[Canadian]

Ginger

Motion sickness and digestion

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial plant that spreads by an underground stem called a rhizome. It is this spreading, root-like structure that is used commonly as a spice and widely sold in grocery stores. It is native to Asia, but is now cultivated in many tropical areas

Certain active ingredients are present in the volatile oil of the plant and are often used to standardize commercial Ginger supplements (4% volatile oils). Although benefits can be achieved by including fresh Ginger root in the daily diet, an extract of Ginger is now available in capsule form.

Nutritional Support

* Motion Sickness - nausea and vomiting

* Digestion - nausea associated with pregnancy and after surgery

Motion Sickness

Ginger's ability to inhibit motion sickness has been tested in clinical trials in humans. The first study occurred in 1982, and involved the administration of ginger (940 mg.) 20 to 25 minutes prior to sitting in a tilted rotating chair. This amount of ginger was found to be superior to Dramamine (100 mg.) in relieving nausea and vomiting 2. A couple other studies have followed, which exhibited similar decreases in nausea accompanying motion sickness 3,4,5

Ginger is thought to be effective for relieving motion sickness mostly through its effects on gastric motility which becomes excessive during motion sickness 6. Another theory suggests some effects on the central nervous system (CNS) 7,8

Digestion

Ginger acts as a tonic on the digestive system 9. It aids and stimulates digestion and promotes normal transport of substances through the digestive tract. It achieves this by concurrently improving gastric motility while also relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract (antispasmodic activity) 7,10 Ginger has also been found to be antidiarrhetic and analgesic 7,11. It has been thought that ginger contains enzymes to assist in protein metabolism although there is little research on this.

Ginger's ability to inhibit nausea 12 and to promote healthy digestion, while having low toxicity, led to the study of Ginger in women experiencing nausea during pregnancy; and for inhibiting nausea in patients who have undergone surgery under anaesthesia. Ginger was found to be effective in preventing nausea during pregnancy. Ginger should only be used under supervision of a qualified healthcare professional during pregnancy, and only for short periods of time 4.

Ginger also tested to have a positive effect on reducing nausea afrer surgery. One study found the rate of nausea and vomiting cut in half in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery 12 A reduction in post-operative nausea was also reported in a study involving women undergoing major gynecological surgery 14

Suggested Use

In 250 mg. capsules, standardized to 0.4% volatile oils, take two capsules daily 15. It is best to begin taking ginger two days prior to an event where motion sickness is likely 8.

Safety

At the recommended dosages, there have been no reported side effects with the use of Ginger. At high dosages, some gastrointestinal discomfort may be experienced. In people with gallstones, the German Commission E monograph recommends consulting with a physician prior to using ginger 16. Excessive use of Ginger should be avoided during pregnancy 17.



References

1. Bruneton, J. 1995. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants. Lavoisier: Paris.

2. Mowrey, DB and DE Clayson. 1982. Motion sickness, ginger, and psychophysics. Lancet 1:655-657

3. Grontved, A. etal 1988. Ginger root against seasickness. Acta OtoLaiyngol 105:45-49.

4. Stewart, JJ. etal 1991. Effects ofginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function. Pharmacology 42:111-120.

5. Tyler, VE. 1994. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicines. Pharmaceutical Products Press: New York.

6. Holtmann, S. et a!. 1989. The anti-motion sickness mechanism of ginger. Acta Oto-Laryngol 108:168-174.

7. Murray, M.T 1991 The Healing Power ofHerbs. Prima Publishing: Rocklin, CA.

8. Brown, D.J. 1996. Herbal Prescrzptionsfrr Betrer Health. Prima Publishing: Rocklin, CA.

9. Al-Yahya MA, et al Gastroprotective activity of ginger in albino rats. Am] Chin Med 17:51-56.

10. Yarnahara, J. eta!. 1990. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull 38:430-431.

11. Onogi, T. et al. 1992. Capsaicin-like effect of (6)-shogani on substance P-containing primary afferents of rats: A possible mechanism of its analgesic action. Neuropharmacology 31:1165-1169.

12. Kawal, T. et al. 1994. Anti-emetic principles of Magnolia obovata bark and Zingiber officinale rhizome. Planta Med 60:17-20.

13. Philips, S.; R. Ruggier; and S.E. Hutchison. 1993. Zingiber officinale (ginger)-an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia. 48:715-717.

14. Bone, M.E. and D4. Wilkinson. 1990. Ginger root- a new anti emetic. Anaesthesia 45:669-671.

15. Flynn, R. et al. 1995. Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. One World Press: Prescott, AZ.

16. Bisset, N.G. (ed.) Wichtl, M. 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A handbookforpractice on a scientsfic basis. CRC Press: Boca Raton.

17. Newall, CA.; L.A. Anderson andj.D. Phillipson. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals.The Pharmaceutical Press: London.