Ginger compound has potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease

Medical Xpress / University of Toronto / Nature Communications ^ | Feb. 19, 2025 | Anika Hazra / Xiaojuan Wang et al

[ConservativeMind]

An international team has found a compound in ginger, called furanodienone (FDN), that selectively binds to and regulates a nuclear receptor involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Through a screen to identify chemical components of ginger that bind to receptors associated with IBD, the team observed a strong interaction between FDN and the pregnane X receptor (PXR). FDN reduces inflammation in the colon by activating PXR's ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body.

"We found that we could reduce inflammation in the colons of mice through oral injections of FDN," said Jiabao Liu.

IBD patients typically start to experience symptoms early in life; around 25% of patients are diagnosed before the age of 20. There is currently no cure for IBD, so patients must adhere to life-long treatments to manage their symptoms.

While patients with IBD have found some relief through changes to their diet and herbal supplements, it is not clear which chemical compounds in food and supplements are responsible for alleviating intestinal inflammation. With FDN now identified as a compound with potential to treat IBD, this specific component of ginger can be extracted to develop more effective therapies.

An additional benefit of FDN is that it can increase the production of tight junction proteins that repair damage to the gut lining caused by inflammation. The effects of FDN were demonstrated in the study to be restricted to the colon, preventing harmful side effects to other areas of the body.

"A natural product derived from ginger is a better option for treating IBD than current therapies because it does not suppress the immune system or affect liver function, which can lead to major side effects. FDN can form the basis of a treatment that is more effective while also being safer and cheaper."

[ConservativeMind]

This ginger component seems better than drugs, due to a lack of side effects while being effective and cheap.

If you like ginger, eat up!

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[Paladin2]

Red headed GFs can cure ya?

[telescope115]

Good to know, thanks!

[Red Badger]

I’m more of a ‘Mary Ann’ type..................

[Sirius Lee]

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[Bob434]

here is a medical article on "Black Ginger" which is suppsoed to boost energy, muscle mass (from more endurance i guess), and other things-

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles