Supplement

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a pungent root whose compounds act on the gut, likely by blocking serotonin signals that spark nausea. People look at it most for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and the evidence is strong: pooled trials found nausea improved compared with placebo, and severe vomiting symptoms were less likely. The improvements were moderate in size, and results for nausea after surgery or chemotherapy were more mixed.

Sources: PMID 24642205; PMID 11275030

Updated 30 September 2026
How we grade
38 studies cited

Best evidence: Grade A
Conditions studied: 24
Outcomes: 67
Graded outcomes: 44164

Evidence by condition

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

24 conditions

Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Nausea Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	9 studies	216 people
Studies that measured nausea symptoms Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808 Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030 Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970 Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049 The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149 The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016 A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552 Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321 Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754
	Pregnancy Nausea (NVP) Meta-analysis (12 RCTs, n=1278): Ginger significantly improved nausea vs placebo (MD 1.20, 95% CI 0.56-1.84, p=0.0002, I²=0%). Subgroup analysis favored <1500mg/day. Another meta-analysis (13 studies, n=1174): OR 7.475 for general NVP symptom improvement. More effective than vitamin B6.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect
	Hyperemesis Gravidarum Meta-analysis (10 RCTs): Pooled OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.22-0.79, p=0.008) indicating significant reduction in nausea and vomiting symptoms. Compared to placebo, vitamin B6, and metoclopramide. Various forms tested including capsules, powders, and biscuits.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect

Surgical Recovery

Surgical Recovery: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Nausea Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	9 studies	268 people
Studies that measured nausea symptoms Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808 Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030 Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970 Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049 The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149 The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016 A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552 Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321 Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Nausea Symptoms: improves

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Nausea Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	9 studies	321 people
Studies that measured nausea symptoms Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808 Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030 Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970 Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049 The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149 The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016 A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552 Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321 Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754

Digestive Health

Chemotherapy-Induced Vomiting: improves
Postoperative Nausea/Vomiting: improves
Gastric Emptying Rate: improves

Digestive Health: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Chemotherapy-Induced Vomiting Meta-analysis (10 RCTs): OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.54-0.94, p=0.015) for CINV control. Systematic review update (18 articles): 60% reduced acute vomiting likelihood with ≤1g/day for >3 days vs control. Also reduced chemotherapy-related fatigue. Nausea results mixed due to clinical heterogeneity.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect
	Postoperative Nausea/Vomiting Multiple systematic reviews: Ginger reduces PONV severity and decreases need for rescue antiemetics. Two of three RCTs found ginger superior to placebo and equally effective as metoclopramide. Typical dose: 1g before operation. Some meta-analyses show non-significant difference vs placebo.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect
	Gastric Emptying Rate Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	4 studies	24 people
Studies that measured gastric emptying rate Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric functionPharmacology · PMID 2062873 Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humansEur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 18403946 Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsiaWorld J Gastroenterol · PMID 21218090 Ginger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unitJ Crit Care · PMID 20149584
	Gastric Emptying Multiple small studies suggest ginger promotes gastric motility and accelerates gastric emptying. May benefit functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Mechanism involves cholinergic stimulation and prostaglandin modulation. More research needed for clinical recommendations.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect
	Lower Esophageal Pressure	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	14 people
Studies that measured lower esophageal pressure Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressureJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 20420113

Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness/Seasickness: improves
Gastric Emptying Rate: improves
Motion Sickness Symptoms

Motion Sickness: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Motion Sickness/Seasickness RCT (n=80 naval cadets): Single dose of ginger associated with statistically significant reduction in seasickness at 4 hours (p<0.05). Multiple early studies showed efficacy for experimentally-induced motion sickness. Results vary by induction method and ginger preparation.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect
	Gastric Emptying Rate Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	4 studies	28 people
Studies that measured gastric emptying rate Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric functionPharmacology · PMID 2062873 Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humansEur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 18403946 Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsiaWorld J Gastroenterol · PMID 21218090 Ginger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unitJ Crit Care · PMID 20149584
	Motion Sickness Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect		28 people

