# EFLA 956 (Zingiber officinale extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/efla-956
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Zingiber officinale extract, Standardized ginger extract, Ginger rhizome extract, Adrak extract, Shun thi extract, Engelhard ginger extract, Proprietary ginger extract EFLA 956

## Overview

EFLA 956 is a standardized Zingiber officinale (ginger) extract containing concentrated gingerols and shogaols that inhibits [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. It primarily works by suppressing COX-2 enzyme activity and reducing NF-κB activation to support joint mobility and [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health).

## Health Benefits

• Joint mobility support - manufacturer pilot studies suggest 252mg/day may improve joint function (evidence quality: preliminary, unpublished data)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects - inhibits COX-2/PGE2 pathways and reduces NF-κB activation (evidence quality: mechanistic studies)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties - upregulates Nrf2 for enhanced antioxidant gene expression including HO-1 and NQO1 (evidence quality: in-vitro data)
• Potential nausea reduction - general ginger meta-analysis shows RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.50-0.90] (PMID 25502535; evidence quality: moderate, though not EFLA 956-specific)
• Possible osteoarthritis pain relief - general ginger studies show VAS score improvements (PMID 23405820; evidence quality: moderate, not EFLA 956-specific)

## Mechanism of Action

EFLA 956 contains concentrated gingerols and shogaols that inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 (PGE2) production. The extract also suppresses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, a key inflammatory transcription factor. These dual pathways result in reduced inflammatory mediator production and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Clinical Summary

Preliminary manufacturer pilot studies suggest 252mg daily of EFLA 956 may improve joint function, though this data remains unpublished and requires independent verification. The evidence base consists primarily of mechanistic studies demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties in laboratory settings. No large-scale randomized controlled trials have been published examining EFLA 956's clinical efficacy. Current evidence quality is considered preliminary and requires further research to establish therapeutic benefits.

## Nutritional Profile

EFLA 956 is a proprietary supercritical CO2 extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome, standardized and concentrated for bioactive constituents rather than macronutrient content. Key bioactive compounds include: **Gingerols** — primarily [6]-gingerol (typically 1–3% of extract weight), along with [8]-gingerol and [10]-gingerol, which are the principal pungent phenolic compounds responsible for COX-2 and PGE2 inhibition; **Shogaols** — primarily [6]-shogaol (formed by dehydration of gingerols during processing, typically 0.5–2%), which exhibits higher bioactivity than gingerols in some [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays; **Zingerone** — a less pungent degradation product contributing to anti-inflammatory activity; **Sesquiterpenes** — including zingiberene (20–30% of volatile oil fraction), β-sesquiphellandrene, ar-curcumene, and β-bisabolene, contributing to aromatic profile and mild bioactivity; **Paradols** — minor constituents with antioxidant properties. The supercritical CO2 extraction method used for EFLA 956 preferentially concentrates lipophilic gingerols, shogaols, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons while excluding water-soluble polysaccharides, fiber, and most minerals. Typical dose studied is 252 mg/day (often as 2 × 126 mg capsules). Macronutrient contribution per dose is nutritionally negligible (minimal calories, protein, carbohydrate, or fiber). Micronutrient content (vitamins, minerals) is trace/insignificant at the recommended dose. **Bioavailability notes:** [6]-gingerol undergoes extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) with glucuronidation and sulfation as primary conjugation pathways, resulting in low systemic bioavailability of free gingerols (estimated <10%); however, the CO2 extraction process yields a lipophilic matrix that may enhance gastrointestinal absorption compared to aqueous ginger preparations. Gingerols and shogaols are rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~1–2 hours) but have short plasma half-lives. The concentrated extract format of EFLA 956 is designed to deliver pharmacologically relevant levels of these bioactives at lower total mass compared to crude dried ginger powder, which would require substantially higher doses (e.g., 1–2 g) to achieve comparable gingerol intake.

