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Guggul

Common Name: Guggul
Scientific name: Commiphora mukkul
Synonyms: gugulipid, gum guggulu, Indian bedellium

Overview:

Gum guggulu is the yellowish resin exuded from the trunk of Commiphora mukkul. A small thorny bush, it is found throughout the arid regions of India, and Arabia. This resin is then refined into a more purified and better tolerated form, guggul.
Gum guggulu has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurvedic) for over 2000 years. It is used to treat a variety of conditions. These conditions include arthritis, inflammation, bone fractures, obesity, disorders of lipid metabolism and what ancient texts call “coating and obstruction of channels” better known as atherosclerosis. The active constituents of this resin appear to be the steroidal compounds called guggulsterones, more specifically guggulsterone E and guggulsterone Z.

Benefits

The use of guggul as a treatment for hyperlipidemia (elevated lipid levels) has been approved in India since 1986. Guggul’s lipid lowering effects have been attributed to its ability to lower both total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) Continuing research into the benefits of these phytochemicals has produced promising results.

  1. Three double blind studies conducted in India found that guggul reduced total cholesterol levels. In a 24 week study, 61 individuals received a healthy diet for 12 weeks, and then received guggul at 100mg per day or a placebo for an additional 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the group receiving the guggul had an 11.7% decrease in total cholesterol, a 12.7% decrease of LDL (bad cholesterol), a 11.1% decrease in triglycerides. This decrease in lipid levels was accompanied with by a decrease in the cholesterol/HDL (good cholesterol). These results were significantly better that those who received the placebo.
  2. A double blind placebo study or 40 individuals confirmed these results.
  3. A double blind study of 228 individuals in which they received guggul or clofibrate (a drug to lower blood lipid levels) showed that guggul was as good or better than the medication.
  4. A small study has shown that guggul is as effective as tetracycline in treating nodulocystic acne.

Recommended Dosage:

The dosage for guggul supplements is dependant on the amount of guggulsterones present. A dose that delivers 100mg per day is recommended. It is in divided doses throughout the day.

Contra-indications

  1. You should not take the crude form of guggul. It can cause nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and skin rashes.
  2. People with Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome should use guggul with caution.
  3. Women who are pregnant should not take this supplement. Guggul is thought to be a uterine stimulant. It safety has not been tested in nursing women, children and those with liver or kidney disease.
  4. Side effects of guggul are usually mild. Gastrointestinal upset is the most common side effect reported.

Drug interactions

  1. People taking beta-blockers, especially propranolol (Inderal, Inderide) for high blood pressure should not take this supplement as it affects the absorption of these drugs making them less effective.
  2. People taking calcium channel blockers such as diliazem (Cardizem) to control high blood pressure should not take guggul as it interferes with the absorption of this type of medication making them less effective.
  3. There has been on report of rhabdomyolsis (breakdown of muscle tissue) with guggul.
  4. Guggul stimulates the production of the thyroid hormone; it may alter the amount of thyroid medication needed.

Web References

  1. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm.
  2. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/101350.shtml
  3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guggul

Printed Reference Material

  1. Agarwal RC, Singh SP, Saran RK, et al. Clinical trial of gugulipid—a new hyperlipidemic agent of plant origin in primary hyperlipidemia. Indian J Med Res. 1986;84:626–634.
  2. Antonio J, Colker CM, Torina GC, et al. Effects of a standardized guggulsterone phosphate supplement on body composition in overweight adults: a pilot study. Curr Ther Res. 1999;60:220–227.
  3. Bianchi A, Cantu P, Firenzuoli F, et al. Rhabdomyolysis caused by Commiphora mukul, a natural lipid-lowering agent. Ann Pharmacother. 2004;38:1222-5.
  4. Mester L, Mester M, Nityanand S. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by guggulu steroids. Planta Medicine 1979;37:367-369.
  5. Nityanand S, Kapoor NK. Hypocholesterolemic effect of Commiphora mukul resin. Indian J Experimental Biology 1971;9:367-377.
  6. Nityanand S, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Clinical trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. J Assoc Physicians India. 1989;37:323–328.
  7. Satyavati GV. Gum guggul - The success of an ancient insight leading to a modern discovery. Indian J Med 1988;87:327-335.
  8. Satyavati GV. Gum guggul (Commiphora mukul)—the success story of an ancient insight leading to a modern discovery. Indian J Med Res. 1988;87:327–335.
  9. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 1994;8:659–664.
  10. Subramaniam A, Stocker C, Sennitt MV, et al. Guggul lipid reduces insulin resistance and body weight gain in C57B1/6 lep/lep mice [abstract]. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25(suppl 2):S24.
  11. Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003;290:765-72.
  12. Thappa DM, Dogra J. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol. 1994;21:729–731.
  13. Verma SK, Bordia A. Effect of Commiphora mukul (gum guggulu) in patients of hyperlipidemia with special reference to HDL-cholesterol. Indian J Med Res. 1988;87:356–360.

