Nature’s Answer to Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease: The Supplement You Haven’t Heard About Yet
A new study illuminates the significant influence ginger supplements might have in moderating inflammation for individuals diagnosed with autoimmune disorders.
Released in today’s JCI Insight, the research honed in on ginger’s effect on neutrophils – a white blood cell variant. Specifically, the team delved into neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) development, frequently referred to as NETosis, aiming to uncover implications for inflammation control.
Findings indicate that when consumed by healthy subjects, ginger made their neutrophils less prone to undergo NETosis. This discovery holds weight as NETs, resembling microscopic web-like formations, amplify inflammation and clotting processes, which are integral to multiple autoimmune ailments such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Dr. Kristen Demoruelle, a senior contributor and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, remarked, “There are a lot of diseases where neutrophils are abnormally overactive. We found that ginger can help to restrain NETosis, and this is important because it is a natural supplement that may be helpful to treat inflammation and symptoms for people with several different autoimmune diseases.”
In an associated clinical trial, a week-long daily consumption of ginger supplements (comprising 20 mg of gingerols/day) by healthy participants elevated the presence of a chemical termed cAMP within the neutrophil. Elevated cAMP levels subsequently curtailed NETosis when exposed to disease-specific triggers.
Dr. Jason Knight, another senior contributor and an associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Michigan, asserted, “Our research, for the first time, provides evidence for the biological mechanism that underlies ginger’s apparent anti-inflammatory properties in people.”
While many individuals grappling with inflammation often contemplate or incorporate natural supplements like ginger to alleviate symptoms, its concrete effects remain shrouded in ambiguity.
The team is optimistic that by unveiling further data on the advantages of ginger, especially its direct effect on neutrophils, both medical practitioners and patients will be propelled to have more informed conversations about the possible role of ginger supplements in their therapeutic regimen.
Dr. Knight elucidated, “There are not a lot of natural supplements, or prescription medications for that matter, that are known to fight overactive neutrophils. We, therefore, think ginger may have a real ability to complement treatment programs that are already underway. The goal is to be more strategic and personalized in terms of helping to relieve people’s symptoms.”
Moving forward, the scientists aim to leverage the findings of this study to secure financial support for clinical investigations into ginger’s role in treating patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions characterized by hyperactive neutrophils, including diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and even conditions such as COVID-19.
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