Ginger: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Zingiber officinale
Family or group:
Plants
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Nausea and Vomiting ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger is known as a "highly effective digestive plant in cases of motion sickness, first trimester pregnancy nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and post-surgical nausea and vomiting. The WHO recognizes the use of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness and seasickness as "clinically justified," as well as those linked to pregnancy. It recognizes as "traditional" its use in the treatment of digestive disorders and loss of appetite. Numerous studies have confirmed the action of ginger in reducing the frequency of vomiting and the intensity of nausea in pregnant women, motion sickness, and the severity of acute nausea in chemotherapy. Clinical studies show that taking 500 mg of ginger twice daily, 30 minutes before each antiretroviral dose for 14 days, reduces the relative likelihood of nausea and vomiting compared to placebo in HIV-positive patients.
Posologie
Oral: root, rhizome
1 - 1.5 g
powder, standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Ginger for prevention of antiretroviral-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized clinical trial
Comparing the effects of ginger and metoclopramide on the treatment of pregnancy nausea
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting
Efficacy of ginger on intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting in elective cesarean section patients
Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy: a meta-analysis
Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis
A randomized comparison of ginger and dimenhydrinate in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger has been used orally to treat dysmenorrhea and appears to be effective according to available data. Due to its ability to inhibit thromboxane synthetase and activate endorphin receptors, the use of ginger has been suggested in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Clinical research conducted with individuals aged at least 15 years shows that ginger can reduce pain associated with dysmenorrhea. Clinical studies show that daily intake of 500 to 2000 mg of ginger powder, usually during the first 3 or 4 days of the menstrual cycle, modestly reduces pain intensity. However, a meta-analysis of clinical research shows that ginger intake does not seem to reduce pain duration compared to placebo. Taking 250 mg of ginger extract four times per day for 3 days at the beginning of the menstrual period or until pain relief improves symptoms similarly to ibuprofen or mefenamic acid. Similarly, taking 200 mg of ginger extract four times per day for 3-4 days at the onset of pain is as effective as taking Novafen, a combination of acetaminophen, caffeine, and ibuprofen. Ginger also seems to enhance pain relief when administered alongside anti-inflammatory agents. A small clinical study conducted with young women suffering from dysmenorrhea shows that adding 500 mg of ginger per day to 250 mg of mefenamic acid twice a day for 5 days further reduces pain compared to taking mefenamic acid alone.
Posologie
Oral: root, rhizome
500 - 2000 mg
4 - days
Women
powder
Efficacy of Ginger in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
The effect of ginger for relieving of primary dysmenorrhoea.
Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
The effect of mefenamic acid and ginger on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized clinical trial
Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea
Comparison of the effect of ginger and zinc sulfate on primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea
Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial.
Comparison of the effect of vitamin E, vitamin D and ginger on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea: a single-blind clinical trial
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger is described in Ayurvedic and traditional Arabic medicine systems as useful in cases of inflammation and rheumatism. This traditional use is supported by modern studies demonstrating the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger. Most clinical research shows that taking ginger extract orally improves pain in some patients with osteoarthritis. Indeed, meta-analyses indicate that daily intake of 500 to 1,000 mg of ginger extract over 3 to 12 weeks can slightly improve pain compared to a placebo in some patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Similarly, 250 mg of ginger extract taken four times daily over 6 months was significantly more effective than the placebo in reducing pain and disability in 29 patients with osteoarthritis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. These studies are corroborated by an open retrospective study involving 56 patients (28 with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with osteoarthritis, 10 with muscular discomfort) which revealed that more than three-quarters of them experienced, to varying degrees, pain and swelling relief following long-term use of ginger powder. Studies comparing ginger to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) offer further support. In a double-blind RCT involving 120 patients, 30 mg of an ethanolic ginger extract equivalent to 1 g of ginger and prepared from fresh ginger proved significantly more effective than the placebo and as effective as 1.2 g of ibuprofen in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. Topical ginger, alone or in combination with other ingredients, has also been studied for knee osteoarthritis. Although a meta-analysis of two randomized clinical trials shows no evidence of a benefit of topical ginger on pain and disability compared to placebo or standard treatment, some benefits have been shown in individual preliminary studies. These trials used a specific gel with ginger, an ointment of ginger, cinnamon, mastic, and sesame oil twice a day for 6 weeks, or a gram of 5% ginger extract (standardized to 11.18% 6-gingerol) in a nanostructure lipid carrier three times a day for up to 12 weeks on the affected knee. Some studies used ginger essential oil in a massage oil, alone or with sweet orange essential oil or standard therapy, twice a week for 3 or 6 weeks.
