14 Jun 2010 --- Reed's, Inc., maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, commented on a recent study in The Journal of Medicine that both raw and cooked ginger reduce pain associated with muscle injury by about 24%, compared with placebo. The study was supported by the McCormick Science Institute.

“The primary novel finding was that supplementation with both raw and heat-treated ginger attenuated muscle pain intensity 24 hours after eccentric exercise,” wrote the researchers, led by Chris Black, Ph.D., from Georgia College & State University. The researchers found that consumption of raw ginger resulted in a 25% reduction, while heat-treated ginger resulted in a 23% reduction in muscle-pain intensity 24 hours post-exercise.

In order to test this hypothesis, the researchers recruited 74 volunteers and randomly assigned them to consume two grams of raw or heat-treated ginger supplements for 11 days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design. The subjects then performed 18 extensions of the elbow flexors with a heavy weight to induce moderate muscle injury to the arm. Arm function, inflammation, and pain were assessed prior to and for three days after exercise. Results showed that exercise-induced pain was reduced by 25% after daily supplements of raw ginger, and by 23% after supplementation with the heat-treated form.

The rhizome of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is a rich source of antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones and other ketone derivatives. According to Black and his co-researchers, ginger’s pain reducing effects are biologically plausible with both in vitro and in vivo animal studies showing an effect of gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones on inflammatory compounds. “[This suggests] ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties akin to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” stated the researchers.

“We are excited by these findings, especially since we have been hearing for years from our customers how they use our natural ginger brewed beverages to treat health conditions,” stated Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s, Inc. “I have always been a believer in the healing power of ginger, which is why I launched our ‘Reeds Rx’ line of over-the-counter ginger-based remedies for nausea and motion sickness. Ginger has been used for thousands of years by many cultures for its healing power, from Ayurvedic medicine to traditional Chinese medicine. This study uncovers important new properties of ginger that supports traditional herbal health values associated with its use.”