Ginger and MS – A promising combination
Different lines of evidence have shown that ginger administration may be beneficial for patients with MS. To gain a deeper understanding of this potential connection, a 12-week double-blind parallel randomized placebo-controlled trial (gold standard in trials!) was conducted, with a 3-week run-in period. The study involved 52 participants, with one group receiving 500 mg of ginger supplements three times daily, while the other group received a placebo (corn) for the same duration. Unfortunately, only the abstract is readily available so let me know if you’re able to access the full article – DOI:10.1039/D3FO00167A
The study’s findings (based on the abstract)
The research focused on assessing various factors that are relevant to MS patients. Here are the key findings from the study:
1. Reduced disability
Participants who received ginger supplementation experienced a significant reduction in disability, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The EDSS scores of the ginger group decreased, indicating an improvement in their condition.
2. Improved quality of life
Quality of life is a critical aspect of managing MS. The study used the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) to assess the participants. The results revealed that those taking ginger supplements reported a noteworthy improvement in both physical and psychological aspects of their quality of life.
3. Biological markers
The study also examined biological markers associated with MS. Ginger supplementation led to reduced levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which are known to be linked to the progression of MS. Additionally, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), another important marker, decreased significantly among the ginger-supplemented participants.
4. Other parameters
While there were significant improvements in EDSS, MSIS-29, NfL, IL-17, and NLR, no significant differences were observed in Body Mass Index (BMI) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) between the two groups.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that ginger supplementation may be an effective adjuvant therapy for patients with relapsing-remitting MS. While it may not be a standalone solution, it offers promising benefits in reducing disability, improving quality of life, and influencing important biological markers associated with the disease.
It’s important to note that ginger should not be considered a replacement for standard medical treatments for MS. Consultation with a healthcare professional, including a registered nutritional therapist, is crucial when considering any dietary or supplement changes.
Incorporating ginger into a comprehensive MS nutrition plan may offer a holistic approach to managing the disease. More research is needed, but the findings of this study provide hope and inspiration for those living with MS and seeking additional support in their journey towards wellness.
Working together
If you would like support on your MS health journey, take a look at the range of nutritional therapy programmes which I offer. Please contact me for a free discovery call for more information. I look forward to working with you soon.