Glyceine

Common Name: Glyceine

Overview:

Glyceine is a non-essential amino acid (the body can make glyceine). It is also one of the simplest. Glyceine is important:

  1. In creating muscle tissue. This is done by boosting the body’s creatine levels. Creatine is a compound that helps to build muscle mass.
  2. In maintaining healthy connective tissues and the collagen in the skin.
  3. In converting glucose into energy.
  4. In maintaining a healthy nervous system.
  5. As a protection against cancer. Recent research has shown that glyceine is an antioxidant.

Without glyceine the body could not repair damage to tissue and skin caused by exposure to UV radiation and free radical damage. It would also make wounds almost impossible to heal. Glyceine is also important in regulating blood sugar levels, in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter and in stimulating the pituitary gland to release HGH (human growth hormone).

Benefits

Research is beginning to show how beneficial glyceine is in health maintenance.

  1. Studies from Japan have shown that 30gms of glyceine raised the HGH levels in healthy adults as well as in those who had undergone gastric surgery. This study showed that glyceine stimulated the pituitary gland to release HGH.
  2. Glyceine has been used a calming effect on the central nervous system. It has been successfully used to treat seizure disorders and show great promise treating schizophrenia when used with standard medications for this debilitating disease.
  3. Because it is an antioxidant, it can give a needed boost to the immune system and has shown anti cancer possibilities.

Recommended Dosage:

The typical dose of glyceine used as a supplement use up to 1gm daily in divided doses.
The doses used in helping to manage schizophrenia range from 40-90gm per day.

Precautions

Because of its anti-seizure properties, glyceine could have an additive effect when used in conjunction with:

  1. Baclofen
  2. Diazepam
  3. Dantrolene sodium
  4. tizanidine

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.

Web References

  1. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/gly_0127.shtml
  2. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21751
  3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycine

Printed Reference Material

  1. Barbeau A. Preliminary study of glycine administration in patients with spasticity. Neurol. 1974; 24:392.
  2. de Kooning JT, Duran M, Dorling L, et al. Beneficial effects of L-serine and glycine in the management of seizures in 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency. Ann Neurol. 1998; 44:261-265.
  3. Heresco-Levy U, Javitt DC, Ermilov M, et al. Efficacy of high-dose glycine in the treatment of enduring negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56:29-36.
  4. Olsson J, Hahn RG. Glycine toxicity after high-dose i.v. infusion of 1.59 % glycine in the mouse. Br J Anaest. 1999; 82:250-254.
  5. Rose ML, Cattley RC, Dunn C, et al. Dietary glycine prevents the development of liver tumors caused by the peroxisome proliferator WY-14, 643. Carcinogenesis. 1999; 20:2075-2081.
  6. Rose ML, Madren J, Bunzendahl H, Thurman RG. Dietary glycine inhibits the growth of B16 melanoma tumors in mice. Carcinogenesis. 1999; 20:793-798
  7. Simpson RK Jr, Gondo M, Robertson CS, Goodman JC. The influence of glycine and related compounds on spinal cord injury-related spasticity. Neurochem Res. 1995; 20:1203-1210.
  8. Simpson RK Jr, Robertson CS, Goodman JC. The role of glycine in spinal shock. 1996; 19:215-224.
  9. Smith JE, Hall PV, Galvin MR, et al. Effects of glycine administration on canine experimental spinal spasticity and the levels of glycine, glutamate, and aspartate in the lumbar spinal cord. Neurosurg. 1979; 4:153-156.
  10. Toth E, Lajtha A. Glycine potentiates the action of some anticonvulsant drugs in some seizure models. Neurochem Res. 1984; 9:1711-1718.
  11. Wheeler M, Stachlewitz RT, Yamashina S, et al. Glycine-gated channels in neutrophils attenuate calcium influx and superoxide production. FASEB J. 2000; 14:476-484.
  12. Wheeler MD, Ikejema K, Mol Life Sci. Enomoto N, et al. Glycine: a new anti-inflammatory immunonutrient. Cell Mol Life Sci.1999; 56:843-856.
  13. Yagasaki K, Funabiki R. Effects of dietary supplemented amino acids on endogenous hypercholesterolemia in rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1990; 36 Suppl 12:S165-S168.

