Synergistic Effect of Ginger and Nifedipine on Human Platelet Aggregation: A Study in Hypertensive Patients and Normal Volunteers

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of ginger and nifedipine on anti-platelet aggregation in normal human volunteers and hypertensive patients. The results showed that the percentage of platelet aggregation induced by collagen, ADP and epinephrine in hypertensive patients was larger than that in normal volunteers. Either aspirin or ginger could potentiate the anti-platelet aggregation effect of nifedipine in normal volunteer and hypertensive patients. These results suggested that ginger and nifedipine possessed synergistic effect on anti-platelet aggregation. A combination of 1 g ginger with 10 mg nifedipine per day could be valuable for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complication due to platelet aggregation.

Potential health benefits and scientific review of ginger

“…Historically, it has been used to treat nausea, vomiting, rheumatism, baldness, respiratory diseases and bleeding disorders (Young et al, 2006;Suekawa et al, 1984;Newall et al 1996;Srivastava, 1984;Kim et al, 2005;Kelly et al, 2009). …”

Recent perspectives on the medicinal potential of ginger

“…The identified compounds included gingerols, shogaols, paradols, dihydroparadols, [3]-dihydroshogaols, acetyl derivatives of gingerols, gingerdiols, mono-and di-acetyl derivatives of gingerdiols, 1-dehydrogingerdiones, diarylheptanoids, zingiberene, phellandrene and methyl ether derivatives of some of these compounds. In addition to [6]-gingerol, [4]-, [7]-, [8]-, and [10]-gingerol were identified. Figure 1 shows the chemical structures of the major gingerols and shogaol present in ginger.…”

“…1 Ginger has been widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani-Tibb medicines. 2 Based on the scientific findings through in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trials, ginger has the potential to treat many aspects of cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, 3 platelet aggregation, 4 and hypertension. 5 The antiatherogenic effect of ginger is associated with reductions in plasma and hepatic low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, as well as their susceptibility to oxidation and aggregation.…”

“…69 In a study with human subjects, it was reported that the ginger and nifedipine possessed synergistic effect on antiplatelet aggregation, and a combination of 1 g ginger with 10 mg nifedipine per day could be valuable for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complication due to platelet aggregation. 4 However, more human trials are needed to find the effective minimum dosage of a standardized ginger extract.…”

Drug Interactions with Garlic and Ginger Supplements

“…These results suggested a synergistic effect of ginger and nifedipine on antiplatelet aggregation. It has been recommended that 1 g ginger combined with 10 mg nifedipine/day could potentially combat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications due to platelet aggregation [124] .…”