Abstract
Ginger is now exciting considerable interest for its potential to treat many aspects
of cardiovascular disease. This letter reviews the more recent trials, which suggest
that ginger shows considerable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-platelet, hypotensive
and hypolipidemic effect in in vitro and animal studies. Human trials have been few and generally used a low dose with
inconclusive results, however dosages of 5 g or more demonstrated significant anti-platelet
activity. More human trials are needed using an appropriate dosage of a standardised
extract. Should these prove positive, ginger has the potential to offer not only a
cheaper natural alternative to conventional agents but one with significantly lower
side effects.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 26, 2007
Accepted:
July 6,
2007
Received:
July 4,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
