Ginger Found to Inhibit Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus

'Medical researchers from a Taiwanese Medical School have determined that fresh ginger is an effective treatment against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The researchers, from the College of Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University, tested fresh ginger and dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) against RSV-infected human liver and lung cells. The researchers found that the fresh ginger inhibited the attachment of the virus on to the cells and also stimulated the INF-beta secretions that help counteract viral infections among the cells of the mucosal membranes.

The inhibition of the virus occurred more readily amongst the alveolar (lung) cells – illustrating the potential for the ginger to inhibit infections of the lungs.'

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