Ginger

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the uppermost ladders in the hierarchy of evidence. Systematic reviews/meta-analyses suggest preliminary or satisfactory clinical evidence for agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) for premenstrual complaints, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) for hypertension, feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) for migraine prevention, ginger (Zingiber officinalis) for pregnancy-induced nausea, ginseng (Panax ginseng) for improving fasting glucose levels as well as phytoestrogens and St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the relief of some symptoms in menopause. However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn. On the other hand, inconclusive evidence of efficacy or contradictory results have been reported for Aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in cystitis prevention, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) for tinnitus and intermittent claudication, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) for the prevention of common cold and pomegranate (Punica granatum) for the prevention/treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications. Nevertheless, potentially serious adverse events, including herb-drug interactions, have been described. This suggests the need to be vigilant when using herbal remedies, particularly in specific conditions, such as during pregnancy and in the paediatric population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steamed ginger extract (GGE03) in subjects with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). In total, 100 subjects were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the GGE03 (0.48 g day-1 as GGE03) or placebo (0 g day-1 as GGE03) group and administered 1.6 g of the product for 12 weeks. Biomarkers were measured before and after intervention. At the efficacy endpoint, pain visual analog scale (VAS) Korean-Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC; total scores, sub-scores) and patient global assessment (PGA) were found to be decreased in a statistically significantly manner in the GGE03 group compared to the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in any safety endpoint. These results suggest that GGE03 intake is useful as a functional food because it has beneficial effects in terms of improving joint pain as well as managing or preventing knee OA without side effects.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to pose substantial clinical challenges owing to the limited response and emergent resistance to standard chemotherapeutic regimens, including FOLFOX. The present investigation explored the antitumor efficacy of JI-CJ002, a standardized herbal formula consisting of Angelica gigas, Aconitum carmichaeli, and Zingiber officinale (2:1:3 ratio), and its combined effects with FOLFOX in in vitro settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxic activities were assessed in HT29 and HCT116 human colorectal cancer cell lines by conducting MTT assays, Annexin V/7-AAD staining, and western blotting. Network pharmacology techniques were employed to identify common targets among JI-CJ002, FOLFOX, and CRC-associated gene profiles. RESULTS: JI-CJ002 exhibited broad-spectrum cytotoxicity that was both time- and dose-dependent in HT29 and HCT116 cell lines. Network analysis identified 89 common targets predominantly involved in DNA repair, apoptosis, and chemoresistance pathways. The combination treatment led to a significant, synergistic reduction in cell viability and elevated apoptotic markers, including Annexin V/7-AAD positivity and cleaved PARP. Mechanistically, co-treatment inhibited ATM, ATR, p-CHK1, p-CHK2, p-Cdc2, and p-p53, while sustaining γ-H2AX accumulation, signifying persistent DNA damage and inadequate activation of cell cycle arrest checkpoints. Immunofluorescence revealed a further increase in γ-H2AX nuclear foci. CONCLUSION: JI-CJ002 augments the therapeutic effect of FOLFOX by suppressing DNA damage response and inducing aberrant cell cycle progression, thereby supporting its development as a chemo-sensitizing agent for colorectal cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. METHODS: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. RESULTS: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01578837. © 2020 The Korean Society of Ginseng, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC.

OBJECTIVE: There has been no attempt to date to synthesize the available evidence for the efficacy of ginger for treating primary dysmenorrhea. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for the effectiveness of ginger for treating primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted using 12 electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Korean databases, Chinese medical databases, and Indian scientific database. Search terms used were: "ginger" or "Zingiber officinale" and "dysmenorrhea" and "pain." Studies using ginger as a treatment of primary dysmenorrhea were considered for inclusion. The major outcome of primary dysmenorrhea was assessed using a pain visual analogue score (PVAS). RESULTS: Initial searches yielded 29 articles. Of these original results, seven met specific selection criteria. Four of the RCTs compared the therapeutic efficacy of ginger with a placebo during the first 3-4 days of the menstrual cycle and were included in the meta analysis. The meta-analysis of these data showed a significant effect of ginger in reducing PVAS in subjects having primary dysmenorrhea (risk ratio, -1.85; 95% CI of -2.87, -0.84, P = 0.0003). Six RCTs out of 7 exhibited low to moderate of risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Collectively these RCTs provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of 750-2000 mg ginger powder during the first 3-4 days of menstrual cycle for primary dysmenorrhea. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PURPOSE: Among cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common symptoms and adversely affects physical ability and quality of life even several years after treatment. This study aims to evaluate the current evidence for moxibustion in patients with CRF. METHODS: Eighteen databases were searched from their inception to April 2013. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moxibustion for treating CRF without language restriction were considered for inclusion. The risk of bias and reporting quality of each study were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), and Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) was used to measure the treatment effect with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) in a random effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs with a total of 374 subjects were included for the review. These four studies compared moxibustion plus routine care with routine care alone. Most studies were determined to have a moderate to high risk of bias with low reporting quality. An indirect moxa stick was used in two studies, an indirect ginger cake-separated moxa was used in one study, and in one remaining study, both moxibustion methods were used. Meta-analysis showed the favorable effects of moxibustion on the response rate (RR, 1.73; 95 % CI, 1.29 to 2.32; p=.0003; heterogeneity, I (2)=15 %, p=.32). Burning with a mild blister after moxibustion was reported in one study. CONCLUSIONS: Because of a high risk of bias and low reporting quality of the studies included in this review, it is difficult to draw the conclusion that moxibustion is an effective and safe treatment for patients with CRF. Further rigorous research will be necessary to evaluate whether moxibustion has beneficial effects on CRF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO. Unique identifier: CRD42013004501.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, with breast cancer being the most prevalent cancer. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy. Because the current CINV treatment option has several flaws, alternative treatment options are required. Ginger has traditionally been used to treat nausea and vomiting, and it also has anticancer properties in breast cancer cells. Based on these findings, researchers investigated whether using ginger to treat CINV in breast cancer patients is both effective and safe. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang from inception to June 2022. Outcomes included Rhodes Index Scores of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, severity and frequency of CINV. Five RCTs were included. We pooled all included data and performed subgroup analysis by types of CINV. Overall, authors found that ginger was associated with a reduction in CINV. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis revealed that managing severity of acute CINV in breast cancer patients with ginger was efficient. In terms of managing delayed CINV in breast cancer patients, ginger was also statistically significant. The authors concluded that ginger may be helpful in lowering both acute and delayed CINV in breast cancer patients. Since there were no serious side effects, ginger is thought to be safe.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of ginger as an antiemetic modality for the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). DATA SOURCES: Databases searched included MEDLINE® (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service by the Korean Education and Research Information Service, and Dissertation Central. DATA SYNTHESIS: A systematic review was conducted of five randomized, controlled trials involving 872 patients with cancer. Ginger was compared with placebo or metoclopramide. The participant characteristics, chemotherapy regimen and antiemetic control, ginger preparation and protocol, measurements, results of the studies, adherence to the treatment protocol, and side effects were reviewed systematically. The incidence and severity of acute and delayed CINV were subject to meta-analysis. The incidence of acute nausea (p = 0.67), incidence of acute vomiting (p = 0.37), and severity of acute nausea (p = 0.12) did not differ significantly between the ginger and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support the use of ginger for the control of CINV. Ginger did not contribute to control of the incidence of acute nausea and vomiting or of the severity of acute nausea. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Ginger has long been regarded as a traditional antiemetic modality, but its effectiveness remains to be established. The findings of this study could be incorporated into clinical guidelines, such as the Oncology Nursing Society's Putting Evidence Into Practice resources. Current evidence supports the need for more methodologically rigorous studies in this area. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION: Although ginger is known as a traditional antiemetic, current evidence does not support the effect of ginger in CINV control. The findings of this study inform healthcare providers that its effectiveness remains to be established from methodologically rigorous future trials.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of steamed ginger extract (GGE03), standardized to high levels of 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione (GD), in reducing body fat and weight among overweight individuals. METHODS: Eighty adults aged 18 to 60 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to receive either GGE03 (n = 40; 480 mg/day) or a placebo (n = 40) for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention period. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the GGE03 group showed statistically significant reductions in body fat percentage and body fat mass compared to the placebo group, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Additionally, significant decreases in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference were observed following GGE03 supplementation. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were also significantly lower in the GGE03 group compared to the placebo group. No product-related adverse events or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were noted, indicating that GGE03 was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of GGE03 supplementation were associated with statistically significant improvements in body composition and lipid parameters without safety concerns. These findings support the potential of GD-standardized GGE03 as a well-tolerated functional dietary ingredient for body fat management and metabolic health.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most widely used plant extracts and has been associated with improvements in biomarkers relevant to cardiovascular disease. Given the global burden of cardiovascular disease, this systematic review of randomized controlled trials aimed to evaluate the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar was performed up to January 2025 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating ginger supplementation. Outcomes included lipid profile, glycemic markers, blood pressure, inflammatory indicators, and liver enzymes. Data were pooled using weighted mean differences (WMDs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Forty-one RCTs were included. Ginger supplementation was effective in improving FBS (WMD = -12.79 mg/dL; 95% CI = -18.57), insulin (WMD = -1.33 µIU/ml; 95% CI = -1.94, -0.71), HOMA-IR (WMD = -0.51; 95% CI = -0.68, -0.33), HbA1c (WMD = -0.68%; 95% CI = -1.00, -0.36), TG (WMD = -11.98 mg/dL; 95% CI = -23.27, -0.69), LDL (WMD = -4.55 mg/dL; 95% CI = -8.43, -0.68), HDL (WMD = 0.80 mg/dL; 95% CI = 0.01, 1.59), SBP (WMD = -2.72 mmHg; 95% CI = -5.25, -0.19), and ICAM-1 (WMD = -20.26 ng/ml; 95% CI = -40.49, -0.03). Ginger supplementation was not effective on the remaining outcomes. Ginger supplementation may improve several biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, with stronger effects in unhealthy individuals. Further studies are required to establish a clear cutoff for optimal dosage and intervention duration.

BACKGROUND: Disturbance of inflammatory/oxidative status of the body is an important player in chronic disease pathophysiology. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) supplementation has been vastly investigated in this regard. The present dose-response meta-analysis is aimed at summing up the findings of existing literature. METHODS: Online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on ginger supplementation. Outcome variables included: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Findings were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). Subgroup analysis was conducted. Linear and non-linear associations between dosage/duration of intervention and the observed effects were assessed. Protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251011148(. RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs were included. Our findings show that ginger supplementation improves all inflammation/anti-oxidant biomarkers, as follows: CRP (WMD = -0.86 mg/L; 95% CI = - 1.10, - 0.62), TNF-α (WMD = - 1.90 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 2.61, - 1.18), IL-6 (WMD = - 1.15 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 1.90, - 0.41), TAC (WMD = 0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.38), MDA (WMD = - 0.76 mcmol/L; 95% CI = - 1.19, - 0.33), and SOD (WMD = 48.12 u/L; 95% CI = 30.57, 65.58). CONCLUSION: The effect of ginger on IL-6 seems to associate with the dosage and duration of intervention in a non-linear fashion. Ginger supplementation may improve inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. Given the high heterogeneity among studies, findings should be interpreted cautiously. © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are major health concerns. The impact of ginger on weight has been studied. In the present systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis we aim to sum up the findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of ginger on various weight measurements/indices. METHODS: Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar) were comprehensively searched. Relevant studies were selected using defined criteria. Outcomes included: body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), adiponectin and leptin. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence interval (CI) were reported. Subgroup analysis was carried out. Linear and non-linear associations, based on dosage and duration of interventions, were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-six RCTs were included. Ginger supplementation significantly improved WC (WMD: -0.65 cm, 95 % CI: -1.07, -0.24), BFP (WMD: -1.49 %, 95 % CI: -2.65, -0.32), and serum adiponectin levels (WMD = 0.84 μg/mL; 95 % CI: 0.01). Other measurements were not improved by the intervention. An inverse, linear association was found between the duration of intervention and changes in BW (BW: coefficient = -0.471, P = 0.001). Also, a non-linear direct association was observed between ginger dosages and WC (P-nonlinearity = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Ginger supplementation does not seem effective in improving major measurements/indices of weight, including body weight and BMI. However, ameliorations in other measurements of local adiposity, findings from subgroup analyses, and investigations of linear and non-linear association on dosage and duration, indicate that further studies with longer intervention periods are needed to make a conclusive decision.