German scientists scientifically prove the health benefits of ginger
Tuesday – 30 Rajab 1444 AH – February 21, 2023 AD
Munich: «Asharq Al-Awsat»
The scientific journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research indicated that a group of German researchers at the Institute of Dietary Biology at the Munich University of Technology discovered the presence of a substance in ginger that activates immune cells in the body, as they conducted laboratory tests for a small amount of gingerol (a chemical compound in ginger). The pungent content of ginger was applied to cell cultures and observed for the reaction. It is also known that this substance causes a sensation of sharpness felt by the TRPV1 receptor located on the surface of nerve cells.
The first step in these tests involved identifying the receptor on the surface of neutrophil cells, which is the most important component of the immune system. These cells make up regarding two-thirds of white blood cells and are essential for fighting off foreign pathogens. The second step involved placing solutions of different concentrations of gingerol on the surface of the cells. Finally, the researchers found that putting even 15 micrograms of the substance per liter was enough to put immune cells on high alert. And that the response of cells exposed to a peptide that mimics bacterial infection was 30 percent stronger compared to cells in the control group. But when TRPV1 receptor inhibitors were used in the experiment, the effect of gingerol stopped. This means, according to the researchers, “that even a small concentration of gingerol has a stimulating effect on the cells of the immune system,” according to what was reported by the Russian “Lintaro” website.
Germany
the health