WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

ZAMBOANGA CITY

HYPOTHERMIA AND HYPERTHERMIA: FRESH AND DRIED GINGER RHIZOME AND ITS

COUNTERACTING EFFECTS

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF ENGLISH 102

(WRITING IN THE DISCIPLINE)

DRAFTED BY:

MAGUIGAD, JAMIE P.

ALONGGAT, RONALY P.

DATE:

MARCH 23, 2015

INTRODUCTION

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in selected local areas which are particularly those that are in

absolute cold environment or residence, flashflood-prone areas, areas that are hardly reached

by rescuees, and illness-prone places. By these means, the objectives and scope of the study

will be precisely corroborated. Participation of respondents will be limited to a range of 7-10

people, each with a different body condition, in each of the selected areas. The fresh and dried

ginger samples will be prepared in the researchers' residences.

Statistical Tool and Sampling Design

The study will focus more on the descriptive aspect of this research study. There might be

inferences to be made and quantitative factors that will generally support and serve as a source

of inferences and answers to the hypotheses. The analysis of variance will be a feasible source

for comparison of the significant differences of the data in the study.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to distinguish the active component of Ginger rhizome that contributes

to the increasing and reducing of body temperature of human, and how it counteracts the

effects of hypothermia, hyperthermia (particularly fever) and extreme exposure to the

elements to a person that may cause chilling and numbness of the extremities. The

significance of this study focuses on the two consequences: 1.) impact on the society, the

researchers want to find a way on how to commercialize or introduce the product to the

society that will eventually benefit mankind especially on natural calamities and

emergencies before rescues are reached; and 2.) the knowledge to be gained, particularly

on the proper use and preparation of ginger and its components of how it is effective to the

ill effects, to be used as the object of this study.

Scope and Limitation

This research study will be focusing on the chemical activity of the fresh and dried ginger to

varying body temperatures which are particularly lower than the 37°C normal body

temperature and, on the other hand, higher than the 37°C. This study aims to determine the

effectivity of ginger in counteracting the ill effects under study, and if there are significant

differences between the treatments. The possible psychosomatic and symptomatic effects and

the environment where the respondents stay are also considered in the study.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers specifically aim to answer the following questions:

1. How effective is the Ginger rhizome in counteracting the effects of hypothermia and extreme

exposure to the elements?

2. What active component of ginger that is/are directly related to temperature or in change of

temperature?

3. Is there any significant difference in the preparation of ginger which are ones indicated in this

study and ones that are commercially or traditionally prepared?

4. Is the effect of the chemical activity of ginger in the human body symptomatic or

psychosomatic?

Hypotheses

The following statements are drawn from the research questions stated:

1. Ho: Ginger is not effective in counteracting the effects of hypothermia and extreme exposure

to the elements.

Ha: Ginger is proven to be very effective in counteracting the effects of hypothermia and

extreme exposure to the elements.

2. Ho: There is no active component that is directly related to temperature.

Ha: There are two active components that are directly related to temperature, namely:

gingerols and shogaols.

3. Ho: There is no significant difference between traditionally prepared ginger product and the

preparation of ginger indicated in the study.

Ha: There is a significant difference between traditionally prepared ginger product and the

preparation of ginger indicated in the study

4. Ho: Ginger has a symptomatic effect that prevents chilling and hypothermia.

Ha: Ginger has a psychosomatic effect that prevents chilling and hypothermia.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Origin and Characteristic of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant in the family Zingiberaceae whose

rhizome, ginger root or simply ginger, is widely used as a spice or a medicine. It is a

herbaceous perennial which grows annual stems about a meter tall bearing narrow

green leaves and yellow flowers. The origin of "ginger" is from the mid-14th century,

from Old English gingifer, from Medieval Latin gingiber, from Latin zingiberi, from Greek

zingiberis, from Prakrit (Middle Indic) singabera, from Sanskrit srngaveram, from

srngam "horn" + vera- "body", from the shape of its root. The word apparently was

readopted in Middle English from Old French gingibre (modern French gingembre).

