Ginger biloba (Lauren Mikell, Purdue College of Pharmacy

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Zingiber officinale

PURPOSE/COMMON USES

It is said that ginger has analgesic and antiinflammatory effects in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches/ brain.

TYPICAL DOSING/ SERVING

Doses of ginger can range from 250mg to 2g per day given in three divided doses.

GINGER

LAUREN MIKELL | STUDENT PHARMACIST|SPRING 2022

BACKGROUND/HISTORY OF GINGER

Ginger is a part of a plant family that also includes turmeric. However, it does not grow in the wild and some of its origins are uncertain. Ginger was produced by the Indians and Chinese as a tonic root to treat many ailments with India being the largest producer. It was an article of trade and much of it was exported from India to nations at the time including the Roman Empire many years ago. Ginger of course became highly valued for its medicinal properties. It was put in bread to be used as a digestive aid; it was also used as treatment for nausea and vomiting. Although early in its time it was recognized as a flavoring agent in foods, later in its use it was very popular to be used in sweets hence the creation of gingerbread and many other desserts.

PHARMACOLOGY MECHANISM OF ACTION

The exact mechanism is not understood completely as of now, but the compounds found in the ginger have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, and anti-tumor properties. These compounds target nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues.

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS

GINGER

Lauren Mikell|Student Pharmacist|Spring 2022

EFFECTIVENESS

The time it takes for ginger to work depends on the person and what is being treated. There are clinical, lab, and animal studies that provide evidence that ginger might be effective.

FOOD/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Check with a doctor before taking ginger if taking other medications.

Ginger might interact with blood thinners and medications to treat diabetes and high blood pressure.

REFERENCES

Griffin, R. M. (n.d.). Ginger: Health benefits & side-effects. WebMD. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-andsupplements/ginger-uses-and-risks

Bode, A. M. (1970, January 1). The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

Modi, M. (2021, December 4). Ginger root. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56588 6/

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE/STUDY

This article was written by R. Morgan Griffin; he discusses health benefits, side effects, interactions, nutrition, origin, and risks of ginger. There was also a supplemented video that voiced some of this information in a minute-long clip. In his article he says that there is evidence that studies have proven that ginger can theoretically lessen swelling, lower blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol levels, prevent blood clotting, and even protect against Alzheimer’s Disease while clinical evidence just shows that ginger may help with blood pressure and blood sugar. Ginger also has evidence that indicates that it aids in many conditions such as joint pain, nausea, periods, and more. Overall, the article gave ginger big props. At the end the author also stated that with ginger being a dietary supplement, the makers of these products don’t have to prove as well that the products are safe or effective for the patient/consumer.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, TOXICITIES, & SIDE EFFECTS

In low doses, ginger is likely very safe. In higher doses, however, it can cause mild side effects including diarrhea, heartburn, stomach discomfort, gas, and mouth irritation. Ginger can potentially be unsafe for people with bleeding disorders. Consult a doctor before starting ginger.

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL OPINION

As a professional, I do believe that ginger can aid with the severity of many conditions. I do not however, believe it can completely cure these conditions, but I don’t say this to devalue its quality. In terms of my personal opinion, I feel that more studies should be done to really find out the truth of the effects of ginger. I would also really like to know the specific mechanism and pharmacokinetics because it would explain how ginger has its many effects. ~ L. Mikell