Glutamic Acid

Common Name: Glutamic Acid
Synonyms: Glutamate

Overview:

Glutamic acid or glutamate is a non-essential (the body makes its own) amino acid that is synthesized from other amino acids such as ornithine and arginine. Glutamic acid plays a key role in cellular metabolism and energy production. Glutamic acid also plays a role in detoxifying the ammonia that is produced by cellular metabolism. It is closely related to acetylcholine, noradrenalin and gamma-aminobutryric acid (GABA). It is the most common excitatory (a neurotransmitter that increases the firing of neurons) neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is also involved in the transportation of sodium and potassium across the blood brain barrier . It also seems to play an important role in the proper functioning of the heart.

Benefits

Glutamic acid plays important roles in many processes that are involved in maintaining a vital and healthy lifestyle. It has been found that glutamic acid aids in:

  1. The stimulation of the pituitary gland to release HGH (human growth hormone). The levels of HGH decrease as we grow older. Studies have shown that by causing the pituitary to release more HGH, many of the symptoms of aging can be eliminated or even reversed.
  2. The correction of personality disorders and the treatment of childhood behavioral disorders.
  3. The treatment of many neurological disorders such as, epilepsy, mental retardation, and muscular dystrophy.
  4. The strengthening of the immune system to help ward of infections.
  5. In conjunction with L-glycine forms glutathione a powerful antioxidant and with its unique set of anti aging benefits.
  6. The building of new muscles as well as the damaged caused to the muscles from fitness training.
  7. Increasing the speed in the healing of wounds.
  8. The treatment of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
  9. The treatment of impotence.
  10. Rebuilding tissue damaged by cancer radiation treatments.

Recommended Dosage:

  1. The recommended dosage for glutamic acid ranges from 500-1000mg daily.
  2. True deficiency in glutamic acid is rare. Deficiencies can develop, however, in those with low protein intake and can develop during periods of fasting, starvation, strict dieting, cirrhosis and AIDS.

Precautions

  1. High doses of glutamic acid may cause headaches, neurological problems and gastrointestinal upset.
  2. Those who are allergic to MSG (monosodium glutamate) should not take glutamic acid supplements.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.

Web References

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Printed Reference Material

  1. Augustin H, Grosjean Y, Chen K, Sheng Q, Featherstone DE (2007). "Nonvesicular release of glutamate by glial xCT transporters suppresses glutamate receptor clustering in vivo". Journal of Neuroscience 27 (1): 111-123. PMID 17202478.
  2. Corrie, J.E., et al. (1993). "Postsynaptic activation at the squid giant synapse by photolytic release of L-glutamate from a 'caged' L-glutamate". Journal of Physiology 465 (Jun): 1-8. PMID 7901400. Free text
  3. Delayed increase of Ca2+ influx elicited by glutamate: role in neuronal death. Mol Pharmacol. 1989 Jul;36(1):106-12; PubMed
  4. Molecular pharmacology of glutamate transporters, EAATs and VGLUTs. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2004 Jul; 45(3):250-65. PubMed
  5. Nelson DL and Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 4th edition.
  6. Okumoto, S., et al. (2005). "Detection of glutamate release from neurons by genetically encoded surface-displayed FRET nanosensors". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A 102 (24): 8740-8745. PMID 15939876. Free text
  7. Reeds, P.J., et al. (2000). "Intestinal glutamate metabolism". Journal of Nutrition 130 (4s): 978S-982S. PMID 10736365.. Free text
  8. Zheng Xi, Baker DA, Shen H, Carson DS, Kalivas PW (2002). "Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors modulate extracellular glutamate in the nucleus accumbens". Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 300 (1): 162-171. PMID 11752112.

