Does Ginger Inhibit Colon Cancer

The public continuously craves for the cure of colon cancer as it remains immedicable up to the recent year. Hence, various findings on colon cancer studies never fail to be on the limelight. One of the latest discoveries is the potential of ginger supplement as colon cancer cure in the study conducted by Professor Suzanna M. Zick, N. D., M. P. H, University of Michigan Medical School-assistant research professor.

Zick, assistant professor in the field of research at the University of Michigan Medical School, emphasized in her study the anti-inflammatory property of ginger in the colon. Her research did not directly claim ginger supplements as cancer cure but as preventive treatment against carcinogenesis. The findings of her study revealed that the amount of inflammatory marker in the colon is reduced for those subjects who were given with ginger supplements while there are no significant changes on the subjects who were given with placebo. The National Cancer Institute funded Zick's research on the relationship of ginger supplements and colon cancer. It was published in a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research known as Cancer Prevention Research. However, the limited number of subjects in her research (30 individuals) made medical experts demand for further studies on a larger group.

By reviewing the risk factors of colon cancer, medical researchers identified that inflammatory disorders of the intestine precede colon malignancy. They also emphasized that preventing such predecessors decreases the chance of having colon cancer. In some research, medical analysts determined that the substance zingabain in ginger prevents colon malignancy through its anti- inflammatory property. Apart from inhibiting and reducing colon inflammation, ginger can also protect the colon from bacterial and parasitic infections.

As mentioned earlier, there are only limited studies on the anti- colon cancer effects of ginger supplements. There might be promising results like the findings of Prof. Zick in her study, but certain limitations made the public discontented. However, the efficiency of ginger in maintaining good health has long been remarkable in most Asian countries like India and China.

But then again, humankind has become wiser when it comes to health issues. Any breakthrough in the field of medicine or health must be evidenced-based and such proof must be both statistically and scientifically approved. Besides, there are other studies conducted which are successful and beneficial in a limited subject but has been a failure and harmful when applied to a bigger group of subjects.

Truly, the worldwide problem on colon cancer and other types of carcinogenesis found hope and possible solution from integrated studies on colon cancer and ginger supplements. But, make sure that you seek for medical supervision from health authorities when you take certain health products like ginger supplement. Besides, the use of ginger supplements is not prohibited as long as you take it properly. Keep in mind that health safety always comes first and this is attained through adequate knowledge on the use, beneficial effects and side effects of a certain health product.