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the individual and combined effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation on endurance performance, metabolic responses, perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in normothermic and cold environmental conditions. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, sixteen recreationally active males (age: 23.4 ± 0.4 years; VO2 max: 46.8 ± 2.8 mL/kg/min) were tested in eight conditions (placebo [maltodextrin], green tea [500 mg], ginger [1000 mg], combined), all in normothermic (21-24 °C) and cold (5-7 °C) environments. All supplements and the placebo were encapsulated in identical capsules to ensure blinding. Participants completed a submaximal time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test at 70% VO2 max on a cycle ergometer. TTE, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TSS), and muscle soreness via a visual analog scale (VAS), assessed 24 h post-exercise, were measured. Results: In normothermic condition, green tea and combined supplementation significantly increased TTE and reduced RER compared to the placebo (p < 0.05), and that combined supplementation lowered RPE relative to the placebo and ginger (all p < 0.05). In cold conditions, combined supplementation significantly enhanced TTE, reduced RER, and improved TSS compared to the placebo and ginger (p < 0.05), while all supplements decreased VAS relative to the placebo (p < 0.05). Ginger alone showed no significant effect on TTE or RER but improved TSS and VAS in cold compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). Cold placebo conditions exhibited significantly higher RPE and VAS than all normothermic conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Green tea enhances endurance and fat oxidation in normothermic conditions, while its combination with ginger can optimize performance, thermal comfort, and recovery in cold environments. These findings suggest a practical nutritional strategy for mitigating environmental stress during exercise, specific to the acute supplementation in males. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07150533).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a global use as a spice, an ingredient of beverages, food supplements (syn. dietary supplements), as well as herbal medicinal products. Since the last update of ginger in ESCOP Monographs in 2009 a significant number of papers concerning its bioactive constituents and clinical uses have been published. From this large number and selecting those references (almost 500) considered most relevant to clinical aspects and therapeutic indications, the following issues are considered to be potentially important to research on other medicinal plants: [i] quality assessment; [ii] pre-clinical (in vivo) studies; [iii] quality of clinical trials; [iv] ethnicity of clinical trial participants and [v] effects of sex-gender on activity and therapeutic indications. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that can greatly affect quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Nutritional supplements are increasingly used for KOA due to their low risk, but direct comparative evidence on their efficacy and safety remains scarce. This study aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of seven common nutritional supplements for KOA. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating use of eggshell membrane, vitamin D, Boswellia, curcumin, ginger, krill oil, or collagen, versus placebo, in adults with KOA. Primary outcomes included changes in scores for WOMAC pain, stiffness and function, and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse events were also assessed. Bayesian network meta-analyses estimated ranking probabilities for each intervention. Results: In total, 39 RCTs (42 studies; 4599 patients) were included. Compared with placebo, Boswellia showed significant improvements in WOMAC pain (mean difference [MD] = 10.58, 95% CI: 6.45 to 14.78, p < 0.05), stiffness (MD = 9.47, 95% CI: 6.39 254 to 12.74, p < 0.05), function (MD = 14.00, 95% CI: 7.74 to 20.21, p < 0.05), and VAS pain (MD = 17.26, 95% CI: 8.06 to 26.52, p < 0.05). Curcumin, collagen, ginger, and krill oil also demonstrated benefits in some outcomes. No supplement was associated with increased adverse events compared to placebo. Bayesian rankings indicated Boswellia had the highest probability of being most effective for pain and stiffness, with krill oil and curcumin showing potential for function improvement. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements, particularly Boswellia, appear to be effective and well-tolerated for improving KOA symptoms and function. These results suggest that certain supplements may be useful as part of non-pharmacological KOA management. However, further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these findings, particularly those that include more standardized dosages

Background: Ginger contains gingerols, shagaols, paradols, gingerdiones, and terpenes, which have been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit pain receptors. For this reason, ginger has been marketed as a natural analgesic. This study examined whether a specialized ginger extract obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction and subsequent fermentation affects pain perception, functional capacity, and markers of inflammation. Methods: Thirty men and women (56.0 ± 9.0 years, 164.4 ± 14 cm, 86.5 ± 20.9 kg, 31.0 ± 7.5 kg/m2) with a history of mild to severe joint and muscle pain as well as inflammation participated in a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-arm study. Participants donated fasting blood, completed questionnaires, rated pain in the thighs to standardized pressure, and then completed squats/deep knee bends, while holding 30% of body mass, for 3 sets of 10 repetitions on days 0, 30, and 56 of supplementation. Participants repeated tests after 2 days of recovery following each testing session. Participants were matched by demographics and randomized to ingest 125 mg/d of a placebo or ginger (standardized to contain 10% total gingerols and no more than 3% total shogaols) for 58 days. Data were analyzed by a general linear model (GLM) analysis of variance with repeated measures, mean changes from the baseline with 95% confidence intervals, and chi-squared analysis. Results: There was evidence that ginger supplementation attenuated perceptions of muscle pain in the vastus medialis; improved ratings of pain, stiffness, and functional capacity; and affected several inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, INF-ϒ, TNF-α, and C-Reactive Protein concentrations), particularly following two days of recovery from resistance exercise. There was also evidence that ginger supplementation increased eosinophils and was associated with less frequent but not significantly different use of over-the-counter analgesics. Conclusions: Ginger supplementation (125 mg/d, providing 12.5 mg/d of gingerols) appears to have some favorable effects on perceptions of pain, functional capacity, and inflammatory markers in men and women experiencing mild to moderate muscle

