Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, particularly in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms, including medications, physical therapy, surgery, and herbal medicines including supercritical ginger extract.
How does supercritical ginger extract help with osteoarthritis?
In recent years, researchers have also explored the use of natural remedies, such as ginger, to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Ginger is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis. The active ingredients in ginger, called gingerols and shogaols, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. It can be extracted using a variety of methods, including supercritical extraction, which we will cover in more detail below.
Benefits of ginger extract for osteoarthritis:
1. Reduces inflammation: Ginger extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation in the joints that is associated with osteoarthritis.
2. Relieves pain: Ginger may also help alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Some studies have found that ginger supplements can be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis.
3. Improves mobility: Osteoarthritis can limit mobility and make it difficult to perform daily activities. Ginger may help improve mobility by reducing pain and inflammation in the joints.
4. Has minimal side effects: Unlike some medications used to treat osteoarthritis, ginger extract is generally safe and has few side effects.
SUMMARY
Ginger extract shows promise for alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain, improve mobility, and have minimal side effects, offering a natural and safe alternative for managing the condition.
What is supercritical ginger extract?
Supercritical extraction is commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to extract various compounds, including essential oils, flavors, fragrances, and active ingredients from plants. Supercritical ginger extract is a concentrated form of ginger that is produced using this special extraction process and it preserves the natural properties of the plant.
This method works by using a supercritical fluid as a solvent to extract compounds from the ginger plant. A supercritical fluid is a state of matter that has properties of both a liquid and a gas, which makes it an excellent solvent for extracting compounds. In supercritical extraction, the material to be extracted, in this case ginger, is placed in a high-pressure vessel and the supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide, is passed through it. The fluid acts as a solvent, dissolving the desired compounds from the material. The resulting extract is then collected, and the pressure is released, causing the supercritical fluid to return to its gaseous state, leaving behind the extracted compounds.
Supercritical extraction has several advantages over other extraction methods, including:
1. It is a highly efficient process that can extract a wide range of compounds from plants, including ginger.
2. It is a gentle process that can preserve the natural properties of the extracted compounds, such as their flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties.
3. It is a clean and environmentally friendly process that does not require the use of toxic solvents.
SUMMARY
Supercritical extraction is a popular method used in various industries to extract compounds from plants like ginger. By utilizing a supercritical fluid as a solvent, such as carbon dioxide, this efficient and environmentally friendly process preserves the natural properties of the extracted compounds without the need for toxic solvents.
Are there benefits of supercritical ginger extract over regular ginger extract?
A recent study examined the impact of ginger supercritical extract on rat muscle cells and showed a strong antioxidative effect. In comparison to ginger ethanol extract, ginger supercritical extract was found to be more effective in safeguarding muscle cells against damage caused by reactive oxygen species that arise from intense exercise.4
These findings suggest that ginger supercritical extract may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals who regularly engage in strenuous physical activities. Ginger supercritical extract has not been specifically studied in patients with osteoarthritis but would be expected to have a similar effect to other forms of ginger extracts.4
SUMMARY
A study found that ginger supercritical extract demonstrated a potent antioxidative effect on rat muscle cells, outperforming ginger ethanol extract in protecting cells from exercise-induced damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
What are some commercially available supercritical ginger extracts?
Ginger Force from New Chapter
Ginger Force supercritical ginger extract from New Chapter contains 2 types of ginger extracts, aqueous and supercritical. It also contains a rosemary extract. The ginger in this product is sourced from India, and the extractions are done in Europe. New Chapter requires that all lots of raw materials used for the manufacture of products are tested for purity, potency markers, heavy metal contamination, and/or microbiological content.
All of New Chapter’s products, including Ginger Force, are part of a compliance program that ensures levels of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic do not exceed regulatory limits set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the much more stringent specification of California’s Proposition 65.5 Ginger Force is NSF certified gluten free and is also Non GMO project verified; however, the contents of Ginger Force are not NSF certified. Check out this link for more information about Ginger Force and this link for information about New Chapter.
Doctor’s Best High Potency Supercritical Ginger Root Extract
High potency ginger root extract from Doctor’s Best is not labeled supercritical extract on the bottle, but per the company “it is created using a solvent-free, supercritical CO2 extraction.”7 The ginger used for this product is obtained from southeast asia, but the country was not disclosed in the communication. Also, per the company, “the products are independently tested and verified for safety and label claim. We adhere to FDA established cGMP regulation. We partner with GMP certified contract manufacturers and stand behind every product manufactured.”7 Additional information about the product can be found at this link.
Pure Synergy SuperPure Ginger Organic Extract
Pure Synergy’s SuperPure® extraction processes use purified water, certified organic ethanol, undenatured ethanol, and certified organic supercritical CO2 to concentrate key phytonutrients and obtain optimal health benefits. Solvent choice depends on the properties of the herb and the phytonutrients needed. The SuperPure® Ginger Extract uses a combination of purified water and certified organic supercritical CO2, sourced from China and tested by ISO-certified laboratories (e.g. Eurofins, Chemical Solutions/SGS, and Alkemist Labs) to maximize ginger’s all important gingerols and shogaols.8 Additional information about the product can be obtained at this link.
Organic Tradition’s Organic Dual Extract Ginger
Ingredients: Organic Ginger (zingiber officinale) Extract Powder (Supercritical CO2 Extract – 10%, Hydroehanolic Extract – 86%), Anti-caking agent; Silicon dioxide (4%).
Organic Tradition’s Ginger Dual Extract also uses supercritical extraction to make its product. It is supplied as a semi-soluble powder with a serving size of ¼ teaspoon daily. It can be mixed with water or added to any beverage or even a smoothie mix. Organic Tradition’s has informed us that the ginger used to make the product is sourced from India and that the final product is tested by independent third-party labs for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes as well as final testing by their internal quality control department.10 We reached out to the company to obtain more details about the product, but did not receive a response. Additional information about the product can be obtained at this link.
Conclusion
In conclusion, supercritical ginger extract is a natural remedy that may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. While more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, many people have reported positive results from taking ginger supplements. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your osteoarthritis symptoms, consider trying supercritical ginger extract. It’s also a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications.
REFERENCES
- Haghighi M et al. “Comparing the Effects of Ginger Extract and Ibuprofen on Patients with Osteoarthritis.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 6, no. 3, 2016, pp. 199-203.
- Altman RD et al. “Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.” Arthritis & Rheumatism, vol. 44, no. 11, 2001, pp. 2531-2538.
- Zakeri Z et al. “Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ginger and diclofenac in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 17, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1-9.
- Lee, Y., Kim, KT., Lee, MH. et al. Protective effects of ginger supercritical extract against oxidative damage in L6 muscle cells. J Korean Soc Appl Biol Chem 54, 790–794 (2011).
- Communication from New Chapter regarding Ginger Force. Received 5/2/2023.
- Salea et al. Optimization and scale-up process for supercritical fluids extraction of ginger oil from Zingiber officinale var. Amarum The Journal of Supercritical Fluids Volume 120, Part 2, February 2017, Pages 285-294
- Communication from Doctor’s Best consumer relations regarding High Potency Ginger Root Extract. Received 5/2/2023.
- Communication from Pure Synergy consumer relations regarding SuperPure Ginger Extract. Received 5/3/2023.
- Communication from Organic Tradition’s consumer relations regarding Ginger Dual Extract. Received 5/10/2023.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a clinical pharmacist, I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but the field of herbal supplements is constantly evolving. Individual responses to herbal supplements may vary, and it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement regimen. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided by the manufacturers of herbal supplements. The author and the website disclaim any liability for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained in this blog post.