Bone Cancer

Nausea Symptoms: improves

Bone Cancer: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Nausea Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	9 studies	60 people
Studies that measured nausea symptoms Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808 Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030 Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970 Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049 The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149 The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016 A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552 Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321 Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Inflammation: improves
Osteoarthritis Symptoms: changes; see studies
Pain: changes; see studies

Osteoarthritis (OA): outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Inflammation Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	92 people
Studies that measured inflammation Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritisPak J Biol Sci · PMID 22308653
	Osteoarthritis Symptoms	Changes; see studies		1 study	167 people
Studies that measured osteoarthritis symptoms A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis Cartilage · PMID 10607493
	Pain	Changes; see studies		1 study	100 people
Studies that measured pain Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Food Funct · PMID 39212491

Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

Dysmenorrhea Symptoms: improves
PMS Symptoms: changes; see studies

Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps): outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	150 people
Studies that measured dysmenorrhea symptoms Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrheaJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19216660
	PMS Symptoms	Changes; see studies		1 study	70 people
Studies that measured pms symptoms Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptomsISRN Obstet Gynecol · PMID 24944825

Vertigo

Dizziness: improves
Nystagmus Symptoms

Vertigo: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Dizziness Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	8 people
Studies that measured dizziness Vertigo-reducing effect of ginger root. A controlled clinical studyORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec · PMID 3537898
	Nystagmus Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect		8 people

High Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	85 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trialSaudi Med J · PMID 18813412
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			85 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			85 people
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			85 people

General Athletic Performance

Inflammation: improves
Muscle Soreness: changes; see studies
Rating of Perceived Exertion: improves

General Athletic Performance: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Inflammation Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Studies that measured inflammation Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritisPak J Biol Sci · PMID 22308653
	Muscle Soreness	Changes; see studies		1 study	65 people
Studies that measured muscle soreness Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exerciseJ Pain · PMID 20418184
	Rating of Perceived Exertion	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	25 people
Studies that measured rating of perceived exertion Acute effects of dietary ginger on quadriceps muscle pain during moderate-intensity cycling exerciseInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 19164834

Cognitive Improvement

Memory: improves
Reaction Time: improves

Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Memory Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	60 people
Studies that measured memory Zingiber officinale Improves Cognitive Function of the Middle-Aged Healthy WomenEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 22235230
	Reaction Time	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people

Muscle Recovery

Inflammation: improves
Muscle Soreness: changes; see studies
Rating of Perceived Exertion: improves

Muscle Recovery: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Inflammation Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Muscle Soreness	Changes; see studies		1 study	65 people
Rating of Perceived Exertion	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	25 people

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Risk: improves
Inflammation: changes; see studies

Colorectal Cancer: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Colorectal Cancer Risk Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	30 people
	Inflammation	Changes; see studies		1 study	30 people

Aerobic Exercise Performance

Muscle Soreness: improves
Rating of Perceived Exertion: improves

Aerobic Exercise Performance: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Muscle Soreness Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	25 people
	Rating of Perceived Exertion	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	25 people

Overweight

Appetite: improves
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
Inflammation: changes; see studies

Overweight: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Appetite Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Inflammation	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	10 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			10 people
Thermic effect of food (TEF)	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

Appetite: improves
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
Inflammation: changes; see studies

Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Appetite Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Inflammation	Changes; see studies		1 study	10 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	10 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			10 people
Thermic effect of food (TEF)	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people

Infertility

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Ejaculate Volume: improves
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: improves

Infertility: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	75 people
Ejaculate Volume	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		75 people
Seminal Motility	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Sperm Count	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Sperm Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		75 people

Type 2 Diabetes

Blood glucose
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	216 people
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			216 people

Eye Health

Blood Flow
Fatigue Symptoms: changes; see studies
Ocular Blood Flow: improves

Eye Health: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Blood Flow No effect		NoneNo effect	100 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Changes; see studies		100 people
Ocular Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		100 people

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Nausea Symptoms: changes; see studies

Chemotherapy Side Effects: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Nausea Symptoms	Changes; see studies		9 studies	60 people

