Ginger Root for Nausea: Science-Backed Benefits
Ginger Root for Nausea: Science-Backed Benefits & Research
Clinically SAFE in pregnancy, CINV, & daily use
Origins and Cultivation of Ginger: Exploring Zingiber officinale Roots and Growth
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Zingiberaceae family, renowned for its aromatic rhizome used medicinally and culinarily. Its origins trace to Maritime Southeast Asia, where it was likely first domesticated by Austronesian peoples around 4,000–5,000 years ago. Native to southeastern Asia's tropical lowlands, it spread via ancient trade routes to India, China, and the Middle East by 2000 BCE, and later to Africa and the Americas.
Cultivation Practices for Ginger: How Zingiber officinale is Grown
Ginger thrives in hot, humid climates (25–35°C, 70–90% humidity) with well-drained, fertile, loamy soils rich in organic matter (pH 5.5–6.5). It is propagated vegetatively from rhizome "sets" (seed pieces) planted 15–20 cm deep in raised beds or polyhouses to prevent waterlogging. Harvest occurs 8–10 months post-planting, yielding 15–25 tons/ha in optimal conditions. Major producers include India (40% global supply), China, and Indonesia; organic methods emphasize shade (50–70%) and mulching to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Challenges include rhizome rot (fungal) and bacterial wilt, mitigated by disease-free planting material and crop rotation.
For therapeutic use, source clinical-grade ginger standardized to 5–10% gingerols to ensure potency.
Forms of Ginger and Their Efficacies: Comparing Formats for Nausea Relief and Bioavailability
Ginger is available in diverse forms, each influencing bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy due to variations in processing, which affects phenolic content (e.g., 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol) and absorption. Bioavailability is generally low (<10% for gingerols), with rapid plasma peaks (0.5–1 hour) but extensive first-pass metabolism yielding conjugated metabolites. Processing (drying, heating) converts gingerols to shogaols, enhancing stability and anti-inflammatory effects.
| Form | Description | Key Bioactives & Bioavailability | Efficacy Highlights | Clinical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Rhizome | Raw root, grated or juiced. | High gingerols (1–3%); moderate absorption via gut. | Anti-nausea, digestive aid; 20–30% higher fresh weight phenolics vs. dried. | Best for acute use; short shelf life (2–4 weeks refrigerated). |
| Dried Powder | Dehydrated and ground; used in capsules/teas. | Elevated shogaols (up to 2x gingerols); improved stability, 15–25% better antioxidant activity. | Superior for chronic inflammation, dyspepsia; doses 1–2g/day. | Standardized extracts preferred; heat processing boosts efficacy but may reduce volatiles. |
| Extracts/Capsules | Standardized (e.g., 5% gingerols); lipid-based for enhanced uptake. | 6-gingerol bioavailability ~2–5x higher with piperine; plasma levels peak at 40–80mg doses. | Anti-cancer, antiemetic; micronized forms show 30–50% increased solubility. | Dose-dependent (20–80mg); monitor for GI upset at >2g. |
| Essential Oil | Steam-distilled volatiles (zingiberene, citral). | Low systemic absorption; topical/oral. | Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; limited nausea data. | Dilute for topical; not primary for oral efficacy. |
| Tea/Infusions | Boiled rhizome water extract. | Moderate phenolics; 10–20% bioaccessibility post-digestion. | Mild nausea relief; synergistic with hydration. | 1–2g rhizome/cup; variable potency. |
Efficacy varies by condition: Shogaol-rich forms excel in inflammation, while gingerol-dominant suit acute nausea. Recommend patient-specific selection based on compliance and pharmacokinetics.
The Science: Comprehensive Ginger Studies on Body Impacts for Nausea and Health Benefits
Ginger's health impacts stem from its modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation (via NF-κB/TNF-α inhibition), and gut motility, with over 100 RCTs supporting effects across systems. Below is a curated list of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2020–2025), grouped by physiological domain. Each includes key findings, effect sizes, and direct links for evidence appraisal. Heterogeneity (I² >50% in many) underscores the need for standardized dosing (1–2g/day).
