Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, native to the Far East. It is one of the most appreciated and widely used spices in the world, not only for its distinctive, pungent flavour, but also for its numerous medicinal properties1.
In this article we will look in depth at its uses, with a particular focus on its possible use in cases of sensitivity to allergens.
Ginger: what are its uses1
The rhizome of Ginger contains bioactive compounds, the most prominent of which is [6]-gingerol, responsible both for its typically spicy taste and for many of its recognised pharmacological activities. Ginger is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various disorders, including colds, nausea, arthritis and migraine.
Recent scientific studies have confirmed several of these therapeutic properties, highlighting in particular the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of gingerol. This root also proves effective against various forms of nausea.
Recent research suggests that Ginger could be an interesting natural remedy in cases of sensitivity to allergens, very promising news, considering that around 22%-30% of the world population suffers from allergic disorders.2
In the next sections we will explore the subject further, analysing two types of scientific study on the matter: a double-blind clinical trial and a study carried out on rats.
Clinical study: Ginger extract versus loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis3
The study was a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted at Thammasat University Hospital in Thailand, between October 2016 and January 2017. It involved 80 adult patients aged between 18 and 70 with a diagnosis of moderate allergic rhinitis.
Participants were divided into two groups: 40 treated with Ginger extract (500 mg a day) and 40 with the antihistamine drug loratadine (10 mg a day) for a period of 6 weeks, with interim check-ups at 3 weeks.
The efficacy of the treatments was assessed through:
- Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS): a clinical tool that measures the intensity of four main nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion and watery nasal discharge) with scores from 0 to 12.
- Acoustic Rhinometry (ARM): an objective measurement that assesses the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA), nasal volume (Vol.) and the distance from the nostril (Dis.).
- RQLQ Questionnaire (Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire): assesses the impact of allergic symptoms on quality of life across 7 different aspects, with scores from 0 (no impact) to 6 (maximum impact).
The results showed that:
- Both treatments significantly improved the TNSS, with no relevant differences between the two groups.
- Ginger extract significantly improved nasal volume as assessed by ARM, an effect not observed with loratadine.
- Both Ginger and loratadine improved quality of life (RQLQ) to a similar extent.
- Both treatments proved to be safe, with no significant changes in blood pressure or in laboratory tests (kidney and liver function).
However, treatment with Ginger showed fewer side effects, in particular less drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness and constipation than loratadine.
In conclusion, Ginger extract proved to be as effective as loratadine in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and in improving quality of life, while showing fewer side effects. Ginger extract could therefore represent a valid natural therapeutic alternative for patients with allergic rhinitis.
In vivo study: effects of ginger on mice with induced allergy4
This study assessed the antiallergic effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and, more precisely, of its active ingredient 6-gingerol, in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin (OVA).
The researchers orally administered a diet containing 2% Ginger to mice sensitised with ovalbumin. Compared with the controls, these animals showed a significant reduction in the clinical symptoms typical of allergic rhinitis, such as frequent sneezing and nasal rubbing. In addition, a clear decrease in mast cell infiltration of the nasal mucosa and a reduced secretion of specific anti-OVA IgE in the serum were observed.
In parallel, experiments carried out on cell cultures demonstrated that 6-gingerol inhibits not only the cytokines typical of the Th2 response (the main ones in allergies), but also Th1 cytokines, reducing the differentiation of both cell populations from naive T cells.
In addition, 6-gingerol was able to suppress T cell proliferation induced both by stimulation with the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and by anti-CD3 antibodies.
In conclusion, these results indicate that 6-gingerol, the active ingredient of Ginger, exerts an antiallergic effect by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of T cells, thereby also preventing the secondary activation of B cells and mast cells and bringing about the prevention or attenuation of the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
A natural and effective approach: Allergisan by Salugea
Ginger extract is therefore confirmed as a valuable natural support to promote the wellbeing of the airways and in cases of sensitivity to allergens.
The scientific evidence set out here suggests that it may represent a valid support for allergists, naturopaths, pharmacists and other professionals who adopt a herbal medicine approach to support the body's normal physiological functions.
To make the most of its beneficial effects, Salugea has chosen to combine the standardised Ginger extract with other plant ingredients such as Blackcurrant, Perilla, Scutellaria and Elderberry, in the 100% natural formulation of the Allergisan food supplement.
The synergy of the active ingredients it contains is in fact able to support the balance of the immune system and the wellbeing of the nose, throat and eyes and to act positively in cases of sensitivity to allergens5.