## Dosage & Preparation

EFLA 956: 120-252mg/day of standardized extract (≥15% gingerols/shogaols) in capsule form based on manufacturer-supported trials. Generic ginger powder: 1-2g/day; standardized extracts (5% gingerols): 250-500mg/day. Maximum safe dose: 2g/day ginger equivalent per EFSA guidelines. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

EFLA 956 may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, heartburn, or nausea in sensitive individuals, similar to other ginger preparations. It may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to potential blood-thinning effects. Individuals with gallstones should use caution as ginger extracts may stimulate bile production. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before use, as high-dose ginger extracts may affect pregnancy outcomes.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials specifically on EFLA 956 are identified in PubMed-indexed literature. General ginger extract studies include an RCT (PMID 23405820) with 120 participants showing reduced knee pain in osteoarthritis using 2g/day ginger powder, and a meta-analysis (PMID 25502535) of 8 RCTs (n=664) demonstrating ginger's effectiveness for nausea. Manufacturer claims for EFLA 956 cite unpublished pilot studies using 252mg/day for joint mobility.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Ginger rhizome has been used for over 2,500 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and over 2,000 years in Ayurveda for treating nausea, digestive issues, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and arthritis. Known as 'adrak' (fresh) or 'shun thi' (dried) in Ayurveda, it was traditionally prepared as decoction or powder (1-3g/day) for 'vata' imbalances and cold-induced pain.

## Synergistic Combinations

Piperine (black pepper extract), Boswellia serrata, Turmeric (curcumin), MSM, Glucosamine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of EFLA 956?

Preliminary studies suggest 252mg daily of EFLA 956 for joint support. However, optimal dosing has not been established through rigorous clinical trials, and individual needs may vary based on health status and desired outcomes.

### How long does EFLA 956 take to work?

The timeframe for EFLA 956 effects has not been well-documented in published studies. Based on general ginger extract research, anti-inflammatory effects may begin within hours to days, while joint mobility benefits may require several weeks of consistent use.

### Can EFLA 956 be taken with other supplements?

EFLA 956 can generally be combined with most supplements, but caution is advised with other anti-inflammatory compounds or blood-thinning supplements like fish oil. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if taking medications.

### Is EFLA 956 different from regular ginger extract?

Yes, EFLA 956 is a standardized extract with specific concentrations of active gingerols and shogaols, unlike variable regular ginger powders. This standardization aims to provide consistent bioactive compound levels, though comparative efficacy studies are lacking.

### What are the side effects of EFLA 956?

Common side effects may include mild stomach upset, heartburn, or nausea, particularly when taken on an empty stomach. These effects are generally dose-dependent and can often be minimized by taking EFLA 956 with food or reducing the dosage.

### What is the clinical evidence quality for EFLA 956's effectiveness?

EFLA 956 has demonstrated mechanistic effects through in vitro studies showing inhibition of COX-2/PGE2 pathways and NF-κB activation, supporting its anti-inflammatory potential. Joint mobility data comes from preliminary manufacturer pilot studies at 252mg/day dosing, though these remain unpublished and would benefit from independent clinical validation. Antioxidant mechanisms involving Nrf2 upregulation and increased HO-1 and NQO1 expression have been characterized in laboratory settings. Overall, EFLA 956 shows promising mechanistic pathways but requires more robust clinical trial data for definitive efficacy claims.

### Who is most likely to benefit from EFLA 956 supplementation?

EFLA 956 appears most suited for individuals seeking joint mobility support and those interested in anti-inflammatory plant extracts, based on preliminary pilot data. People dealing with oxidative stress-related concerns may benefit from its Nrf2-activating antioxidant properties. However, optimal candidate profiles should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider, as published clinical evidence in specific populations remains limited.

### How does EFLA 956's extraction and standardization affect its bioavailability compared to whole ginger root?

EFLA 956 is a branded extract formulation of Zingiber officinale, which means it undergoes specific extraction and concentration processes to isolate active constituents, potentially improving bioavailability relative to whole ginger powder. The standardized extraction process aims to deliver consistent levels of gingerols and other bioactive compounds in concentrated amounts. This processing differs fundamentally from consuming fresh ginger root or non-standardized ginger supplements, which contain variable phytochemical profiles and lower concentrations of active ingredients.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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