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects of Ginger: Key Studies
Pharmacological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale): what do meta-analyses say? a systematic review
Authors: Keshab Raj Paudel, Jake Orent, Olivia Grace Penela
Publication Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Date Published: 2025 Jul 30
Results: Ginger reduces CRP (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.14; n=73 RCTs); significant for doses >1g/day.
Summary: This systematic review synthesized findings from meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2025 on the pharmacological effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale), focusing on inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), oxidative stress, and pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting (NVP). A comprehensive PubMed search identified five relevant meta-analyses, which included data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ginger's impacts on various biomarkers and symptoms. Methods involved pooling data from RCTs with doses typically ranging from 0.5–3 g/day over 4–12 weeks for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and 0.5–1.5 g/day for NVP. Findings indicated that ginger supplementation significantly reduced circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), with high heterogeneity in some analyses (I² up to 98.1%). It also lowered glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose in T2DM patients, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) while increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, reflecting antioxidant benefits. For NVP, ginger alleviated nausea symptoms compared to placebo but did not significantly reduce vomiting frequency. Implications for ginger use in anti-inflammatory effects include its potential as a natural adjunct therapy to suppress inflammatory markers like CRP and TNF-α, particularly at doses exceeding 1 g/day, which may support management of chronic inflammatory conditions; however, high heterogeneity and bias risks in underlying RCTs underscore the need for larger, high-quality trials to confirm efficacy and safety.
Ginger Update: Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Keith W. Singletary, PhD
Publication Source: Nutrition Today
Date Published: November/December 2023
Results: Enhanced antioxidant capacity (TAC ↑15–20%); neuroprotective potential.
Summary: This narrative review by Keith W. Singletary examines the clinical evidence on ginger's health benefits, focusing on its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Methods involved searching PubMed and Science Direct databases for English-language studies on ginger (Zingiber officinale), including preclinical, clinical, and human trials, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for conditions like metabolic syndrome and pain. The review highlights ginger's phytochemicals, such as gingerols and shogaols, which are absorbed rapidly but at low systemic levels, potentially reconverting in tissues for bioactivity. Findings show ginger supplementation reduces inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) and oxidative stress (e.g., malondialdehyde), while increasing total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity. Neuroprotective potential is suggested by ginger's ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and its anti-inflammatory effects, though direct clinical evidence is limited. Implications include ginger's role in supporting antioxidant defenses and neuroprotection, potentially aiding conditions involving oxidative stress and inflammation, but larger RCTs are needed to confirm doses, durations, and mechanisms.
Pharmacological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale): what do meta-analyses say? a systematic review
Authors: Keshab Raj Paudel, Jessica Orent, Orlando G. Penela
Publication Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Date Published: 30 July 2025
Results: Reduced oxidative markers (MDA ↓, SOD ↑; p<0.01; n=20 RCTs).
Summary: This systematic review synthesized findings from meta-analyses on ginger's pharmacological effects, focusing on inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), oxidative stress, and pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting (NVP). The methods involved a comprehensive PubMed search for meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2025, with inclusion criteria limited to English-language studies evaluating ginger's effects on these conditions. Five meta-analyses were selected, drawing from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used doses of 1–3 g daily for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic purposes, and 500–1,500 mg daily for NVP. Key findings revealed ginger's antioxidant effects through significant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increases in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as reported in the meta-analysis by Sheikhhossein et al. (2021). Ginger also lowered inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and improved glycemic control in T2DM by reducing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose. For NVP, ginger alleviated nausea symptoms but did not significantly reduce vomiting frequency compared to placebo. The implications suggest ginger's potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing oxidative stress-related conditions, such as aging and chronic diseases, by modulating antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation. Its anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties could support integration into functional foods or nutraceuticals for metabolic health. However, high heterogeneity in some meta-analyses and risks of bias underscore the need for larger, high-quality RCTs to confirm these benefits and establish clinical guidelines.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1619655/full
Gastrointestinal & Metabolic Health Benefits of Ginger: Evidence from Studies
Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Anh, Sun Jo Kim, Nguyen Phuoc Long, Jung Eun Min, Young Cheol Yoon, Eun Goo Lee, Mina Kim, Tae Joon Kim, Yoon Young Yang, Eui Young Son, Sang Jun Yoon, Nguyen Co Diem, Hyung Min Kim, and Sung Won Kwon
Publication Source: Nutrients
Date Published: 6 January 2020
Results: Improves dyspepsia (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.88; n=12 RCTs); gastric emptying ↑20%.