Gymnema Sylvestre

A powerful agent for improving blood sugar control.

Gugulipid

An Ayurvedic resin that helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, and helps manage blood lipids, essential for cardiovascular health. Also accelerates the burning of stored fat.

Green Tea Extract

Researchers has shown that green tea extract is 100 times more powerful than Vitamin C, and more than twenty times more powerful than Vitamin E. It neutralizes free radicals, boosts the immune system and can help reduce cholesterol.

Grape Seed Extract

Derived from the seeds of the same red grapes used in wine making. Thought to have more antioxidant power than vitamin C, E and betacarotene. It can also bind to collagen fibers, increasing muscle flexibility and elasticity of tendons and ligaments.

Goldenrod

Increases urine flow, helping wash out bacteria and kidney stones.

Glutamine

The most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. Without it, the immune system would be impaired. Also appears to be necessary for normal brain function and digestion.

Glucosamine

A form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Has been proven effective in easing osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitating cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis.

Ginkgo Biloba

Used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine. Could be a mental and vascular stimulant and a powerful protector of the brain, liver, eyes, and circulatory system.

Garlic

Could lower cholesterol, prevent dangerous blood clots, reduce blood pressure, prevent cancer, and protect against bacterial and fungal infections. Could also have a powerful antioxidant effect.

GABA

Common Name: Gaba
Synonyms: Gamma aminobutyric acid

Overview:

Gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA is a non essential amino acid (the body can make its own). This non essential amino acid is also the most abundant neurotransmitter found in the brain. GABA is produced in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain responsible for control of autonomic body functions) . It is closely linked to the pituitary gland and an important part of the endocrine system (the glands that influence al bodily functions). Its function as a neurotransmitter is to slow down the firing of the neurons. This helps to prevent over-excitation of the neurons and thus has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. GABA also contributes to motor function, vision and other brain functions. Drugs that are used to stimulate the production of GABA are used in the treatment of epilepsy and those suffering from Huntington’s disease.

Benefits

The calming effects that GABA have been used to:

  1. Treat hypertension as it has a powerful stabilizing effect on blood pressure.
  2. Treat depression
  3. Manic depressive disorder
  4. Seizures
  5. Anxiety

This is because GABA slows down nerve activity. Combined with niacin and inositol, GABA prevents stress related messages from reaching the brain.

  1. restore the body to more natural sleep pattern by regulating sleep patterns
  2. Be an effective analgesic helping to eliminate the pain of arthritis and low back pain. This is because GABA can reduce the stimulation of the nerves responsible for pain.
  3. Help increase lean body mass and muscle strength.
  4. Stimulates the pituitary gland increase the production of HGH (human growth hormone). Because of this it is important to the reversal of the aging process brought about by the decrease in HGH levels as we age. Studies done by Dr. Leventhal from the University of Utah have shown the positive effects of GABA in animal studies.

Recommended Dosage:

Doctors recommend GABA supplementation in the amount of 2gm four times a day.
Body builders who want to stimulate the spike in HGH that helps build lean body mass take as much as 5gms four times a day.

Doses are taken on an empty stomach before bed.

Precautions

A deficiency of GABA has been linked to depression.

In normal doses GABA is general considered safe.

Doses of GABA that are too high have been known to cause insomnia, numbness around the mouth, a tingling sensation in the hands, feet, and skin, as well as mild nausea and shortness of breath.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.

Web References

  1. http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/nerves.html
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GABA

Printed Reference Material

Article: GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) Neurotransmitter
Date: Nov 16, 2004
Author: Jake Van Der Borne Braverman ER, et al. The Healing Nutrients Within. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc; 1997:247.

