Ginger

Synonym(s): gingerol, Zingiber office cinale, gingerbreads, zingiberol

Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients

Sources and physiological effects

Dietary sources
Ginger is a plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and grows in the tropics and subtropics. The rhizome contains essential oils and several pungent substances, which is why it is used for the production of spices and phytotherapeutics. Ginger is found in food as candied, as ginger jam or as pure pressed ginger juice. In addition, teas, soft drinks and beers with ginger are available.
Physiological effects
Digestive system	Anti-spasmodic properties Excitation of bile production Anti-emetic effect
Immune system	Stimulation of the immune system

Detailed information

Ginger to support digestive performance

Gingerol in particular, but also zingiberene and zingiberol are the primary pharmacological substances in ginger (zingiber officinale). Due to the spasmolytic, cholagogenic and carminative properties of these plant substances, ginger is used therapeutically for dyspeptic complaints. Ginger is also an effective antiemetic (1). Recent studies point to a liver protective effect against at chemical exposure (2) as well as to pronounced anticarcinogenic properties of the bioactive components (3).

Ginger for infection control

Clinical studies show that ginger is an effective antimicrobial and antiviral substrate in addition to its secretolytic properties (4).

Indications

Effect	Indication	Dosage
Physiological effects at a low intakes	Preventive and for support of digestive processes	150 mg/d
	To stimulate bile flow at dyspeptic complaints and excitation of pancreatic secretion	300 – 450 mg/d
	Therapeutic within a dyspeptic symptom complex	300 – 450 mg/d

Administration

General mode of administration
When	Ginger extract should be taken between meals. Notes: To stimulate bile secretion, ginger extract should be taken 1 hour before meals.
Side effects
No side effects are known to date.
Contraindications
No contraindications are known to date.

Interactions

Drug interactions
NSAIDs (e.g. diclofenac, ASS, ibuprofen)	Ginger can improve the effect of NSAIDs.
Nurtient interactions
Track elements	No relevant interactions are known to date.

References

1) Wagner, H., Wiesenauer, M. 2003. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika.
2) Yemitan, O. K., Izegbu, M. C. 2006. Protective effects of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytother Res. 20(11):997-1002
3) Shukla, Y., Singh, M. 2007. Cancer preventive properties of ginger: a brief review. Food Chem Tixicol. 45(5):683-90
4) Chrubasik, S. et al. 2005. Zingiberis rhizome: a comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles. Phytomedicine. 12(9):684-701

References Interactions:
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning–Prävention–Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011.
Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.