A Michigan Medicine study led recently found that a ginger root's bioactive compound called 6-gingerol is an effective treatment in combatting the mechanism that fuels specific autoimmune diseases in mice.
A ScienceDaily report describes naturopathic or herbal medicine as "all the rage, especially among young people."
In relation to this description, ginger is popularly known to have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidative effects, making it a famous herbal supplement to cure inflammatory illnesses.
Specifically, the researchers examined lupus, an illness that attacks one's body's immune system, and its frequently linked condition, antiphospholipid syndrome, which results in blood clots, since both lead to widespread infection and impair organs over time.
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How '6-Gingerol' Works
As indicated in this new study, in mouse models with either antiphospholipid syndrome or lupus, "6-gingerol prevented neutrophil extracellular trap release," which is activated by the antibodies produced by the said diseases.
According to Ramadan Ali, Ph.D., the study's lead author, NETs or neutrophil extracellular traps come from neutrophils or commonly known as white blood cells.
The lead author explained, "These sticky spider-web-like structures are formed" when there is an interaction between autoantibodies and receptors on the surface of the neutrophil.
Ali also said the said webs are playing a vital role in the pathogenesis of lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome, where they stimulate the formation of the antibody and contribute to the damage and clotting of blood vessels.
A Surprising Discovery About Herbal Medicine
Along with this study comes the question: "Will the ginger's anti-inflammatory properties extend to neutrophils, and specifically, can this herbal medicine prevent neutrophils from making NETs that contribute to the progression of the disease?"
According to Ali, the pre-clinical research in mice provides an astounding and exciting "yes" to the question.
In their research, Ali found that after providing the mice with 6-gingerol, they had lower NETs levels. More so, their tendency to make clots was substantially reduced as well, and 6-gingerol seemed to prevent neutrophil enzymes, also known as phosphodiesterases, which in turn, decreased neutrophil activation.
Nevertheless, the most surprising outcome was that the mice, whether they had lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, had lessened autoantibodies, proposing the inflammatory cycle, autoantibodies triggering NETs which activate more antibodies, are impaired.
Probable Implications
Although the research was done in mice, Ali and study author, and rheumatologist Jason Knight, MD, both think the preclinical data exhibiting that 6-gingerol contains anti-neutrophil properties that may shield from autoimmune disease development, encourages clinical trial development.
When it comes to basically all therapies in the field, Knight explained, "one size does not fit all." Although he wonders, he continued explaining, if "there is a subgroup of autoimmune patients with hyperactive neutrophils" who might benefit from increased 6-gingerol intake.
It will then be essential to examine neutrophils before and after treatment to determine the subgroup, most possibly to see benefits.
The bioactive compound cannot be the main therapy for an individual with an active antiphospholipid syndrome or lupus. However, the research team is interested in finding out if the natural supplement may help those at high risk for developing the disease.
Commenting on their findings, Ali said those with autoantibodies but did not have triggered disease may benefit from this therapy if "6-general proves to be a protective agent in humans as does in mice."
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