Posologie
Oral: root, rhizome
500 - 1000 mg
12 - weeks
powder, standardized extract, dry extract
The effect of ginger supplementation on some immunity and inflammation intermediate genes expression in patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study
Influence of a specific ginger combination on gastropathy conditions in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip
Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis
The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial
Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritis
A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritis
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders
Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of a Polyherbal Supplement alongside Standard-of-Care Treatment for Mild Knee Osteoarthritis
The clinical effectiveness of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in adults with osteoarthritis.
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
A double-blind controlled clinical trial on 85 volunteers with hyperlipidemia showed that ginger treatment (3 g/day) produced a significant hypolipidemic effect compared to controls. Measurement of lipid concentrations before and after 45 days of treatment showed significantly higher average changes in triglyceride and cholesterol levels for ginger compared to control, as well as a significant average reduction in LDL levels and an increase in HDL levels compared to controls. This initial study shows promising results; however, further controlled trials in humans are needed to prove effectiveness.
Posologie
Oral: root, rhizome
3 g
powder, standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Liver Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Experimental models of alcohol-induced liver lesions have shown that ginger has significant hepatoprotective effects comparable to those of silymarin. This effect seems to be mediated by an antioxidant mechanism. The use of a methanolic extract, which led to a reduction of inflammatory enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in rats. The ethanolic extract of ginger significantly increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and proteins in addition to reducing levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), GGT, and bilirubin, and markedly reduced necrosis and fibrosis from collagen deposition. A small clinical study conducted on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shows that taking 1500 mg of ginger root per day for 12 weeks reduces LDL cholesterol levels and fasting blood glucose but has no effect on triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, blood pressure, or hepatic steatosis index compared to a placebo. Ginger is also recommended in cases of hepatobiliary congestion, hepatitis...
Posologie
Oral: root, rhizome
1500 mg
powder, standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Zingiber officinale Roscoe prevents acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity by enhancing hepatic antioxidant status
Zingiber officinale acts as a nutraceutical agent against liver fibrosis
Effect of Ginger Powder Supplementation in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger stimulates the flow of saliva, bile, and gastric secretions and is therefore traditionally used to stimulate appetite, reduce flatulence and colic, gastrointestinal spasms and, generally, as a digestive aid. The Commission E approves the use of ginger root for the treatment of dyspepsia. EMA also indicates that ginger is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild and spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, including bloating and flatulence.
Posologie
Oral route: root, rhizome
500 mg
powder, dry extract, juice
Biliary disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger (gingerol) is a choleretic, which means it stimulates bile secretion. It is recommended in cases of biliary insufficiency.
Posologie
Oral route: root, rhizome
powder, standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginger and its active molecules (gingerols and shoagols) have preventive properties against gastric ulcers induced in animals. Gingerols inhibit the growth of several strains of Helicobacter pylori. In vivo, the use of ginger helps prevent gastric lesions induced by the bacterium. These properties confirm the traditional use of ginger in cases of gastritis and enterocolitis.
Posologie
Oral route: root, rhizome
powder, standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Protective Effects of Ginger against Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and the gingerols inhibit the growth of Cag A+ strains of Helicobacter pylori
Investigations into the antibacterial activities of phytotherapeutics against Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni
Properties
Digestive Effect
The constituents of ginger, gingerols, and shogaols, may have antiemetic effects. Preclinical research has shown that the constituent 6-gingerol can inhibit neurokinin-1, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. This could be one of the mechanisms by which ginger reduces nausea and vomiting. Other constituents of ginger such as 6-shogaol and galanolactone seem to act on the serotonergic and muscarinic receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Galanolactone appears to act mainly on 5-HT3 receptors in the ileum, which are the same receptors targeted by certain medications such as ondansetron. Another action of ginger is its ability to simultaneously improve gastric motility and exert antispasmodic effects. This action justifies its use as a gastrointestinal tonic. Various liposoluble components in ginger, such as galanolactone, have an antagonistic effect on serotonergic receptors. This mechanism may be responsible for ginger's antispasmodic effects on visceral and vascular smooth muscles.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Researchers suggest that certain constituents of ginger inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways, as well as leukotrienes. In human and laboratory research, ginger has inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, possibly via inhibition of the NF kappa B pathway and stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). It also appears to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), which mediate inflammation.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
Ginger, like garlic and onions, is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. However, the effects of ginger can be much more potent. An aqueous ginger extract has been shown to exert greater inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation than aqueous extracts of garlic and onion. Ginger has been shown to inhibit the formation of thromboxane and pro-aggregating prostaglandins. Ginger also significantly reduces the formation of platelet lipid peroxide. In another model, gingerol compounds and their derivatives were more potent antiplatelet agents than aspirin.