  1. Braverman ER, et al. The Healing Nutrients Within. New Canaan,CT: Keats Publishing, Inc; 1997:257-58.
  2. Mezo I, et al. New Gaba-containing Analogues of Human Growth Hormone-releasing Hormone (1-30)-amide: I. Synthesis and in Vitro Biological Activity. J Endocrinol Invest. Nov1993;16(10):793-98.
  3. Enna SJ, et al. Role of Gamma-aminobutyric Acid in Anxiety. Psychopathology. 1984;17(Suppl1):15-24.
  4. Goddard AW, Mason GF, Almai A. Reductions in occipital cortex GABA levels in panic disorder detected with 1h-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Arch Gen Psychiatry. Jun2001;58(6):556-61.
  5. Cavagnini F, et al. Effect of Acute and Repeated Administration of Gamma aminobutyric Acid (GABA) on Growth Hormone and Prolactin Secretion in Man. Acta Endocrinol.(Copenh). Feb1980;93(2):149-54.
  6. Treiman DM. Gabaergic mechanisms in epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2001;42(Suppl3):8-12.
  7. Kelly KM. Gabapentin. Antiepileptic Mechanism of Action. Neuropsychobiology. Oct1998;38(3):139-44.
  8. Shinnar S. Tiagabine. Semin Pediatr Neurol. Mar1997;4(1):24-33.
  9. Shields WD, et al. Vigabatrin. Semin Pediatr Neurol. Mar1997;4(1):43-50.
  10. Sanacora G, Gueorguieva R, Epperson CN, et al. Subtype-specific alterations of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in patients with major depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. Jul2004;61(7):705-13.
  11. Cocchi R. A Syndrome from a Possible GABA Deficiency. Clinical-therapeutic Report on 15 Cases. Acta Psychiatr Belg. Apr1978;78(2):407-24.
  12. Gospe SM Jr, et al. Reduced GABA Synthesis in Pyridoxine-dependent Seizures. Lancet. May1994;343(8906):1133-34.

Ginger

Common name: Ginger
Scientific name: Zingiber officinalis
Synonyms: Ardrakan, African ginger, race ginger, black ginger, Jamaican ginger sheng jiang
Parts used: Fresh or dried root or rhizome

 Overview:

Ginger Zingiber officinalis
Ginger is a creeping perennial native to southeastern Asia.  The plant has narrow lancet shaped leaves and spreads by rhizomes.  These rhizomes are harvested and is the part of the plant  used  either fresh or dried as a spice.  Zingiber officinalis is an extremely important medicinal herb in all parts of the worlds.

Zingiber officinalis’ healing properties have been valued for millennium.  This herb is not only mentioned in the ancient writings of China and India but in medical records from the Middle East.  Ancient Rome introduced ginger to Europe over 2000 years ago.  Its medicinal use so highly valued the Spanish began cultivating it in the West Indies in the sixteenth century.

Active Ingredients:

Ginger root contains between 1 and 4% volatile oils.  These oils contain the many Phytochemicals that make it such a valuable herb in traditional medicine around the world.  Not only do these volatile oils contain the active ingredients in ginger but give it its distinctive odor and taste.

The aromatic principles in ginger are zingiberene and bisabolene while the pungent principles are the gingerols, the shogaols and the gingerdiols.

Ginger also contains the important nutrients:

Potassium 117.5 mg
Magnesium 12.2 mg
Manganese 0.06 mg
Copper 0.06 mg

Traditional uses:

Ginger has been used in traditional medicine for over 2500 years.  Ginger has been and still is used:

  • As a tonic for the digestive system.  It is very effective in treating gas and bloating, helps ulcers heal and is an effective t treatment for motion and morning sickness
  • Relieving the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Its warming properties help increase circulation actually raising the body temperature and induce sweating
  • As an immune system enhancer that increases endurance and the ability to fight off viral infections such as the cold and flu

Clinical uses:

Extensive studies on ginger have validated traditional uses of ginger and in doing so have uncovered new and exciting uses as well.  Dr. Rebecca Lui from the University of Michigan has found that active ingredients in ginger have anti-tumor qualities.  These potent phytochmicals were shown to cause ovarian tumor cells to self digest and self destruct.