Pregnancy and Delivery Health

Nausea Symptoms: changes; see studies

Pregnancy and Delivery Health: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Nausea Symptoms	Changes; see studies		9 studies	206 people

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastric Emptying Rate: improves

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Gastric Emptying Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	11 people

Pneumonia

Gastric Emptying Rate: improves

Pneumonia: outcomes studied for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Gastric Emptying Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	32 people

What the published studies found

5 automated readings

Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), for outcomes Dr. Grey has not graded yet. It is not a Dr. Grey grade and does not change one. How it is read

LDL cholesterol
The best available review (2026, 13 studies) found little or no difference in LDL cholesterol. That review studied patients with type 2 diabetes. 8 of the 10 studies read agree; 2 found an improvement. The evidence is moderate.
10 studies counted of 10 read: 5 reviews and 5 trials (277 people in the trials).
1. Meta-analysis, 2026; 13 studies; patients with type 2 diabetes: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on). However, treatment with ginger did not significantly change homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR), … Meta-analysis of the effects of ginger supplementation on glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetesPubMed 42337792
2. Meta-analysis, 2023; 4 studies, 177 people; patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: no clear difference. low density lipoprotein (LDL, SMD=-0.30; 95% CI=-0.64 to 0.04; P=0.08) Ginger supplementation for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 37545930
3. Meta-analysis, 2023: no clear difference. but it has no significant effect on improving HDL-C (SMD 0.40; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.80; … Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) intake on human serum lipid profile: Systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed 36786398
4. Meta-analysis, 2022; 26 studies: improves. The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Improving Blood Lipids and Body Weight; A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-analysis of Clinical TrialsPubMed 36165525
5. Meta-analysis, 2018; 12 studies, 586 people: improves. The effect of ginger supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trialsPubMed 29747751
6. Randomised trial, 2023; 41 people: no clear difference. However, there were no significant differences in GPS, levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and PLR … Effect of Zingiber officinale on Lipid Profile and Some Inflammatory Markers in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical TrialPubMed 37228303
7. Randomised trial, 2017; 45 people; patients with type 2 diabetes: no clear difference. no significant change in serum concentrations of The Effects of Ginger on Fasting Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Type 2 DiabetesPubMed 29344037
8. Randomised trial, 2016; 36 people: no clear difference. no significant differences between the 2 groups in mean changes of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C Effects of Ginger on Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled TrialPubMed 26475844
9. Randomised trial, 2014; 70 people; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: no clear difference. no significant differences in HDL, LDL The effect of ginger consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and some inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusPubMed 24490949
10. Randomised trial, 2008; 85 people; patients with hyperlipidemia: no clear difference. Mean reduction in LDL level and increase in high density lipoprotein level of ginger group … Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trialPubMed 18813412
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Bloating
The 3 studies read (121 people in all) mostly found an improvement in bloating. The evidence is limited.
3 studies counted of 8 read: 3 trials (121 people in the trials).
1. Randomised trial, 2023; 52 people; patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: improves. severity (-11.57 ± 5.09 vs. 3.97 ± 3.99, P = 0.047) of bloating The effects of ginger supplementation on common gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trialPubMed 37891539
2. Randomised trial, 2022; 50 people: improves. upper abdominal bloating and early satiation was 64% in subjects receiving ONLP-06 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel-Group, Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of OLNP-06 versus Placebo in Subjects with Functional DyspepsiaPubMed 33305631
3. Crossover trial, 2011; 19 people; healthy male volunteers: no clear difference. bloating, fullness, nausea, discomfort and hunger was not different The effects of ginger on gallbladder motility in healthy male humansPubMed 22148111
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Joint pain
The best available review (2022, 24 studies) found an improvement in joint pain. That review studied humans with various health conditions. 6 of the 8 studies read agree; 1 found no clear difference, 1 found no clear answer. The evidence is strong.
Side effects: 1 of the 7 studies that reported on them found more with Ginger (Zingiber officinale) (withdrawals due to adverse events).
8 studies counted of 11 read: 5 reviews and 3 trials (190 people in the trials).
1. Systematic review, 2022; 24 studies; humans with various health conditions: improves (the review the verdict rests on). Orally consumed ginger and human health: an umbrella reviewPubMed 35147170
2. Systematic review, 2025; 39 studies, 4,599 people; adults with knee osteoarthritis: improves. ginger, and krill oil also demonstrated benefits Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-AnalysisPubMed 40806131