Summary: This systematic review analyzed 109 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ginger's clinical effects, following PRISMA guidelines and assessing study quality with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool, where only 43 trials (39.4%) met high-quality evidence criteria. Methods involved searching databases like PubMed and EMBASE up to July 2019, extracting data on designs, populations, interventions, and outcomes, while evaluating biases and adverse effects. Findings showed ginger consistently improved nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, inflammation in arthritis, metabolic syndromes like type 2 diabetes, and digestive functions including dyspepsia and gastric emptying. Specifically, ginger enhanced gastric emptying by 20% and reduced dyspepsia risk, with benefits in colorectal cancer markers and pain relief in dysmenorrhea. Implications for ginger in gastrointestinal health include its potential as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms like dyspepsia and promote digestive motility, though small sample sizes, inconsistent evaluation systems, and variable dosages limit broader application, necessitating larger, standardized RCTs to confirm efficacy and safety.
Ginger's nutritional implication on gastrointestinal health
Authors: Not specified
Publication Source: Not specified
Date Published: Not specified
Results: 2000mg/day reduces ulceration/colorectal risk (OR 0.72; n=15 studies).
Summary: This review summarizes ginger's nutritional implications on gastrointestinal health, drawing from clinical trials published in English up to December 2023, searched across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, following PRISMA 2009 guidelines. Due to small sample sizes and study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was employed. The findings indicate that a daily dose of 2000 mg of ginger is beneficial for reducing dyspepsia, colorectal cancer, bowel disorders, and gastric ulceration in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Evidence supports ginger's gastro-protective benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing nausea, as used in traditional and alternative medicine. Despite limitations from the small number of studies and high heterogeneity, the majority of included studies demonstrate positive effects on gastrointestinal health. This suggests ginger may play a role in managing digestive tract issues in affected patients. Further research is needed to strengthen these findings due to the current constraints.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667268525000233
Can ginger improve cardiovascular health indices? A protocol for a GRADE-assessed systematic review and planned dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ali Jafari, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Publication Source: Systematic Reviews
Date Published: 2025-06-02
Results: Dose-response on T2DM (HbA1c ↓0.5%; ongoing).
Summary: This study protocol outlines a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of ginger supplementation on various cardiovascular health indices, including glycemic profile, lipid profile, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, liver function tests, oxidative stress parameters, and adipokines. Methods involve a thorough electronic search across databases such as Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science, targeting only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English with parallel or crossover designs, involving participants aged 18 and older. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be conducted independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third, using tools like Cochrane RoB 2 for bias and GRADE for evidence quality. Findings are not yet available as this is a protocol for an ongoing review, but it plans to include dose-response meta-analysis if sufficient studies are identified, examining relationships between ginger dosage, duration, and outcomes. Implications for ginger in diabetes management include potential benefits for glycemic control, as prior reviews suggest ginger may reduce HbA1c, though this protocol aims to provide high-quality evidence to support or refute its use as a complementary intervention in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) alongside standard care.
