Health, Ginger Root Extract, Antiinflammatory

[Guest guest]

Dear JoAnne,

Does the antiinflammatory property extend to musculoskeletal symptoms? Could

this help a patient reduce their dependency on oxecodone?

---- Original Message -----

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

 

Tuesday, October 26, 2004 12:06 AM

Ginger Root Extract

 

 

Ginger Root Extract

JoAnn Guest

Oct 25, 2004 20:31 PDT

 

 

Ginger Root Liquid Extract (by American Health & Herbs)

http://www.health-marketplace.com/Ginger-Root.htm

 

Ginger Root Extract reduces cholesterol, prevents blood clots, is an

anti-inflammatory, and has chemical components that are calcium

antagonists, vasodilators, and ACE inhibitors.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is reliable in treating a wide variety

of cardiovascular complaints.

Among ginger's protective properties is its ability to reduce

cholesterol by promoting cholesterol

excretion, impairing cholesterol absorption, and encouraging bile

secretion and bile acid production.

(Bile acid is a steroid acid of bile, produced during the metabolism

of cholesterol.)

 

Ginger exerts some of its hypolipidemic effects by stimulating

cholesterol-7-alpha-hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid

synthesis (Srinivasan et al. 1991).

 

Researchers reported the effects of administering ginger root (200

mg/kg orally) to 61 cholesterol-fed rabbits (Bhandari et al. 1998).

 

The marked rise in cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins, and

phospholipids (which normally follows 10 weeks of cholesterol

feeding) was significantly reduced by ginger.

 

The favorable results obtained from ginger were comparable to the

hypolipidemic effects of the drug Lopid, known generically as

gemfibrozil.

 

Various chemicals contained in ginger root are calcium antagonists,

vasodilators, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, suggesting additional

value in reducing blood pressure and the incidence of arrhythmias

(Duke Database 1992).

 

Ginger root reduces the likelihood of a blood clot through the

following mechanisms:

 

Ginger root, ginkgo, olive leaf, and garlic each contain chemicals

that inhibit platelet-activating factor, PAF (Duke Database 1992).

 

Adequate amounts of PAF are essential to coagulation and

inflammatory processes; excesses are associated with blood clot

formation, stroke, and heart disease.

 

Thromboxane A-2, a platelet-aggregating factor, is inhibited more by

ginger root than by either garlic or onions (Srivastava 1984).

 

Prostacylin, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, is pressed into

service by ginger, a process that further reduces the likelihood of

blood clot formation (Backon 1986).

 

Although all of these effects are similar (blood clot reduction), a

study involving healthy volunteers showed no irregularities in blood

coagulation among participants receiving 2 grams of ginger a day

(McCaleb et al. 2000)Nonetheless, caution is indicated for those

individuals with

baseline disturbances in platelet numbers or prothrombin time.

Furthermore, the activity of prescribed blood thinners may be

heightened if used in concert with ginger.

 

Ginger root also appears to protect the heart during periods of

inflammation. (Recall that inflammation is considered a trigger in

heart disease.)

 

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are due to interruption of the

prostaglandin-leukotriene cascade, blocking damaging prostaglandins

but leaving beneficial prostaglandins unaffected.

 

Ginger root (gingerols) has been shown to inhibit cyclooxygenase

pathways, sharing anti-inflammatory traits with other popular COX-2

inhibitors (Newmark et al. 2000; Faloon 2001).

 

Interestingly, a researcher recently recommended 10 grams of Ginger

(approximately 1 tsp a day) to reduce platelet aggregation (Bordia

et al. 1997). A qualified healthcare practitioner must monitor this

dosage.

 

JAMA published an article raising a cautionary flag concerning the

risk of cardiovascular events among users of COX-2 inhibitors (such

as Celebrex and Vioxx) (Mukherjee et al. 2001).

The FDA has also objected to claims and promotional activities by

Pharmacia Corporation minimizing the potentially serious risk of

bleeding associated with Celebrex (Fort 2001).

 

It is hoped further prospective evaluations will characterize and

determine the magnitude of the risks. In the interim, natural COX-2

inhibitors (including ginger) loom as welcome alternatives.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

[Guest guest]

, <DrLance@j...>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear JoAnne,

> Does the antiinflammatory property extend to musculoskeletal

symptoms? Could

> this help a patient reduce their dependency on oxecodone?

 

Dr. Lance,

Improper diet is the main underlying physical factor that induces

disease. When we modify the diet, we also get at one of the

underlying problems. Ayurveda recognizes that each of us is unique and

emphasizes the correct diet for the individual.

 

Ayurveda primarily evaluates the diet based on the food's energy and

its effect on the doshas, not necessarily on the chemical (vitamin

and mineral) content.To achieve balance, the diet for treating each dosha will

have the opposite characteristics of the dosha that is dominating and causing

the problem.

 

Usually, the diet that's best will be the same as the diet for the

constitution. But any dosha can be out of balance at any given time,

so it is good to treat how we are now.

The kapha dosha (water and earth) maintains structure, solidity and

lubrication in the body, forming connective and musculoskeletal

tissues. It is wet/oily, cold, heavy, slow and stable, and manifests

those qualities in the body.

Its function is anabolic (tissue building). This energy predominates

in the chest and stomach, areas where mucus concentrates.

 

An important element of Pain management states that you can reduce

pain by changing the way you think about life.

Since stress seems to be a major factor in disease, relaxation

techniques such as meditation, yoga, progressive relaxation and

breathing exercises are critical.

 

Acupuncture is tremendous for pain management. Also TCM(Traditional

), which combines both acupuncture and herbs. Often

with the added use of herbal formulas there is a more sustained

response. Another technique which may prolong a beneficial response

is the use of magnets or stimulating beads taped over some of the

acupuncture points.

