Sheng Jiang
Also known as: Ginger, Sheng Jiang, Shengjiang Powder, SJP, Zingiber officinale
Overview
Sheng Jiang refers to the rhizome of *Zingiber officinale* Roscoe, commonly known as ginger. It is widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and as a culinary spice. While Sheng Jiang can be used individually, much of the recent research focuses on its role as a key ingredient within the multi-herb TCM formula known as Shengjiang Powder (SJP), which also includes botanicals like *Rheum officinale* (rhubarb) and *Curcuma longa* (turmeric). Traditionally, Sheng Jiang and SJP are used for digestive issues, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Modern research highlights its potential in managing conditions such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity-related organ injury, and general metabolic regulation. Its key characteristics include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid metabolism modulation, glycemic control, and gut microbiota regulation properties. The research maturity level is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, primarily in Chinese populations, showing promising results.
Benefits
Sheng Jiang, particularly as part of Shengjiang Powder (SJP), demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), SJP combined with conventional therapy significantly improved clinical efficacy (Risk Ratio (RR) = 1.27, 95% CI 1.19–1.35, p < 0.001) and reduced 24-hour urinary protein levels (Mean Difference (MD) = -0.22 g/24h, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.17, p < 0.001) in a meta-analysis of 1,331 patients across 24 studies. It also improved fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD = -0.78 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.48, p < 0.001) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG) (MD = -1.25 mmol/L, 95% CI -2.10 to -0.40, p < 0.01). These benefits were observed over treatment periods of 3 months or longer. Preclinical studies in animal models of obesity and NAFLD suggest SJP can reduce body weight gain, attenuate liver lipid accumulation, and improve insulin resistance, potentially by modulating lipid metabolism pathways and gut microbiota (e.g., increasing short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria). SJP also increased antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD) and reduced inflammatory injury in multiple organs in obese rats. While the evidence for DKD is from human clinical trials, primarily in Chinese populations, the benefits for NAFLD and obesity are currently supported by animal studies, indicating a need for human clinical trials in these areas. The effect sizes are moderate but statistically significant, suggesting promising clinical relevance, especially in DKD.
How it works
Sheng Jiang and its formulations, such as Shengjiang Powder (SJP), exert their effects through multiple biological pathways. They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help mitigate cellular damage and inflammation in various organs. SJP modulates lipid metabolism, potentially by regulating key pathways like PPARγ expression, which is crucial for lipid homeostasis. It also enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), protecting against oxidative stress. Furthermore, SJP interacts with the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which can positively influence metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. These mechanisms collectively contribute to improved kidney function by reducing proteinuria, enhanced liver metabolism by decreasing steatosis, and better glycemic control. While the exact absorption and bioavailability of all active compounds are not fully detailed in the reviewed studies, ginger constituents are generally known to undergo metabolism in the liver and gut.
Side effects
Sheng Jiang, particularly as part of Shengjiang Powder (SJP) when used as an adjunct therapy, is generally considered safe. Meta-analyses of clinical trials have not reported any major adverse events. Common side effects, such as mild gastrointestinal discomfort, are possible with traditional ginger use but were not explicitly detailed as significant concerns in the reviewed SJP studies. Uncommon or rare side effects were also not reported in high-quality studies. Regarding drug interactions, no specific interactions were reported for SJP. However, caution is advised when combining Sheng Jiang or SJP with anticoagulants or hypoglycemic agents due to the potential for additive effects on blood thinning or blood glucose levels, respectively. Patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners should exercise caution. Contraindications are not clearly defined, and there is limited data on the use of Sheng Jiang or SJP in special populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment. Therefore, these groups should use it with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Sheng Jiang, especially as part of Shengjiang Powder (SJP), is not fully standardized in the reviewed literature, as studies often utilized traditional TCM formulations and dosages. The minimum effective dose has not been precisely established. Clinical studies included in meta-analyses used varying doses of SJP in combination with conventional therapies, typically administered daily. The duration of treatment in these studies ranged from several weeks to months, with some benefits, such as proteinuria reduction, observed within 3 months or longer. The maximum safe dose has not been determined in the reviewed literature. Sheng Jiang is commonly administered as a powder or decoction in TCM, and specific recommendations for standardized extracts were not detailed. Absorption factors were not explicitly discussed, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy. Due to the variability in formulations and lack of standardized dosing, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance, especially when considering its use alongside conventional medications.
FAQs
Is Sheng Jiang effective alone or only in combination?
Most evidence supports the efficacy of Shengjiang Powder (SJP) when combined with conventional therapy, rather than Sheng Jiang used in isolation, particularly for conditions like diabetic kidney disease.
Is Sheng Jiang safe for long-term use?
Current data suggest Sheng Jiang and SJP are safe for medium-term use. However, comprehensive long-term safety studies are still needed to fully establish its safety profile over extended periods.
When can effects be expected from Sheng Jiang?
Clinical studies have observed improvements in glycemic control and reductions in proteinuria within approximately 3 months of consistent use of Shengjiang Powder.
Does Sheng Jiang interact with diabetes medications?
Sheng Jiang may have additive effects on blood glucose levels. Therefore, if you are taking diabetes medications, close monitoring of blood sugar is advised when using Sheng Jiang or SJP.
Is Sheng Jiang effective for liver diseases?
Preclinical animal studies suggest potential benefits of SJP in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, human clinical data specifically for liver diseases are currently lacking.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1400939/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 RCTs (1,331 DKD patients) found that Shengjiang Powder combined with conventional therapy significantly improved clinical efficacy, reduced 24-hour urinary protein, and improved fasting and postprandial blood glucose in diabetic kidney disease patients. The study noted significant heterogeneity and variable quality among included studies, primarily involving Chinese populations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1387401/full – This animal study on NAFLD model mice demonstrated that Shengjiang Powder reduced weight gain and liver lipid accumulation. It also modulated gut microbiota composition, increasing short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and improved insulin resistance, suggesting a role in metabolic health through gut-liver axis modulation.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/6575276 – This animal study on obese rats showed that Shengjiang Powder increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in multiple organs and reduced inflammatory injury in the pancreas, liver, spleen, and lung. The findings support the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of SJP in the context of obesity-related organ damage.