3. Meta-analysis, 2020; 4 studies; patients with knee osteoarthritis: unclear: evidence too weak to tell. mean difference for pain was -7.88 mm Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 32214292
4. Meta-analysis, 2015; 5 studies, 593 people; osteoarthritis patients aged over 18 years: improves. statistically significant pain reduction SMD = -0.30 Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trialsPubMed 25300574
5. Systematic review, 2015; 7 studies; athletes and untrained individuals: improves. modestly reduce muscle pain stemming from eccentric resistance exercise Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an Analgesic and Ergogenic Aid in Sport: A Systemic ReviewPubMed 26200194
6. Randomised trial, 2025; 30 people; men and women with mild to moderate joint pain: improves. improved ratings of pain, stiffness, and functional capacity Effects of Ginger Supplementation on Markers of Inflammation and Functional Capacity in Individuals with Mild to Moderate Joint PainPubMed 40732990
7. Randomised trial, 2024; 100 people: improves. pain visual analog scale (VAS) Korean-Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC; total scores, … Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialPubMed 39212491
8. Randomised trial, 2012; 60 people; patients with osteoarthritic knees: no clear difference. The efficacy of powdered ginger in osteoarthritis of the kneePubMed 23964445
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Pain
A Cochrane review (2016, 27 studies, 3,101 people) found an improvement in pain. That review studied women with primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea. 7 of the 9 studies read agree; 2 found no clear answer. The evidence is limited.
Side effects: 1 of the 3 studies that reported on them found more with Ginger (Zingiber officinale) (withdrawals due to adverse events).
9 studies counted of 11 read: 9 reviews.
1. Meta-analysis, 2016; 27 studies, 3,101 people; women with primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea: improves (the review the verdict rests on). ginger (MD -1.55 points, 95% CI -2.43 to -0.68 Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoeaPubMed 27000311
2. Meta-analysis, 2024; 12 studies; women with primary dysmenorrhea: improves. ginger is notably more effective than placebo in reducing both the intensity Ginger for Pain Management in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 38770631
3. Meta-analysis, 2022; 3 studies, 330 people: improves. Pain was the only clinical parameter that significantly decreased A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis SymptomsPubMed 35458170
4. Meta-analysis, 2021; 3 studies: improves. reduced pain scores at 2 h (MD = -1.27 The efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studiesPubMed 33293189
5. Meta-analysis, 2020; 4 studies; patients with knee osteoarthritis: unclear: evidence too weak to tell. mean difference for pain was -7.88 mm Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 32214292
6. Meta-analysis, 2019; 11 studies, 693 people; adults undergoing laparoscopic, obstetrical or cardiovascular surgeries: unclear: evidence too weak to tell. reduction in the need for rescue medication for pain Herbal medications for anxiety, depression, pain, nausea and vomiting related to preoperative surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsPubMed 31129571
7. Meta-analysis, 2016; 6 studies; women with dysmenorrhea: improves. weighted mean difference on a 10 cm visual analogue scale was 1.55 cm Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPubMed 27274753
8. Meta-analysis, 2015; 5 studies, 593 people; osteoarthritis patients aged over 18 years: improves. statistically significant pain reduction SMD = -0.30 Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trialsPubMed 25300574
9. Systematic review, 2015; 7 studies; athletes and untrained individuals: improves. modestly reduce muscle pain stemming from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an Analgesic and Ergogenic Aid in Sport: A Systemic ReviewPubMed 26200194
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.
Stress
The studies disagree. The best available review (2021, 12 studies) found an improvement in stress, while 1 of the 6 studies read found mixed results. The evidence is very weak.
6 studies counted of 10 read: 3 reviews and 3 trials (142 people in the trials).
1. Meta-analysis, 2021; 12 studies: improves (the review the verdict rests on). significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD: -0.69; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.12; I2 = 85.8%) compared … Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysisPubMed 33458848
2. Meta-analysis, 2021; 11 studies: improves. Effects of ginger supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPubMed 34620306
3. Meta-analysis, 2020; 25 studies: mixed results. statistically significant effect of ginger on serum CRP The effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trialsPubMed 32147845
4. Randomised trial, 2026; 45 people; pregnant women with stress and gingivitis: improves. significantly reduced cortisol and LF concentrations The Impact of Ginger Mouthwash on Pregnant Women with Stress and Gingivitis by Measuring Different Salivary Biomarker LevelsPubMed 41984428
5. Randomised trial, 2023; 51 people; healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years: no clear difference. No differences between ginger and placebo groups Effect of Ginger Root Powder on Gastrointestinal Bacteria Composition, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Mental Health, Fatigue, and Quality of Life: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled TrialPubMed 37690779
6. Randomised trial, 2019; 46 people; patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: improves. Zingiber officinale and oxidative stress in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trialPubMed 30935515
Automated reading of the published studies (Decosa evidence engine), run 30 Sep 2026. It reads abstracts, can miss studies, and a repeat run can differ.

