Women: Generally safe and well tolerated.
Children: Generally safe and well tolerated.
References about Ginger extract:
Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum . 2001;44(11):2531-2538.
Bliddal H, Rosetzsky A, Schlichting P, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage . 2000;8:9-12.
Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, McNeil J, Charlton S. Ginger root–a new antiemetic. The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia . 1990;45(8):669-71.
Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr . 2000;130(5):1124-1131.
Thomson M, Al Qattan KK, Al Sawan SM, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a potential anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids . 2002;67(6):475-478.
Page last updated: May 02, 2009