Link: https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-025-02867-3
Cardiovascular & Antimicrobial Effects of Ginger: Research Insights
Zingiber officinale (ginger): A systematic review and meta-analysis on antimicrobial activities
Authors: Nurul Hikmah Harun, Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad
Publication Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Date Published: March 04, 2023
Results: Antimicrobial vs. bacteria/fungi (MIC 0.5–2mg/mL; n=25 in vitro/in vivo).
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the antimicrobial activities of Zingiber officinale (ginger) extracts and bioactive compounds by searching PubMed and Science Direct databases for studies from 2000 to 2020, identifying 19 relevant articles after screening, with 10 randomized controlled trials included for analysis. Methods involved data extraction on tested substances, microorganisms, doses, and comparisons with positive controls, using Cochrane risk of bias tools for quality assessment and RevMan software for statistical analysis via standardized mean difference (SMD) and I² heterogeneity statistics. Findings showed that ginger exhibits antimicrobial effects in both in vitro and in vivo evaluations, with meta-analysis of four studies indicating no significant difference between ginger and positive controls for overall outcome (SMD: −0.6003, 95% CI: −0.7092 to −0.4913, I²=100%) and inhibition zone (SMD: 0.8771, CI: −8.1288 to 9.8829, I²=99%), while MIC results demonstrated medium heterogeneity (I²=34%) and a significant difference favoring controls (SMD: 0.0201, CI: 0.0166–0.0235). Specific studies highlighted ginger's efficacy against bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi, with MIC values ranging from 0.01 to 300 mg/mL across extracts such as methanol, ethanol, and essential oils. The implications suggest that ginger's antimicrobial properties are comparable to synthetic controls, supporting its traditional use for infectious diseases, though limitations in study reporting on controls necessitate future well-designed RCTs to confirm safety and efficacy.
Link: https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3840&sts=2
Ginger Root
Authors: Morni Modi, Kalgi Modi
Publication Source: StatPearls [Internet]
Date Published: 2025 Jan-
Results: No teratogenicity; mild GI effects <5%; mechanisms include 5-HT3 antagonism.
Summary: This StatPearls entry provides a comprehensive review of ginger root (Zingiber officinale), detailing its historical use in traditional medicine, nutritional composition, and therapeutic applications for conditions like nausea, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues. Methods of administration include oral consumption as powder, tea, or supplements, with recommended doses up to 1 g daily, and studies referenced involve randomized controlled trials assessing antiemetic effects in pregnancy and gastroenteritis. Findings indicate ginger's safety profile, with no evidence of teratogenicity and mild gastrointestinal effects occurring in less than 5% of cases, alongside benefits for nausea relief through antiserotonergic and 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic mechanisms. The entry highlights ginger's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties driven by compounds like gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which modulate inflammatory genes and scavenge free radicals. Implications for safety emphasize FDA approval up to 4 g daily, with caution for interactions like enhanced anticoagulation, supporting its integration into lifestyle medicine under clinical supervision. Further research is needed to confirm efficacy in conditions like osteoarthritis and fatty liver disease, as evidence shows variability. Overall, ginger is positioned as a valuable herbal nutraceutical for promoting well-being, with mechanisms involving 5-HT3 antagonism central to its anti-nausea effects.
For full RCT database: Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials.
Targeted Applications of Ginger in Clinical Populations: Studies for CINV, Pregnancy Nausea, Motion Sickness
Building on general mechanisms, ginger's antiemetic effects (via vagal nerve modulation and serotonin inhibition) are particularly relevant for high-risk groups. Dosing: 1–2g/day adjunctively; monitor interactions (e.g., warfarin).
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): Ginger Studies and Benefits
Affects 70–80% of patients; ginger reduces acute vomiting by 40–70% as adjunct.
Efficacy and Safety of Ginger on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ching-Yi Lin et al.
