Osteoarthritis: Effects of Ginger
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)? OA breaks down cartilage and tissue surrounding joints. 20 million people are diagnosed in the US in which women are more effected. Cause: Overweight, injury, genetic predisposition, repetitive stressful joint uses.
Why is ginger used? It has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-coagulation properties.
Ayurveda medication: Used with “hot” herbs to revive flow of chi. Used for more than 1000 years in Indian and Chinese medication.
Intended population: Elderly and overweight. Dosage: 650 mg-1 grams per day to treat OA. Never consume more than 4 grams per day. 1 gram for pregnant women. Forms: capsules, food, or compress is the most common.
Ginger Benefits: Decreases pain, decrease in inflammation around joints, less side effects including stomach and digestion, reduce muscle pain and soreness, reduce menstrual pain.
Studies show individuals taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for OA showed stomach lining after 3 months to be considerably affected causing problems like sores, and ulcers. With ginger there was no side effects, and an actual improvement in stomach mucosa biology, while yielding an anti-inflammatory and pain relief response. OA pain relief was comparable to control group which both showed a significant decrease in pain (60-70%). Ginger group showed increase in serum gastrin-17 levels from 24.6+ 3.4 to 38+ 5.1 pmol/L by the 4th week of intake. NSAIDS are believed to block COX which reduces health of GI mucosa. These patients differentiated, one group took diclofenac of 100mg as a slow release formulation , and the ginger group took a ginger and glucosamine combination zinaxin two capsules daily of 170mg (100 mg of ginger and 70 g of lipid carrier. Glucosamine was not a factor. Both groups received it.
Evidence Summary: Ginger has very similar pain reducing properties as NSAID medications or Tylenol. Reduction in pain measurements are in the same ranges. Ginger can heal the GI attract unlike NSAID which can do damage. Ginger reduces inflammation and pain by reducing C-reactive proteins, and NO. Not all studies performed are the best quality, because of methodology and population size. Warrants further study.
Safety Concerns: Adults should consume no more than 4 grams per day. It can cause heart burn, bad taste in mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. Not recommended for children 2 years and younger. Pregnant woman should only consume 1 gram per day max and individuals with gall stones or bleeding disorders should not consume ginger. Interactions with certain medications like blood thinners and blood pressure medications are known.
References: http://www.examine.com/ginger
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
Gonlachanvit S, Chen YH, Hasler WL, et al. Ginger reduces hyperglycemia-evoked gastric dysrhythmias in healthy humans: possible role of endogenous prostaglandins. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;307(3):1098-1103.
Therkleson, T. (2012). Ginger and Osteoarthritis. In Qian Chen (Eds.). Osteoarthritis – Diagnosis, Treatment and Surgery (pp. 157-168). InTech.
Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, et al. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003;11(11):783-789