The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger is caused by a mixture of zingerone,

shogaols and gingerols, volatile oils that compose one to three percent of the weight of

fresh ginger. In laboratory animals, the gingerols increase the motilityof the

gastrointestinal tract and have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial

properties. A study at theUniversity of Michigan demonstrated that gingerols can inhibit

growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. [6]-gingerol (1-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl]-5-

hydroxy-3-decanone) is the major pungent principle of ginger. Ginger contains up to

three percent of a fragrant essential oil whose main constituents are sesquiterpenoids,

with (−)-zingiberene as the main component. Smaller amounts of other

sesquiterpenoids (β-sesquiphellandrene, bisabolene andfarnesene) and a small

monoterpenoid fraction (β-phelladrene, cineol, and citral) have also been identified. The

pungent taste of ginger is due to nonvolatile phenylpropanoid-derived compounds,

particularly gingerols andshogaols, which form from gingerols when ginger is dried or

cooked. Zingerone is also produced from gingerols during this process; this compound

is less pungent and has a spicy-sweet aroma. Ginger is also a minor chemical irritant,

and because of this was used as a horse suppository by pre-World War I mounted

regiments for feaguing. Ginger has a sialagogue action, stimulating the production of

saliva, which makes swallowing easier.

Traditional uses and healing effects of Ginger

Ginger produces a hot, fragrant kitchen spice. Young ginger rhizomes are juicy

and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack

or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be steeped in boiling

water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added; sliced orange or lemon fruit

may also be added. Ginger can also be made into candy, or ginger wine which has

been made commercially since 1740. Mature ginger rhizomes are fibrous and nearly

dry. The juice from ginger roots is often used as a spice in Indian recipes, and is a

common ingredient of Chinese, Korean, Japanese,Vietnamese and many South Asian

cuisines for flavoring dishes such as seafood, various meats and vegetarian cuisine.

Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of 6 to 1, although the

flavors of fresh and dried ginger are somewhat different. Powdered dry ginger root is

typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies,crackers and

cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer. Candied ginger, or crystallized ginger, is the root

cooked in sugar until soft, and is a type of confectionery. There are varieties of uses of

ginger in different regions of the world. Here are some of the uses and healing effects.

Ginger also has a role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger is also an ingredient in

traditional Indian drinks, both cold and hot, including spiced Masala chai. Fresh, as well

as dried, ginger is used to spice tea and coffee, especially in winter. Ginger powder is

also used in certain food preparations, particularly for pregnant or nursing women, the

most popular one being katlu which is a mixture of gum resin, ghee, nuts, and sugar.

Ginger is also consumed in candied and pickled form. In Bangladesh, ginger is finely

chopped or ground into a paste to use as a base for chicken and meat dishes alongside

onion and garlic. In the Philippines, it is a common ingredient in local dishes and it is

brewed into a tea called salabat. One traditional medical form of ginger historically was

called Jamaica ginger; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative and used

frequently for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow motility symptoms, constipation, and colic.

It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines. Some studies

indicate ginger may provide short-term relief of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Studies are inconclusive about effects for other forms of nausea or in treating pain from

rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle injury. Side effects, mostly

associated with powdered ginger, are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Tea brewed

from ginger is a common folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer are also

drunk as stomach settlers in countries where the beverages are made.

Chemical difference between dried and fresh ginger

Fresh raw ginger contains the spicy substance called "gingerol". We came to

understand that dried ginger has several times more gingerol than fresh ginger.

Gingerol helps increase immune cells in the blood vessels to protect the body from

bacteria and other toxic elements. Gingerol is also known to protect your body from

contracting bacterial bronchitis.