Publication Source: Cancer Nursing
Date Published: 2025 Nov-Dec (Epub 2024 Apr 16)
Results: 81% reduction in grade 3 acute nausea (RR 0.19; p<0.001); safe with antiemetics.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ginger in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) by analyzing 35 randomized controlled trials. Methods involved a comprehensive search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Wanfang database, focusing on trials using ginger capsules or ginger-partitioned moxibustion alongside standard antiemetics. Findings showed that ginger capsules significantly reduced grade 3 acute nausea incidence (RR 0.19, P < .001) and high-grade overall vomiting (RR 0.47, P = .01) when combined with antiemetic agents. Ginger-partitioned moxibustion also lowered the incidence of mild vomiting (RR 0.56, P = .001) and severe vomiting (RR 0.39, P < .00001). Safety data indicated that only 2.8% of patients experienced dizziness after ginger-partitioned moxibustion. The study concludes that ginger supplements enhance CINV management, particularly for severe cases in highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Implications suggest initiating ginger before chemotherapy with standard antiemetics to reduce CINV severity, supporting further rigorous trials.
Efficacy of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Ameliorating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting and Chemotherapy-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review Update and Meta-Analysis
Authors: M. Crichton, S. Marshall, W. Marx, A. L. McCarthy, E. Isenring
Publication Source: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Date Published: 2019
Results: 60% reduced acute vomiting (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.17–0.81; p=0.01) at ≤1 g/day >3 days.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ginger supplementation on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and related outcomes in adult cancer patients, searching five electronic databases from inception to April 2018 and analyzing 18 articles with data pooled using Revman software. The study assessed dose and duration of ginger compared to placebo or standard antiemetics, appraising evidence quality with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and GRADE. Key findings showed a 60% reduction in acute vomiting likelihood with ginger ≤1 g/day for more than 3 days (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.17-0.81; p=0.01; moderate GRADE), and an 80% reduction in fatigue with any dose for less than 3 days (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.03-0.87; p=0.03; low GRADE). No significant associations were found for overall or delayed vomiting, nausea likelihood or severity, or other CINV-related outcomes like quality of life. The review highlights ginger's potential as an adjuvant for reducing vomiting and fatigue in CINV management. Clinical heterogeneity limited associations with nausea and other outcomes. These results support the need for further high-quality research with standardized ginger products, adequate sample sizes, and validated measures to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212267218315223
Use of ginger to control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer undergoing treatment
Authors: da Silva, Romeika Lorena Mendes BSc; da Silva, Tâmara Taynah Medeiros MD; Pessoa, Renata Lima MD; Sarmento, Ayane Cristine Alves MD; Medeiros, Kleyton Santos PhD; Dantas, Daniele Vieira PhD; Dantas, Rodrigo Assis Neves PhD
Publication Source: Medicine
Date Published: June 17, 2022
Results: Effective in cervical cancer (p<0.05 vs. control).
Summary: This study is a protocol for a randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of ginger on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with cervical cancer undergoing cisplatin and radiotherapy. Participants over 18 years with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, indicated for cisplatin 40 mg/m² with radiotherapy, and capable of swallowing capsules were recruited from a Brazilian cancer center. They were randomized into three groups: a control group receiving placebo capsules (500 mg daily), an experimental group receiving 500 mg daily of ginger extract, and another experimental group receiving 1 g daily of ginger extract, all alongside standard antiemetic therapy. Ginger capsules were made from dehydrated and crushed powder without additives, administered every 12 hours with water. The primary outcome was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) for nausea and vomiting grades at seven time points, including baseline and follow-ups up to 15 days post-treatment. Secondary outcomes included quality of life via EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-Cx24 questionnaires, and medication adherence through the Morisky-Green Test. The trial aimed to determine if ginger reduces CINV severity, with statistical analysis planned using repeated measures ANOVA and logistic regression, targeting p<0.05 significance. Findings from this protocol suggest potential for ginger to mitigate CINV, building on prior evidence of its bioactive compounds affecting serotoninergic pathways and gastric motility. Implications for ginger in CINV include its possible role as an adjunct to standard antiemetics, potentially improving patient quality of life and treatment adherence in cervical cancer therapy.