Key findings

Nausea SymptomsMorning SicknessImproves (the measure goes down)
Pregnancy Nausea (NVP)Morning SicknessImproves (the measure goes up)
Hyperemesis GravidarumMorning SicknessImproves (the measure goes down)

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Studies cited

38 studies from PubMed

Ginger for treating nausea and vomiting: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysesNutrients, 2023 · PMID 38072785
Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy: a meta-analysisJ Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2022 · PMID 31937153
Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical TrialsNutrients, 2022 · PMID 36308792
Efficacy of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Ameliorating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting and Chemotherapy-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review Update and Meta-AnalysisJ Acad Nutr Diet, 2019 · PMID 31519467
Does the Oral Administration of Ginger Reduce Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting?: A Meta-analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled TrialsCancer Nurs, 2019 · PMID 30299420
The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic reviewWomen Birth, 2015 · PMID 23482308
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomitingNutr J, 2014 · PMID 24642205
Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysisJ Am Board Fam Med, 2014 · PMID 24390893
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature reviewNutr Rev, 2013 · PMID 23550785
Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trialsBr J Anaesth, 2000 · PMID 10793599
Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric functionPharmacology · PMID 2062873
Acute effects of dietary ginger on quadriceps muscle pain during moderate-intensity cycling exerciseInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 19164834
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exerciseJ Pain · PMID 20418184
Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: a pilot studyMetabolism · PMID 22538118
Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressureJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 20420113
Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humansEur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 18403946
Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808
Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030
Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970
Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049
The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149
The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016
Vertigo-reducing effect of ginger root. A controlled clinical studyORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec · PMID 3537898
A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552
Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321
Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritisPak J Biol Sci · PMID 22308653
A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis Cartilage · PMID 10607493
Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Food Funct · PMID 39212491
Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754
Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsiaWorld J Gastroenterol · PMID 21218090
Zingiber officinale Improves Cognitive Function of the Middle-Aged Healthy WomenEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 22235230
Phase II study of the effects of ginger root extract on eicosanoids in colon mucosa in people at normal risk for colorectal cancerCancer Prev Res · PMID 21990307
Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trialSaudi Med J · PMID 18813412
Ginger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unitJ Crit Care · PMID 20149584
Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptomsISRN Obstet Gynecol · PMID 24944825
Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrheaJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19216660
The effect of oral supplementation of ginger on glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 39053695
Beneficial Effects of Ginger Extract on Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study.Nutrients · PMID 39203851

Evidence by condition

What the published studies found

LDL cholesterol

Bloating

Joint pain

Pain

Stress

Key findings

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Studies cited

Related supplements

Protocols that include Ginger (Zingiber officinale)