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent upper gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent symptoms, including epigastric pain, bloating, and nausea. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a natural dietary supplement traditionally used to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, has limited evidence regarding its safety and tolerability in patients with FD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and adverse effects of ginger supplementation in patients with FD. METHODS: This open-label clinical trial was conducted at the Internal Medicine Outpatient Department, University of Debrecen. This study was conducted in full compliance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Debrecen (registry reference number: DE RKEB/IKEB 5622-2020). All participants provided written informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Fifty patients with FD were initially enrolled, and 47 participants completed the study. Ginger supplementation was administered at a dose of 1080 mg/d in divided doses over 8 weeks. Adverse effects were assessed weekly through clinical evaluations and self-reports, and tolerability was rated by participants at the end of the trial. RESULTS: The study included 47 patients with FD who completed the trial, with a mean (SD) age of 51.49 (14.64) years. Of the participants, 78.7% were females. Ginger supplementation was well tolerated, with mild and transient adverse effects reported, including bloating (14.9%), heartburn (12.8%), and diarrhea (10.6%). None of these adverse events necessitated discontinuation of the treatment. Tolerability was rated as good or excellent by 87.2% of participants, and no severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings suggest ginger is well tolerated and may be a viable complementary dietary therapy, though further research is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06313814. © 2025 The Authors.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which encompass a range of disorders impacting the heart and blood vessels, continue to pose a significant global public health challenge. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has attracted attention among various treatment options for its potential advantages in promoting cardiovascular well-being. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive properties, ginger is a widely used culinary and medicinal plant. The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive summary and systematic analysis of the existing scientific literature pertaining to the effects of ginger supplementation on glycemic profile, lipid profile, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, liver function tests, oxidative stress parameters, and adipokines. This analysis aims to establish a foundation for clinical interventions. METHODS: A methodical electronic exploration will be carried out to discover articles in various databases such as Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search will specifically target randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that include both healthy and diseased individuals. Two evaluators will independently review articles, extract information, and evaluate the quality of the studies using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2). Any discrepancies will be addressed by involving a third reviewer. The quality of cumulative evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Should a sufficient quantity of suitable studies be found, a meta-analysis will be conducted on the chosen outcomes. DISCUSSION: This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach for systematically reviewing and conducting a dose-response meta-analysis on the effects of ginger supplementation on CVD risk factors. The proposed methodological rigor, including independent evaluation and GRADE assessment, will ensure high-quality evidence synthesis from available RCTs. The findings from this planned review will help inform future research directions and potentially guide clinical recommendations regarding ginger supplementati

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to investigate the dose-response efficacy and safety of MuvzTM (E-PR-01, a blend of V. negundo and Z. officinale) in 400 mg (High-dose [HD]) and 200 mg (Low-dose [LD]) of daily dose in physically active adults in 90 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 157 adults aged 40-60 having knee/low back joint discomfort. The primary outcome was an enhancement in the overall musculoskeletal health in 90 days. Secondary outcomes included assessing the joint discomfort following physical activity, range of motion, quality of life, and the consumption of rescue medication. RESULTS: E-PR-01 notably enhanced musculoskeletal health in a dose-dependent manner compared to placebo within 30 days (p<0.0001), with effects persisting through day 90 and demonstrated clinically significant difference by 13 and 10 units in the HD and LD groups, respectively. Joint discomfort reduced significantly in both the E-PR-01 groups by day 90 (p<0.0001). Furthermore, both doses of E-PR-01 improved the range of motion of the assessed joint (p<0.05) and enriched participants' overall quality of life (p<0.05) at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The study finds E-PR-01 effective for improving overall joint health, with the higher dose showing greater efficacy. These findings align with the earlier studies of E-PR-01 for knee and low back discomfort. © 2025 Kalman et al.

