Ginger for IBD?
By Editorial Staff
Ginger can soothe an upset stomach; it also may help treat inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD), a condition with no current cure and characterized by
unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain and bowel
changes.
The key, according to researchers, may be a compound in ginger called furanodienone (FDN), which helps suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing inflammation.
Findings appear in the research journal
Nature Communications.
The researchers suggest furanodienone may have other GI benefits beyond treating IBD: "FDN may also have potential for the treatment of colorectal cancer. For example, FDN has been shown to inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells."
In a summary of the research published by Science Daily, the principal study investigator noted: "A natural product derived from ginger is a better option for treating IBD than current therapies because it does not suppress the immune system or affect liver function, which can lead to major side effects."
Talk to your doctor for more information on how ginger may benefit your health – for IBD and other conditions – and reduce or eliminate the need for anti-inflammatory medications.
