(Preface- My own experience and that of one other included an increase in dyskinesia at higher doses. I also experienced an alarming increase in my existing hypertension, which was quite a surprise and probably due to my overly zealous dosing. I will return to it one day. So much potential.)
Ginger is one of those substances that offers so much that it is hard to believe.
Neuroprotection Against MSG and Elevation of Dopamine Levels Plus it’s a Calcium Channel Blocker:
A recent report (Waggas 2009) noted that ginger provided neuroprotection against the destructive effects of monosodium glutamate. If that were not enough, the same report noted a general elevation of neurotransmitters in most areas of the brain, plus a role as a calcium channel blocker. (Current clinical trials with other CCDs are showing much promise).
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is my personal bane and is a major danger to the CNS. It is doubly dangerous for PWP and may even be causal. It is found throughout our food supply and is near impossible to avoid. In normal folk, it over-stimulates critical neurons to such an extent that they burn themselves up and die. Among PWPs it not only kills precious neurons, it interferes with neurofunction by occupying important receptors and preventing their normal action.
In my own case, and probably in that of many more, exposure to MSG is devastating. For a period ranging from four to six hours I am rendered helpless. It is as though the meds suddenly become totally useless. I have tripled the normal doses with no effect. The experience is quite terrifying. It acts by binding to what are known as NMDA receptors with such determination that the normal molecules are totally locked out for hours. These receptors are also the ones that were found a few years ago to respond to the drug Ecstacy to such an extent that a PWP who was formerly a stuntman found himself able to do arobatics. So they are important.
The reported increase of neurotransmitters throughout most of the brain is in itself a reason for heightened interest, but the addition of the ability to block the destructive calcium ions makes this common spice a powerhouse.
Accelerates Gastric Emptying: Gastroparesis, a “slow stomach”, can be a serious problem in PD due to the fact that levodopa must get into the small intestine before it can act. Ginger can overcome that to some extent as noted here (Background)
Anti-inflammatory: Ordinary inflammation impacts PD by triggering neuroinflammation within the brain itself, activating microglia and fueling the degenerative cascade underlying PD. Ginger not only lessens ordinary inflammation but also blocks the cascade itself. (Background)
Lowers cholesterol: “CONCLUSION: The results show that ginger has a significant lipid lowering effect compared to placebo.” (Alizadeh-Navaei 2008 ).
Reduces hypertension: “These data indicate that the blood pressure-lowering effect of ginger is mediated through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels.” (Ghayur 2005)
Inhibits Helicobacter pylori: H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the wall of the stomach and is responsible for, among other things, causing peptic ulcers. More importantly for the PWP, it also interferes with medications, increases toxins in the system, and causes widespread inflammation. Some strains release a particularly damaging toxin called “Cag A” that can be devastating for a PWP. (Background)
“These data demonstrate that ginger root extracts containing the gingerols inhibit the growth of H. pylori CagA+ strains in vitro and this activity may contribute to its chemopreventative effects.” (Mahady 2003)
Inhibits periodontal bacteria: “In conclusion, two highly alkylated gingerols, [10]-gingerol and [12]-gingerol effectively inhibited the growth of these oral pathogens at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 6-30 microg/mL. These ginger compounds also killed the oral pathogens at a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) range of 4-20 microg/mL, but not the other ginger compounds 5-acetoxy-[6]-gingerol, 3,5-diacetoxy-[6]-gingerdiol and galanolactone.” (Park 2008)
Controls LPS effects: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a toxin released by dying bacteria and has great influence upon the human immune system. It is of particular importance to PD and is, in fact, one of the primary causal factors due to its influence upon the brain’s innate defenders, the microglia. Ginger acts to negate that effect. (Background)
Protects liver:
Inhibits production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide:
Cardio benefits:
Liver effects:
Kidney effects:
Cancer effects: