Ginger and Plasma Cholesterol Efflux Capacity

In light of the findings from experimental studies examining the effects of ginger-derived compounds on cholesterol efflux pathways, this study aims to investigate the impact of oral ginger supplementation on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function. The crossover and double-blind study will be conducted in two four-week periods, with a minimum of three weeks between these two phases. In one of the two study periods, participants will receive a ginger supplement, while in the other period, they will receive a placebo in the form of capsules. At the outset and end of each study period, venous blood samples will be obtained from the subjects. Plasma and buffy coat (containing white blood cells) will be separated and stored at -80. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) will be determined by adding participants' plasma samples to the culture medium of THP-1 cells. Additionally, the gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCA1) and ABCG1 will be determined in the tissue lining obtained from the blood samples of the participants.