Often with the added use of herbal formulas there is a more

sustained response.

 

Nutrition and diet should be also be changed to reduce inflammation.

 

*Exclude refined polyunsaturated vegetable oils (soybean oils,

safflower oil,

peanut oil, corn oil( and other refined oils high in omega 6)as well

as sources of trans-fatty acids such as margarines

(including 'Benecol' and 'Take Control') and other foods containing

hydrogenated oils should be eliminated.Include liberal amounts of

extra virgin olive oil (omega-9)sesame oil,and macademia nut oil

instead.

 

*Add gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, from black currant oil or evening

primrose oil, 500 milligrams twice a day) and omega-3 fatty acids

from sardines (two to three servings a week)

 

*Add Flax seeds, one to two tablespoons a day, sprinkled over food.

 

Try this: Steep one teaspoon of the grated Ginger root in eight

ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and add raw honey if

desired. one to two grams of powdered ginger a day (in capsules,

with food)may be helpful also.

 

 

Foods for Balancing Kapha

 

Avoid: Warm, dry, light (avoid cold, oily, heavy)

Pungent, bitter, astringent

 

Eat less total food; lowfat, low calorie; hot spices; occasional

fasting; less frequency; largest meal midday

Include:

Dry and astringent fruits (apples, raisins)

Vegetables, especially raw organic

Dry grains (rice cakes)

Hot spices (black pepper, chiles)

Unprocessed Cooked beans with warming spices

Spicy herbal teas (ginger root)

Sweet fruits

Raw Nuts

Olive Oil

 

People with persistent, non-specific musculoskeletal pain should be

screened regularly for vitamin D deficiency, the leading study in

tomorrow's Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports. Research conducted at

the University of Minnesota found that 93 percent of all subjects

with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient.

 

Omega-3 oils " lubricate " the joints by reducing painful

inflammation. The National Institute of Arthritis and

Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says the oils*…unquestionably are

anti-inflammatory agents. "

Research funded through the Institute demonstrated that these oils

blocked the *formation* of something called " leukotriene B4 " ,

which triggers inflammation.

 

The Institute reported *…a significant correlation between the drop

in leukotriene B4 and decrease in the number of tender joints… "

after the oils were prescribed.

Other research at Albany Medical College, New York, confirmed these

findings.

 

Dr. Joel M. Kramer, an associate professor of medicine,

observed that patients who received omega-3 in capsule form daily

for 14 weeks suffered less pain than before the oil treatment. Their

stamina was also much improved. The three capsules were equivalent

to the amount of oil contained in the average salmon dinner or one

can of sardines,

yet the pain was significantly relieved for several days after the

omega-3 treatment period ended.

 

" Systemic lupus erythematosis " , another inflammatory disease also

reacts positively to experimental fish oil

treatments, leading on Harvard researcher to proclaim it as

" …the most striking protective effect ever seen. "

 

Tart cherries contain ample amounts of three types of

*anthocyanin*, a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.

 

Just 20 cherries provide up to 25 milligrams of 'anthocyanins'.They

contain a cancer-fighting compound, perillyl alcohol,that binds to

protein molecules and quashes the signals that stimulate tumor

growth and development.

 

In addition to their cancer-fighting abilities, the " anti-

inflammatory " components of cherries make them an excellent

source of pain relief for gout, arthritis, and *fibromyalgia*.

 

Some with these conditions drink tart cherry juice

regularly to keep their chronic pain at bay.

 

Finally, of all things, cherries contain significant quantities of

*melatonin*. This adds to the " atioxidant power of the cherry, and

makes it a good choice of food for travelers, and those who work the

swing shift or night shift for help in regulating the body's

production of melatonin when the body's circadian rhythm is thrown

off.

The only objectionable aspect of cherries is that they're

often found drowning in syrup and sugars -- which cancels

out many of their great benefits. This Salsa provides a very good

alternative….

 

Cherry Salsa

 

1 cup dark sweet cherries (frozen or fresh and pitted)

2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

3 Tbsp. green bell pepper, minced

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. water

1/8 tsp. Tabasco sauce, or to taste

Salt, to taste (optional)

 

Dice cherries, basil, and bell pepper and combine with

remaining ingredients. Refrigerate at least one hour.

Makes 8 servings.

 

Herbalists have used alfalfa for many different purposes. Most of

these applications bear one-to-one correspondence to the various

nutrients in the plant. The one word that keeps appearing

is " tonic " . The plant is a kidney and musculoskeletal tonic,

glandular tonic and so forth.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory action is suggested by its content of

plant " steroids " .

 

Topical: Musculoskeletal pain -

 

The pharmacology of peppermint focuses almost entirely on its

menthol components.The external analgesic and counterirritant

effects of menthol are well accepted.

 

When applied to the skin, peppermint oil or menthol

stimulates the nerves that perceive cold, while simultaneously

depressing those for pain. The initial cooling effect is followed by

a period of warmth.

 

External analgesic- Menthol and related substances can be used as

counterirritants in the treatment of arthritis, fibromyositis,

tendonitis, and other inflammatory conditions involving the

musculoskeletal system.

 

Interestingly enough, in addition to all the other disorders its

linked to Magnesium deficiency is implicated

in musculoskeletal pain as well.

 

Best Regards, JoAnn

 

 

 

> Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are due to interruption of

the prostaglandin-leukotriene cascade, blocking damaging

prostaglandins but leaving beneficial prostaglandins unaffected.

>

> Ginger root (gingerols) has been shown to inhibit cyclooxygenase

> pathways, sharing anti-inflammatory traits with other popular COX-2

> inhibitors (Newmark et al. 2000; Faloon 2001).

> _________________

>

> JoAnn Guest

> mrsjo-

> DietaryTi-

> www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes