New research examines the effects of ginger supplements on white blood cell function in humans. The researchers highlight that this supplement can effectively control inflammation in autoimmune diseases by targeting neutrophils and inhibiting NETosis, providing a new perspective on natural supplements in treatment plans for diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study, detailed in the journal JCI Insight, focused on ginger's effects on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. The study specifically examined the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), known as NETosis, to understand its impact on inflammation control.
Studies have found that neutrophils' resistance to NETosis will increase after healthy people eat ginger. This is important because NETs are tiny, spiderweb-like structures that promote inflammation and blood clotting, leading to many autoimmune diseases, including lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
"There are many diseases that cause neutrophils to become hyperactive. Our finding that ginger helps suppress neutrophil hyperactivity is important because it is a natural supplement that may help treat inflammation and symptoms in people with several different autoimmune diseases," said senior co-author Kristen Demoruelle, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
In a clinical trial, researchers found that daily ginger supplements (20 mg gingerol/day) in healthy volunteers for seven days increased the production of a chemical called cAMP in neutrophils. These high levels of cAMP inhibit neutrophil responses to various disease-related stimuli.
"Our study provides the first biomechanical evidence for ginger's apparent anti-inflammatory properties in humans," said senior co-author Jason Knight, MD, associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Michigan.
Researchers say many people with inflammation may ask their healthcare provider whether natural supplements may help them, or they may already be taking supplements such as ginger to help manage symptoms. Unfortunately, they are often unaware of the exact impact these supplements have on disease. The researchers hope that providing more evidence on ginger's benefits, including the direct mechanism by which ginger affects neutrophils, will encourage healthcare providers and patients to more strategically discuss whether taking ginger supplements as part of a treatment plan is beneficial.
"There aren't many natural supplements or prescription medications that are known to combat overactive neutrophils. So we think ginger does have the ability to complement treatment regimens that are already being started. Our goal is to be more strategic and personalized in helping people relieve their symptoms," Knight added.
Next, the researchers hope to use this study to fund clinical trials of ginger in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with overactive neutrophils, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and even COVID-19.