Research: PHAN and colleagues,

Listed in Issue 116

Abstract

PHAN and colleagues, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Arthritis Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA, have found that ginger extract suppresses inflammatory processes in cells derived from synovial joints.

Background

Ginger has long been known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and to be beneficial for inflamed joints. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of ginger extract on the expression of a set of pro-inflammatory chemicals, the chemokines, in human synoviocytes.

Methodology

Cells in culture were incubated with a ginger extract consisting of extract from two species (Zingiber officinale and Alpinia galanga), and also with extract from either species. They were then stimulated to produce an inflammatory response, and the biochemical details of this response were analyzed.

Results

The combination extract was clearly more efficient in inhibiting chemokine expression in these cells than either extract by itself. Among the two individual extracts, Z. officinale was more effective than A. galanga.

Conclusion

Ginger extract is shown to inhibit the expression of chemokines. Extracts from two different ginger species act synergistically, and the combination formula may be more useful therapeutically.

References

Phan PV, Sohrabi A, Polotsky A, Hungerford DS, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. Ginger extract components suppress induction of chemokine expression in human synoviocytes. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 11 (1): 149-154, Feb 2005.

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