Parts of the peppery root interact with medicines called beta-agonists which relax the airways, scientists claim, allowing the asthma sufferer to breathe more easily.
‘These compounds may provide additional relief of asthma symptoms when used in combination with beta- agonists,’ said lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Townsend, of Columbia University in the US.
‘By understanding the mechanisms by which these ginger compounds affect the airway, we can explore the use of these therapeutics in alleviating asthma symptoms.’
Asthma attacks occur when the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs tighten and constrict.
Researchers took tissue samples and caused them to contract by exposing them to the nerve-signalling chemical acetylcholine.
They then treated the samples with the beta-agonist isoproterenol mixed with three separate components of ginger – 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol or 6-shogaol.
Further tests showed all three ginger compounds suppressed an enzyme linked to asthma symptoms.
The 6-shogaol dissolved protein filaments known to play a role in constricting bronchial tubes.
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