Gastroprotective
Traditionally, ginger is used for stomach aches and gastrointestinal disorders. The gastroprotective effects of ginger have been demonstrated in various animal models. Research shows that ginger's gastroprotective effects may be due to an increase in protective prostaglandin levels in the intestinal wall. In an animal model of ulcerative colitis, a ginger extract improved inflammatory cytokine levels and antioxidant effects, suggesting these pathways may play a role. Research has focused on gingerols and shogaols, which may play a key role in gastro-protection and accelerating gastric emptying. Gingerols inhibit the growth of different Helicobacter pylori strains and furthermore, 6-gingerol inhibits the formation of induced gastric lesions. 6-shogaol, administered orally, improves gastrointestinal motility and could prevent delayed gastric emptying. In patients with functional dyspepsia, a single dose of ginger also increased gastric emptying.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Ginger has demonstrated analgesic effects in experimental animal studies. This effect is thought to result from shogaol inhibiting the release of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammation and pain. Another possible mechanism of action is the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by gingerols and shogaols.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
In vitro, animal, and clinical research has shown that ginger and its constituents, including 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol and 6-shogaol, have antioxidant effects such as increasing glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity.
Hypolipidemic
It has been demonstrated in animals that ginger significantly reduces serum and liver cholesterol levels by altering cholesterol absorption and stimulating cholesterol-7-alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid synthesis.
Usages associés
Hypotensive
Fresh ginger extract appears to have hypotensive effects. It seems to have a calcium channel blocking effect and muscarinic receptor stimulating effect.
Antibacterial
Ginger, shogaol, and zingerone have been shown to be strongly inhibitory to Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Trichophyton violaceum, while aqueous extracts at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 25% were effective against Trichomonas vaginalis. In vitro, a ginger extract inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni, bacteria that play a role in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 500 mg - 2000 mg
- Infusion: 0.5 to 1 g of powder per 150 ml of hot water. Infuse 5 minutes - Powder: 0.5 to 1.5 g per day - TM: 1.2 to 7.8 g per day - HE: 2 to 4 drops before meals. - Dry extract: 180 mg, 3 times per day.
Child from 6 to 12 years: 250 mg - 500 mg
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Ginger has anticoagulant properties, so it should not be combined with anticoagulant medications and substances.
Antidiabetic: weak interaction
Studies suggest that ginger may have hypoglycemic properties. Its action could accumulate with antidiabetic medications.
Warfarin: moderate interaction
Ginger has anticoagulant properties, so it should not be combined with anticoagulant medications and substances.
Nifedipine: moderate interaction
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with 1 gram of ginger and 10 mg of nifedipine significantly inhibits platelet aggregation compared to nifedipine or ginger alone.
Precautions
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Ginger is safe when consumed in amounts generally found in foods. There is not enough reliable information on the safety of ginger when used for medicinal purposes.
Heart disorders: avoid
In theory, excessive doses of ginger could worsen certain heart disorders. Laboratory research suggests ginger has negative inotropic and chronotropic activity.
Surgery: avoid
In theory, ginger could increase the risk of bleeding. Ginger may inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Ginger is safe when consumed in amounts generally found in foods. It may pose problems when used for medicinal purposes. Some early reports of adverse effects and an observational study suggest that taking dried ginger and other herbal supplements during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy would marginally increase the risk of fetal mortality. The use of ginger has been associated with increased non-severe vaginal bleeding after the 17th week of pregnancy.
