Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
OBJECTIVE
Ginger has been traditionally used to reduce intestinal gas and flatulence. The present study examined the effects of ginger on the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function by esophageal manometry.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Departments of Physiology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.


METHODS
Fourteen healthy young male volunteers.


METHODS
The effect of ginger (1 gram of dried powder suspended in 100 ml water) on LES and esophageal peristalsis were studied by manometry in 14 healthy young men. Subjects drank 100 ml of water as a control, then performed five wet swallows at 30 minutes after the drink, followed by drinking a ginger suspension and performed five wet swallows at every 30 minutes thereafter for 180 minutes. The esophageal manometry was performed throughout 180 minutes after ginger consumption. The manometric parameters before and after water and ginger intake were compared.


RESULTS
The present study showed that after 1 gram-ginger consumption, the LES resting pressures remained unchanged but the percent relaxation at swallowing was increased throughout the 180 minutes with statistical significance at 90, 150 and 180 minutes. The amplitude and duration of esophageal contraction were not changed, while the velocity of contraction waves was decreased at 30, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after the drinks.


CONCLUSIONS
Ginger did not affect LES pressure at rest or esophageal contractile amplitude and duration when swallowing, but caused more relaxation of the LES and decreased the esophageal contraction velocity, which may cause more chance of gastric gas expel or antiflatulant effect.
Lohsiriwat
Supatra
S
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. sislr@mahidol.ac.th
Rukkiat
Mayurat
M
Chaikomin
Reawika
R
Leelakusolvong
Somchai
S
D000328:Adult; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D020939:Zingiber officinale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology; D055815:Young Adult
D028321:Plant Preparations