According to the Japanese researcher Junji Takano, new findings and

recognition of century-old Traditional Chinese medicine made dried ginger a popular

product and fashionable from young to old. However, many of us including traditional

healers and scientists in today's modern day took the ginger process incorrectly. The

researcher tried to read more and dig deeply on various century-old Chinese orthodox

medical books. Takano found a certain mistake as well as misunderstanding about the

uses of ginger. Accordingly, if you can use ginger properly, then it can really keep you

healthy, and will probably even heal your sufferings including your empty pocket. It's a

common knowledge that ginger helps in relieving cold, and some people have adapted

it in a variety of day-to-day cooking—but "with a very wasteful way of cooking and

eating". In fact, to really warm your body, the way it is commonly cooked and eaten was

completely different or incorrect according to Chinese medical books. From the people

the researcher surveyed, almost all of them believe that fresh ginger in any form of

cooking and eating can be good for health and make our body warm and improve blood

circulation. Majority of people who are office workers carry their tea bottles containing

ginger extracts. They claim that they drink 5–6 cups in 5–8 hours of time, and it keeps

their body warm and healthy the entire day. Some claim that their appetite increased

while maintaining fit and slim body. However, Takano’s studies show that something is

wrong as their scientific records show negative results for many patients.

Long before their studies, the century-old Chinese medical book stated that the use of

fresh ginger is recommended for reduction of fever, while dried ginger is required for

keeping the body healthy and warm. Unfortunately, many of us did not understand this

simple fact correctly. In fact, most traditional healers including pharmaceutical

companies around the world have been using fresh ginger. That's what the researcher

have discovered. His research team conducted an experiment on a woman volunteer by

having her eat ginger that they prepared. Then, they monitored her body temperature

using thermograph as seen below.

Thermogram of a woman one hour after eating fresh ginger

This thermogram indicates that her body temperature went down one hour after eating fresh

ginger. This shows that fresh ginger is good in reducing body temperature. It also shows that

fresh ginger is really recommended for reducing high fever.

Thermogram of a woman one hour after eating dried ginger

This thermogram indicates that her body temperature went up one hour after eating dried

ginger. This shows that dried ginger is good in increasing body temperature. It also shows that

dried ginger is good in keeping your body warm especially during cold winter.

In fact, according to our survey among 1,000 cooking students and chefs, none of them

had known about the uses of dried and fresh ginger at all. Thus, they have been using

any available ginger, thinking that they are all the same and are equally good for health.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia

If heat gain exceeds the ability of the body to lost heat, then body temperature

increases above normal levels, a condition called hyperthermia. Hyperthermia can

result from exposure to hot environments, exercise, fever, and anesthesia. Exposure to

a hot environment normally results in the activation of heat loss mechanisms, and body

temperature is maintained at normal levels. This is an excellent example of a negative-

feedback mechanism. However, prolonged exposure to a hot environment can result in

heat exhaustion. The normal negative-feedback mechanisms for controlling body

temperature are operating, but they are unable to maintain a normal body temperature.

Heavy sweating results in dehydration, decreased blood volume, decreased blood

pressure, and increased heart rate. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion have a

wet, cool skin because of the heavy sweating. They usually feel weak, dizzy, and

nauseated. Treatment includes reducing heat gain by moving to a cooler environment,

reducing heat production by muscles by ceasing activity, and restoring blood volume by

drinking fluids. Heat stroke is a breakdown of the normal negative-feedback

mechanisms of temperature regulation. If the temperature of the hypothalamus

becomes too high, it no longer functions appropriately. Sweating stops, and the skin

becomes dry and flushed. The person becomes confused, irritable, or even comatose.

In addition to the treatment for heat exhaustion, heat loss from the skin should be

increased. This can be accomplished by increasing evaporation from the skin by

applying wet cloths or by increasing conductive heat loss by immersing the person in a

cool bath. Exercise increases body temperature because of the heat produced as a by-

product of muscle activity. Normally vasodilation and increased sweating prevent body

temperature increases that are harmful. In a hot, humid environment the evaporation of

sweat is decreased, and exercise levels have to be reduced to prevent overheating.