BACKGROUND: Ginger, a root originating in Southeast Asia, has several therapeutic benefits to human health, including antioxidant activity. Currently, there are discussions regarding the hypoglycemic properties of dietary supplements derived from its phenolic compounds in the management of chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and complex disease that requires continuous treatment, with glycemic control being decisive in the management of hyperglycemia. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the effects of oral supplementation of ginger in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients undergoing randomized clinical trial studies. METHODS: Across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, randomized controlled trials that examined the role of ginger in T2DM until January 2022 were systematically researched. The parameters used to assess T2DM treatment control were Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Bias risk assessment of the studies was performed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Meta-analysis was performed considering data compatibility. RESULTS: Five studies were included in the analysis. Capsules containing Zingiber officinale powder were supplemented twice a day. The dose ranged from 1.2 to 2g/day, and the intervention period ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. Meta-analysis results indicated no significant effect of ginger supplementation on FBS or HbA1c. However, individual studies reported mixed results, with two studies showing a significant reduction in FBS. This suggests that while ginger may have potential as an adjuvant therapy, its overall impact on glycemic control in T2DM is not statistically significant when results are pooled. CONCLUSION: Currently published articles are still limited, requiring further studies of high methodological quality to verify the effectiveness of ginger supplementation on T2DM parameters control.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a rich history of traditional medicinal use and has attracted a global interest in its health benefits. This study aims to provide insights into the clinical research landscape on ginger, focusing on its pharmacological effects and studied health-related outcomes. The study design involves systematic analysis of data from clinical trials available on ClinicalTrials.gov and discussion of findings in the context of the existing scientific knowledge. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov related to ginger was first conducted, and the scientific background related to specific ginger clinical research avenues was further evaluated through PubMed searches. A variety of trial designs were identified, including treatment, prevention, and supportive care objectives. A total of 188 studies were identified on ClinicalTrials.gov, of which 89 met the inclusion criteria. Among the 89 trials, treatment objectives were predominant (47.2%), and dietary supplements (40.4%) and drugs (27%) were the most prevalent intervention types. These trials covered various health outcomes, such as antiemetic activity, analgesic function, effects on health-related quality of life, blood pressure variation, energy expenditure, and reduction in xerostomia. This study analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials landscape on ginger, focusing on its broad spectrum of potential health benefits. While individual trials show promising results, a significant gap in the available data with a low reporting rate of final results is identified, underscoring the need for further research to establish conclusive evidence of ginger's therapeutic potentials. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were highly prevalent and involve gastrointestinal discomfort characterized by non-organic abnormalities in the morphology and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. According to the Rome IV criteria, irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia are the most common FGIDs. Complementary and alternative medicines are employed by increasing numbers of individuals around the world, and they include herbal and dietary supplements, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Of these, herbal and dietary supplements seem to have the greatest potential for relieving FGIDs, through multiple modes of action. However, despite the extensive application of natural extracts in alternative treatments for FGIDs, the safety and effectiveness of food and orally ingested food-derived extracts remain uncertain. Many randomized controlled trials have provided compelling evidence supporting their potential, as detailed in this review. The consumption of certain foods (eg, kiwifruit, mentha, ginger, etc) and food ingredients may contribute to the alleviation of symptoms associated with FGID,. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the short-term consumption of these components may not yield satisfactory efficacy. Physicians are advised to share both the benefits and potential risks of these alternative therapies with patients. Furthermore, larger randomized clinical trials with appropriate comparators are imperative. © The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

Erratum in Nutrients. 2024 Nov 05;16(22):3791. doi: 10.3390/nu16223791. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.