Researchers have demonstrated in an animal study that ginger extract blocked the toxin responsible for diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. If further studies confirm its efficacy and safety in humans, it could lead to a cheap, non-drug alternative to treating E.coli-induced diarrhea.

"In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that ginger and its derivatives may be effective herbal supplements for the clinical treatment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea," the researchers state. Additional studies are needed to determine the effective doses of ginger needed and whether it is safe for infants, who may experience unexpected side effects from large doses.

The study will be published tomorrow in the Oct. 3 issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.