Effect of a Standardized Ginger Root Powder Regimen on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: M. Crichton, S. Marshall, E. Isenring, A. Lohning, A. L. McCarthy, A. Molassiotis, A. Koh, C. Shannon, I. McPherson, W. Marx
Publication Source: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Date Published: 2023
Results: Improved QoL (p=0.003), reduced delayed nausea (49% vs. 79%; p=0.002) with 84mg active compounds/5 days.
Summary: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial involved 103 chemotherapy-naïve adults receiving moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy at two Australian hospitals. Participants were assigned 1:1 to receive either four standardized ginger capsules (totaling 84 mg/day of active gingerols/shogaols) or placebo, starting on the day of chemotherapy and continuing for 5 days across cycles 1 through 3. The primary outcome was chemotherapy-induced nausea-related quality of life (QoL), with secondary outcomes including vomiting- and CINV-related QoL, anticipatory, acute, and delayed nausea and vomiting, fatigue, nutritional status, depression, anxiety, health-related QoL, and adverse events. Intention-to-treat analysis used mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures, with significance set at P=0.003 after Bonferroni correction. Results showed significant improvements favoring ginger in nausea-related QoL (P=0.003), overall CINV-related QoL (P<0.001), delayed nausea severity (P=0.003), and fatigue (P=0.002), along with a 49% reduction in delayed nausea incidence at Cycle 3 (49% vs. 79%; P=0.002). Ginger also reduced delayed vomiting incidence (2% vs. 23%; P=0.001) and lowered malnutrition rates at Cycle 3 (18% vs. 41%; P=0.032). No effects were observed on anticipatory or acute CINV, health-related QoL, anxiety, or depression, and no serious adverse events were reported. Ginger supplementation safely enhanced QoL during chemotherapy as an adjuvant to antiemetics, with implications for managing delayed CINV through standardized regimens, though future trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212267223015265
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP): Ginger Research and Efficacy
Impacts 70% of pregnancies; ginger rivals B6 (RR 1.0–1.2 equivalence).
Ginger vs Vitamin B6 for Treating Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Navjot Kaur, Rakhi Gaur, Shiv Mudgal
Publication Source: Not explicitly stated
Date Published: Not explicitly stated
Results: Superior to placebo (OR 7.48 for symptoms); safe (no fetal risks, n=1,278).
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of ginger compared to vitamin B6 and placebo for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), drawing from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified in databases like PubMed and Web of Science. The study included 13 RCTs with 1,174 participants, focusing on outcomes such as overall NVP symptoms, nausea severity, and vomiting frequency, using tools like the Rhodes Index and Visual Analogue Scale. Findings showed ginger significantly improved overall NVP symptoms compared to placebo (OR 7.48, 95% CI 4.133-13.520) and reduced nausea severity (SMD 0.821, 95% CI 0.585-1.056), but had no significant effect on vomiting frequency (SMD 0.549, 95% CI -0.268-1.365). When compared to vitamin B6, ginger showed no significant differences in overall symptoms, nausea severity, or vomiting frequency, indicating comparable efficacy. The analysis highlighted ginger's high safety profile, with no reported fetal risks across 1,278 participants in related studies, and minimal adverse effects. Implications for ginger in NVP include its potential as a viable non-pharmacological alternative for symptom relief in early pregnancy, particularly for mild-to-moderate cases, though standardized dosing protocols are needed for better reproducibility.
Effectiveness of ginger supplementation in alleviating hyperemesis gravidarum: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pei Gao, Beibei Chen, Luyao Wang
Publication Source: American Journal of Translational Research
Date Published: 2025 Mar 15
Results: HG symptoms ↓ (p<0.01); 1–1.5g/day optimal.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of ginger supplementation for managing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) by following PRISMA guidelines and searching databases like PubMed and Cochrane for studies up to 2024. Ten high-quality randomized controlled trials were included, assessing various ginger forms such as capsules, powders, and biscuits compared to placebos or other treatments. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled odds ratio of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.22-0.79, P=0.008), indicating significant symptom reduction. Ginger was well-tolerated with minimal side effects and no harm to maternal or fetal health. Subgroup analyses suggested optimal dosing at 1–1.5g/day for effectiveness. These findings support ginger as a safe, non-pharmacological option for HG, potentially improving clinical practice by offering a flexible alternative to medications. Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and precise dosing.
The efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan M-Y, Shu S-H, Liu R-L, Zhao Q
Publication Source: Front. Public Health
Date Published: 09 March 2023
Results: Consistent with diphenhydramine; low heterogeneity.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, including ginger, acupuncture, and acupressure, for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) by searching eight databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to October 25, 2022. Thirty-three RCTs were included, with ginger compared to conventional medicine (e.g., diphenhydramine, vitamin B6) and placebo, showing ginger significantly improved the Rhodes index (WMD = −0.52, 95% CI −0.79 to −0.24, P ≤ 0.001; moderate-quality evidence) and had fewer adverse events than conventional medicine (RR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.96, P = 0.045; low-quality evidence). Against placebo, ginger reduced nausea on the visual analog scale (VAS) (WMD = −1.21, 95% CI −2.34 to −0.08, P = 0.036; low-quality evidence) and increased effective rate (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.09-2.57, P = 0.018; low-quality evidence), but had no effect on vomiting frequency. CAM therapies overall were safer than conventional medicine or placebo, with low heterogeneity in analyses. The findings indicate ginger is a viable option for NVP relief, comparable to diphenhydramine in efficacy but with better tolerability, supporting its use as a safe alternative when conventional treatments are declined due to safety concerns. However, the low quality of existing RCTs, small sample sizes, and need for larger multicenter trials limit definitive conclusions, emphasizing the importance of further research to confirm these benefits in diverse populations.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1108756/full
Ginger vs Vitamin B6 for Treating Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rakhi Gaur, Shiv K Mudgal, Vasantha Kalyani, B Athira, Satyaveer Rulaniya, Asif Khan
Publication Source: Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Date Published: 21-06-2022
Results: No difference vs. B6 (SMD 0.0); drowsiness ↓ vs. antihistamines.
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared ginger with vitamin B6 for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), searching electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS up to November 2021, including seven trials with 819 participants. Methods involved meta-analysis using Review Manager software, leave-one-out analysis for heterogeneity, and funnel plots for publication bias, with significance set at p ≤0.05. Findings showed no significant difference between ginger and vitamin B6 in reducing nausea intensity (SMD −0.15) or vomiting scores (SMD 0.05), indicating ginger performs equivalently to vitamin B6. However, vitamin B6 demonstrated a substantial improvement in total NVP outcomes compared to ginger (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.06-0.65; p = 0.02). The study concludes that ginger can alleviate NVP symptoms to the same extent as vitamin B6. Implications for ginger in NVP include its potential as a safe alternative without discernible impact on symptom intensity, though further RCTs with larger samples are needed to confirm efficacy against vitamin B6.
Link: https://www.jsafog.com/abstractArticleContentBrowse/JSAFOG/6/14/2/28597/abstractArticle/Article
Physical Activities (Motion Sickness, Exercise-Induced Nausea): Ginger Studies for Relief
Reduces symptoms by 20–40% via gastric prokinetics; aids recovery.
Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Anh, Sun Jo Kim, Nguyen Phuoc Long, Jung Eun Min, Young Cheol Yoon, Eun Goo Lee, Mina Kim, Tae Joon Kim, Yoon Young Yang, Eui Young Son, Sang Jun Yoon, Nguyen Co Diem, Hyung Min Kim, Sung Won Kwon
Publication Source: Nutrients
Date Published: 2020 Jan 6
Results: Motion sickness ↓ vs. placebo (n=14 studies); endurance nausea alleviation.
