Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review

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#antiemetics #antineoplastic-agents #zingiber-officinale #humans #nausea

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review

Marx et al., 2013 | Nutr Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Marx Wolfgang M, Teleni Laisa, ... Isenring Elisabeth. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review. Nutr Rev. 2013-Apr;71(4):245-54. doi:10.1111/nure.12016

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common side-effect of cytotoxic treatment. It continues to affect a significant proportion of patients despite the widespread use of antiemetic medication. In traditional medicine, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used to prevent and treat nausea in many cultures for thousands of years. However, its use has not been confirmed in the chemotherapy context. To determine the potential use of ginger as a prophylactic or treatment for CINV, a systematic literature review was conducted. Reviewed studies comprised randomized controlled trials or crossover trials that investigated the anti-CINV effect of ginger as the sole independent variable in chemotherapy patients. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were assessed on methodological quality and their limitations were identified. Studies were mixed in their support of ginger as an anti-CINV treatment in patients receiving chemotherapy, with three demonstrating a positive effect, two in favor but with caveats, and two showing no effect on measures of CINV. Future studies are required to address the limitations identified before clinical use can be recommended.

Key Findings

Future studies are required to address the limitations identified before clinical use can be recommended.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antiemetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Zingiber officinale
  • Humans
  • Nausea
  • Neoplasms
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vomiting

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09