Most powerful anti-inflammatory ever discovered

[Steve95301]

According to this story, an extract of the Aframomum melegueta, a member of the ginger family found in Africa, may be "one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory substances ever discovered."

"It contains a derivative of a plant known as grains of paradise, or Aframomum melegueta, a member of the ginger family," said Raskin. The compound works in a similar way to the well-known anti-inflammatory drugs Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra but, it is hoped, without their side effects, said Raskin and other scientists.

[...]

"Aframomum contains compounds called gingerols, which are chemically similar to other anti-inflammatory compounds," he said. "That's what initially drew our attention to the plant, and was confirmed in the lab."

Okunji's research has shown that one species of Aframomum has significant antimicrobial activity in laboratory tests. In a published study involving cell cultures, Okunji showed that the plant works against the microbe responsible for a hard-to-treat infection, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA, which has reached epidemic levels in some hospitals and other confined places, is impervious to every penicillin-like antibiotic now available.

[...]

"If you spread a thin layer of this substance on a paper-cut or an aching joint," said scientist Neb Ilic of Phytomedics Inc., a pharmaceutical company in Jamesburg, N.J., "there's a warm sensation for a brief time, then the inflammation disappears."

In an online discussion of the discovery, science writer Cheryl Lyn Dybas, who specializes in medicine, biology and marine science, responded to a question asked by someone in Wheaton, Md:

Wheaton, Md.: Is aframomum effective in the treatment of inflammation due to rosacea? If so, will the new products from Avon be marketed for this purpose? Thank you.

Cheryl Lyn Dybas: Hello, scientists say that the new products from Avon will be marketed only as cosmetics at this time.

However, Aframomum well may be effective against the inflammation in rosacea.

[phlika29]

Very interesting. Is this something you will try to get hold and if so where and in what form (tablet or cream/gel/powder)?

[Twickle Purple]

Great find. Ginger has been promoted as an anti-inflammatory. I wonder if someone who is allergic to ginger can use this.

[Steve95301]

Very interesting. Is this something you will try to get hold and if so where and in what form (tablet or cream/gel/powder)?

If it's affordable, I would definitely try it, especially since it will be a "cosmeceutical" (I hate "-ceutical" words) and not a prescription.

Great find. Ginger has been promoted as an anti-inflammatory. I wonder if someone who is allergic to ginger can use this.

Hmm, good question about allergies. It's possible someone asked the science writer about it- I didn't read all the questions in the interview.

I recently decided to give ginger a regular spot in my supplement lineup, instead of sitting on the bench and coming in as needed.

I especially like that this stuff is anti-microbial, I'm wondering if it would kill demodex mites. I think I respond so well to calendula oil because it's both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. This stuff should be more powerful on both counts.