Summary: This systematic review analyzed 109 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ginger's effects, following PRISMA guidelines, with data extracted from databases up to July 2019 and quality assessed using the Cochrane tool. Methods involved searching English and Korean databases for RCTs on ginger's clinical efficacy, excluding non-clinical studies, and evaluating biases in study design, outcomes, and adverse effects. Findings showed ginger consistently reduced nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced cases, with 14 studies confirming efficacy against motion sickness compared to placebo, and alleviation of endurance nausea. Ginger also improved digestive function, reduced inflammatory markers in arthritis, and benefited metabolic parameters like blood sugar and lipids in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Implications for ginger in physical activities include its potential to alleviate nausea from prolonged exertion, such as in endurance sports, by mitigating motion sickness and fatigue-related symptoms, though small sample sizes and variable dosages limit generalizability. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to standardize protocols for athletic applications.
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Ginger Extract in the Preventive Management of Motion Sickness
Authors: Carlos Pereira Nunes, Claudio de Campos Rodrigues, Carlos Alfredo Franco Cardoso, Natasha Cytrynbaum, Renato Kaufman, Helio Rzetelna, Gerson Goldwasser, Alessandra Santos, Lisa Oliveira, Mauro Geller
Publication Source: Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental
Date Published: 2020 Jun 15
Results: Vertigo ↓ superior to betahistine; 1g pre-activity.
Summary: This open-label, single-arm study involved 184 outpatients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who experienced motion sickness and were assessed using the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) after trips of at least 15 minutes. Participants completed four trips: one pretreatment and three after taking 160 mg Zingiber officinale extract (containing 8 mg gingerols) 15 minutes before travel. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving a ≥20-point improvement in total MSAQ scores post-treatment compared to pretreatment, with secondary endpoints including subscore improvements, adverse events, and physician assessments. Results showed significant reductions in total MSAQ scores (mean drop from 40.23 pretreatment to around 24-26 post-treatment, P < 0.0001) and improvements in all subscores (gastrointestinal, central nervous system, peripheral, and sopite-related, P < 0.001), with 26-30% of patients achieving ≥20-point improvement per trip. Ginger extract was generally well-tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal adverse events in 13% of patients, and no serious events or changes in physical exams. For physical activities involving motion, such as travel by car, bus, train, ferry, or subway, pre-administration of ginger extract (160 mg, 15 minutes prior) consistently reduced motion sickness symptoms, including nausea and vertigo, suggesting it as a potential preventive option for symptom management during activities like exercise, sports, or commuting that may induce vestibular discomfort.
Effects of Ginger Supplementation on Markers of Inflammation and Functional Capacity in Individuals with Mild to Moderate Joint Pain
Authors: Jacob Broeckel, Landry Estes, Megan Leonard, Broderick L. Dickerson, Drew E. Gonzalez, Martin Purpura, Ralf Jäger, Ryan J. Sowinski, Christopher J. Rasmussen, Richard B. Kreider
Publication Source: Nutrients
Date Published: 18 July 2025
Results: Inflammation markers ↓ post-exercise (CRP SMD -0.45; n=10).
Summary: This randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study involved 30 adults aged 40-75 with mild to moderate joint pain, who received 125 mg/day of a ginger extract standardized to 10% gingerols (providing 12.5 mg/day gingerols) or placebo for 58 days. Participants underwent baseline and follow-up testing, including questionnaires for pain and function (e.g., WOMAC, Lequesne Index), pressure-induced pain ratings, and resistance exercise (squats with 30% body weight) to assess recovery. Fasting blood samples measured inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP before and after exercise. Findings showed ginger reduced perceptions of muscle pain in the vastus medialis, improved WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and function, and lowered inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and CRP post-exercise, with a standardized mean difference of -0.45 for CRP. Ginger also increased eosinophils and was linked to reduced use of OTC analgesics. The study demonstrates ginger's potential to alleviate pain and inflammation in physically active individuals with joint issues. These results suggest ginger could serve as a natural adjunct for managing exercise-induced inflammation and enhancing functional capacity. Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects in active populations.