Fever is the development of a higher-than-normal body temperature following the

invasion of the body by microorganisms or foreign substances. Lymphocytes,

neutrophils, and macrophages release chemicals called pyrogens (pi'ro-jenz) that raise

the temperature set point of the hypothalamus. Consequently body temperature and

metabolic rate increase. Fever is believed to be beneficial because it speeds up the

chemical reactions of the immune system and inhibits the growth of some

microorganisms. Although beneficial, body temperatures greater than 41 degrees C

(106 degree F) can be harmful. Aspirin lowers body temperature by affecting the

hypothalamus, resulting in dilation of skin blood vessels and sweating. Malignant

hyperthermia is an inherited muscle disorder. Drugs used to induce general anesthesia

for surgery cause sustained, uncoordinated muscle contractions in some individuals.

Consequently body temperature increases. Therapeutic hyperthermia is an induced

local or general body increase in temperature. It is a treatment sometimes used on

tumors and infections.

If heat loss exceeds the ability of the body to produce the heat, body temperature

decreases below normal levels. Hypothermia is a decrease in body temperature to 35

degrees C (95 Degree F) or below. Hypothermia usually results from prolonged

exposure to cold environments. At first, normal negative-feedback mechanisms

maintain body temperature. Heat loss is decreased by constricting blood vessels in the

skin, and heat production is increased by shivering. If body temperature decreases

despite these mechanisms, hypothermia develops. The individual's thinking becomes

sluggish, and movements are uncoordinated. heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates

decline, and death results unless body temperature is restored to normal. Rewarming

should occur at a rate of a few degrees per hour. Frostbite is damage to the skin and

deeper tissues resulting from prolonged exposure to the cold. Damage results from cold

injury to cells, injury from ice crystal formation, and reduced blood flow to affected

tissues. The fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks are most commonly affected.

Damage from frostbite can range from redness and discomfort to loss of the affected

part. The best treatment is immersion in a warm water bath. Rubbing the affected area

and local dry heat should be avoided. Therapeutic hypothermia is sometimes used to

slow metabolic rate during surgical procedures such as heart surgery. Because

metabolic rate is decreased, tissues do not require as much oxygen as normal and are

less likely to be damaged.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study will be utilizing the Randomized Controlled Trial, a type of an efficient quantitative

experimental design which uses human subjects that reduces the influence of external variables

which can probably skew the results wildly. In selecting the subjects, randomization will

completely remove any accusation of conscious or subconscious bias, test the efficacy of the

healthcare technology which is the ginger as the object being studied and guarantees external

validity.

Statistical Tool

The basic treatment to be used in determining the existence of significant difference

between two variables is the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for One-Way Classification, then the

decision in rejecting or accepting hypotheses will follow.

Flow Charts

The researchers’ aim is to distinguish the active component of Ginger rhizome in reducing

(for hyperthermia or fever) and increasing (for hypothermia) the body’s temperature caused by

extreme exposure to the environment. An observation is to be made first, before finding out the

active component of Ginger root that is related to the maintaining of the body’s temperature. This

will be the following procedures to be made for the observation:

The researchers will need at least 10 respondents for the observation. Every 5 respondent will have different way of Ginger intake.

In the study, two (2) kinds of ginger will be used, the fresh and the dried ginger.

Five respondents experiencing symptoms of hyperthermia will take

fresh ginger, while the other five respondents with hypothermia will

take dried ginger. On the other hand, taking of traditional ginger

products will be done alternately.

The data that was analyzed will be the basis for the study on the

active component of the ginger root. If the observation was proven,

the researchers can determine the active components of ginger root

that contribute to the change on the human body’s temperature.

The researchers will commercialize and introduce the new product

found on ginger root that will help some of the people relieve from

any of the mentioned ill effects in this study of the desired success

will be achieved.

After the observation, the results then will be studied and

analyzed to find out the desired data and results for the next

procedure to be done.

It will take at least three days of observation for better results.

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