Evidence supporting the use of: Ginger oleoresin
For the body system: Prostaglandins
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ginger oleoresin is derived from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and contains both volatile oils and pungent principles (such as gingerols and shogaols). Its use to support prostaglandin-related body systems is scientifically supported, though the evidence is moderate rather than definitive. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play crucial roles in inflammation and pain signaling.
Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that ginger extract and its bioactive constituents can modulate prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and leukotrienes, key mediators of inflammation. For example, studies have shown that ginger constituents can inhibit COX-2 expression, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins such as PGE2.
A few small human studies and clinical trials have observed reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in pain, attributed at least in part to ginger’s effects on prostaglandin pathways. However, these studies often use whole ginger extracts rather than oleoresin specifically, and sample sizes are limited. Overall, while traditional use overlaps with scientific findings, there is a reasonable scientific basis for ginger oleoresin’s support of prostaglandin modulation, but more robust human data are needed to rate the evidence higher.
Other ingredients that support Prostaglandins
algal oilalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
calamari oil
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
linoleic acid (LA)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-3 fatty acids
wild yam
dioscorea
Arachidonic Acid
Boswellic Acid
Boswellia
Docosahexaenoic Acid