Last updated 03/06/2020 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Study: Ginger can reduce brain damage by stroke!

Ginger / zingiber officinale can reduce brain damage and improve cognitive function in ischemic stroke.

Ginger, which is part of the Zingiber officinale plant, has shown that it can play an important role in preventing brain damage from ischemic stroke. An in vivo study from 2011 (Wattanathorn et al) showed that the medicinal plant Zingiber officanale (from which ginger is extracted) had a neuroprotective effect against brain damage caused by oxidative stress that can occur, among other things, in ischemic stroke where anemia leads to too little oxygen (hypoxia) in affected tissues. This lack of access to nutrients can further lead to tissue death (necrosis).

Other studies have shown that active ingredients in the body protect the blood vessels. Among other things, by influencing mechanisms such as vasodilation (vasodilation) by releasing nitric oxide from the endothelium (the cell layer as the inside of the blood vessels). In this way, the blood vessels are more elastic and can adapt to loads - which in turn leads to lower blood pressure.

The role it can play in a stroke is, of course, vital. If the blood vessels are more adaptable in relation to increased loads - including a stroke.

BONUSES: At the bottom of the article, we also show a video with a suggestion for 6 daily exercise exercises that can be done for those who are mildly affected by stroke.

Stroke

Stroke can be divided into two main categories: ischemic stroke (infarction) and hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding). There are approximately 2,3 cases per thousand inhabitants, and the risk increases significantly with age. Infarction accounts for up to 85% of all strokes, while the remaining 15% is bleeding. An infarction means that there is a circulatory disturbance, and that not enough oxygen reaches the relevant area - as there is, for example, an occlusion (blockage) of an artery. The difference between a stroke and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is that the latter lasts less than 24 hours, and is assumed to be temporary. Recent research, however, shows that a TIA must be taken very seriously, due to the fact that up to 10 - 13% of these patients will have a stroke within three to six months, of which almost half in the first days. It is therefore important that these patients are referred immediately to either the stroke unit or other appropriate authority, as transient ischemic attack (TIA) may be a warning of imminent danger of a further cerebrovascular catastrophe. Prompt and proper treatment will help prevent stroke and other vascular disease.

Study results and conclusion

The study concluded:

… ”The results showed that cognitive function and neurons density in hippocampus of rats receiving ginger rhizome extract were improved while brain infarct volume was decreased. The cognitive enhancing effect and neuroprotective effect occurred partly through the antioxidant activity of the extract. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of ginger rhizome to protect against focal cerebral ischemia. ” ...

As mentioned above, the rats that received ginger rhizome extract had significantly less brain damage as a result of the infarction, and they also had significantly better cognitive function when compared to the control group. Another thing to note is that the neurons in the hippocampal part of the brain did significantly less damage.

Ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) as a dietary supplement can thus have a protective effect in stroke, both as a treatment but also partly preventative. This, along with clinical guidelines on keeping blood pressure below 130/90 mmHg are therefore recommended..

The study's weakness

The weakness of the study is that this is an animal study performed on rats (in vivo). Not a human study. It will be difficult to do such studies on humans, as it touches on a sensitive topic - where one can basically end up giving some better chances of survival than, for example, the control group.

Supplements: Ginger - Zingiber officinale

We recommend that you buy fresh, regular ginger roots that you can buy at your local grocery or vegetable store.

Also read: - 8 Incredible Health Benefits Of Eating Ginger

Stroke and Exercise

Being hit by a stroke can lead to severe fatigue and enduring men, but several studies have shown the importance of customized daily exercise and exercises to stimulate improved function. In combination with a good diet for better blood vessels. We also recommend that you join your local team affiliated with the Norwegian Association for the Impoverished for good support and follow-up.

Here is a video with suggestions for 6 daily exercises, made by the rehabilitation therapist and sports chiropractor Alexander Andorff, for those who are mildly affected by stroke. Of course, we note that these are not suitable for everyone, and that one must take into account their own medical history and their disabilities. But we want to emphasize the importance of movement and daily active daily life.

VIDEO: 6 Daily Exercises for Those Who Are Mildly Impacted by Stroke

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Title: Ginger / zingiber can reduce brain damage by ischemic stroke.
References:

Boysen G, Kure A, Enevoldsen E, Møller G, Schou G, Greve E et al. Apoplexy - the acute phase. North Med 1993; 108: 224 - 7.

Daffertshofer M, Mielke O, Pullwitt A et al. Transient ischemic attacks are more than "ministrokes". Stroke 2004; 35: 2453 - 8.

Johnston SC, Gress DR, Browner WS et al. Short-term prognosis after emergency department diagnosis of TIA. JAMA 2000; 284: 2901 - 6.

Salvesen R. Drug secondary prophylaxis after transient cerebral ischemia or stroke. Tidsskr Nor Lægeforen 2003; 123: 2875-7

Wattanathorn J, Jittiwat J, Tongun T, Muchimapura S, Ingkaninan K. Zingiber officinale Mitigates Brain Damage and Improves Memory Impairment in Focal Cerebral Ischemic Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternative Med. 2011; 2011: 429505.