Studies have confirmed ginger’s potent anti inflammatory properties. These studies have shown that ginger helps relieves the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis without the stomach irritation of aspirin or the toxic effect on the liver of acetomephetin.

Ginger has long been used to treat upset stomachs and the symptoms of morning sickness.  Studies have shown that ginger was superior over a placebo and in some instances to the drugs used to combat motion sickness. Pregnant women who ingested a gram of fresh ginger a day found it to be an effective relief from nausea and the severe vomiting that sometimes occurs in the early stages of pregnancy.  Preliminary studies have also shown that that ginger helps relieve the nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and post surgery reaction to anesthetics.

Another traditional use of ginger that is being validated by science is its ability to relief the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.  Its abilities are comparable to the over the counter pain medications without the stomach and liver damage associated with aspirin and acetomephitan.

Studies in Germany have confirmed the ability of ginger to warm the body and induce sweating.  Ginger actually causes the sweat glands to release substances called dermicidans.  Dermicidans posses anti- bacterial properties that have been shown to protect the skin from invading bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi.

Ginger is also proving to be able to combat high blood lipid levels and as with many traditional herbs has a powerful anti-oxidant effect.

Recommended Dosage:

Pediatric

  • < 2 years of age should not be given ginger
  • >2 years old should be given 1/3 of the adult dose

Adult

  • Decoction:  0.25-1gm of root to 6 ounces of boiling water 3times/day
  • Capsules:    250mg capsules 2 times/day
  • To relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis rub ginger oil on the effected joints

Contra-indications:

  • Ginger is generally considered safe and side effects are rare.  Large amounts of ginger have been known to cause mild heart burn.
  • Pregnant women can take fresh ginger to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness but should not take dried ginger.
  • People suffering from gallstones should consult their physician before taking ginger.

Drug interactions

Consult your physician before taking ginger if you:

  • Are taking blood thinners.  There have been no cases of interactions with blood thinners but ginger does interfere with the body’s blood clotting ability
  • Are on cyclophosphamide.  This drug is used to suppress the immune system after organ transplant and ginger’s immune enhancing properties could interfere.

Printed Reference Material

  1. Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2531-2538.
  2. Awang DVC. Ginger. Can Pharma J. 1992:309–311.
  3. Barrett B, Kiefer D, Rabago D. Assessing the risks and benefits of herbal medicine: an overview of scientific evidence. Altern Ther Health Med. 1999;5(4):40-49.
  4. Bertolucci LE, DiDario B. Efficacy of a portable acustimulation device in controlling seasickness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995;66(12):1155-1158.
  5. Bhandari U, Sharma JN, Zafar R. The protective action of ethanolic ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in cholesterol fed rabbits. J Ethnopharm. 1998;61(2):167-171.
  6. Bliddal H, Rosetzsky A, Schlichting P, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibruprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2000;8:9-12.
  7. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000;153-159.
  8. Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, McNeil J, Charlton S. Ginger root--a new antiemetic. The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia. 1990;45(8):669-71.
  9. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation ion patients with coronary heart disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997;56(5):379-384.
  10. Briggs CJ, Briggs GL. Herbal products in depression therapy. CPJ/RPC. November 1998;40-44.
  11. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:75-76.
  12. De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, et al, eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs. Vol. 3. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 1997.
  13. Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. B J Anaesth. 2000;84(3):367-371.
  14. Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991 Jan 4;38(1):19-24.
  15. Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2000;130(5):1124-1131.
  16. Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness: a controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. 1988;105:45-49.Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
  17. Langmead L, Rampton DS. Review article: herbal treatment in gastrointestinal and liver disease--benefits and dangers. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001;15(9):1239-1252. Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: history and use. Adv Ther. 1998;15(1):25-44.
  18. Larkin M. Surgery patients at risk for herb-anaesthesia interactions. Lancet. 1999;354(9187):1362.
  19. Low Dog T, Rile D, Carter T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer. Alt Ther. 2001;7(3):36-47.
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