A novel study points to ginger supplements as potentially beneficial in mitigating inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This effect is achieved through the targeting of neutrophils and the suppression of NETosis, offering a fresh perspective on the use of natural supplements in treating conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Investigations into Ginger’s Impact on White Blood Cells
The recent research focused on how ginger supplementation influences white blood cell function. Published in JCI Insight, the study specifically examined ginger’s effect on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
The research delved into the process of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, also known as NETosis, to comprehend its role in controlling inflammation.
Ginger’s Influence on Neutrophil Activity
Findings indicate that ginger consumption in healthy individuals enhances their neutrophils’ resistance to NETosis. NETs, resembling microscopic spider webs, escalate inflammation and clotting, contributing to several autoimmune diseases, including lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
“Numerous diseases involve overactive neutrophils. Our discovery that ginger can limit NETosis is significant, as it is a natural supplement that could alleviate inflammation and symptoms in various autoimmune diseases,” explained Kristen Demoruelle, MD, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Findings from a Clinical Trial
A clinical trial revealed that consuming a daily ginger supplement (20 mg of gingerols/day) for a week in healthy individuals increased a chemical called cAMP within their neutrophils. Elevated cAMP levels were found to inhibit NETosis when faced with different disease-related stimuli.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate the biological mechanism behind ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects in humans,” stated Jason Knight, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Michigan.
Incorporating Ginger into Treatment Plans
The researchers note that individuals with inflammatory conditions often inquire about or already use natural supplements like ginger for symptom management. However, the exact effects of these supplements on diseases are largely unknown.
This research, shedding light on how ginger influences neutrophils, aims to encourage more informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients about including ginger supplements in treatment strategies.
“Few natural supplements or even prescription drugs are known to counteract overactive neutrophils. Therefore, ginger might significantly complement existing treatment approaches. The objective is to tailor and enhance symptom relief for patients,” added Knight.
Future Research Directions
The team intends to leverage this study to secure funding for clinical trials on ginger in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases characterized by overactive neutrophils, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and potentially COVID-19.
Reference: “Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation in autoimmune mice and healthy humans” by Ramadan A. Ali, Valerie C. Minarchick, Miela Zahavi, Christine E. Rysenga, Kristin A. Sturm, Claire K. Hoy, Cyrus Sarosh, Jason S. Knight and M. Kristen Demoruelle, 22 September 2023, JCI Insight.
DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172011
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ginger Autoimmune Treatment
What does the new study suggest about ginger in autoimmune disease treatment?
The study indicates that ginger supplements might be effective in controlling inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This is achieved by targeting neutrophils and inhibiting the process of NETosis.
How does ginger affect neutrophils and NETosis?
Ginger consumption in healthy individuals was found to make their neutrophils more resistant to NETosis. NETosis is a process that leads to the formation of NETs, which are involved in promoting inflammation and clotting in autoimmune diseases.
What autoimmune conditions could benefit from ginger supplementation?
Conditions like lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, which are associated with overactive neutrophils and inflammation, may benefit from ginger supplementation.
What were the findings of the clinical trial on ginger supplementation?
In a clinical trial, daily intake of ginger supplements (20 mg of gingerols/day) for a week in healthy volunteers resulted in increased cAMP levels in neutrophils, which in turn inhibited NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli.
How might the study impact treatment plans for autoimmune diseases?
The study provides evidence of ginger’s biological mechanism in combating inflammation. This could lead to more strategic discussions between healthcare providers and patients about including ginger supplements in their treatment plans for autoimmune diseases.
What are the future research directions following this study?
The researchers aim to use the study’s findings to secure funding for clinical trials of ginger in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, potentially including COVID-19, where neutrophils are overactive.
More about Ginger Autoimmune Treatment
- Ginger and Autoimmune Diseases Study
- Neutrophils and NETosis Research
- Ginger Supplements Clinical Trial
- Impact of Ginger on Inflammation Control
- Ginger in Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
- Future Research on Ginger and Autoimmune Diseases
4 comments
wow, never knew ginger could be this helpful for autoimmune diseases, thats really something. Great to see natural remedies getting attention.
Hmm, sounds promising but let’s not jump the gun here. More research definitely needed, especially clinical trials before we start recommending ginger for everything.
This is groundbreaking! Been using ginger for years for small ailments, didn’t realize it had such potential for serious conditions like lupus.
Interesting read but i’m a bit skeptical, how can just ginger make such a difference? needs more solid evidence i guess?