The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review
The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review
Ding et al., 2013 | Women Birth | Systematic Review
Citation
Ding Mingshuang, Leach Matthew, Bradley Helen. The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review. Women Birth. 2013-Mar;26(1):e26-30. doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2012.08.001
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ginger has been used throughout the world as a therapeutic agent for centuries. The herb is increasingly used in Western society also, with one of the most common indications being pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting (PNV). OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of ginger for PNV. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of ginger and PNV were sourced from CINAHL, the Cochrane library, MEDLINE and TRIP. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. RESULTS: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. All trials found orally administered ginger to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of vomiting and intensity of nausea. Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent. CONCLUSION: The best available evidence suggests that ginger is a safe and effective treatment for PNV. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the maximum safe dosage of ginger, appropriate duration of treatment, consequences of over-dosage, and potential drug-herb interactions; all of which are important areas for future research.
Key Findings
Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. All trials found orally administered ginger to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of vomiting and intensity of nausea. Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | See abstract |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Antiemetics
- Female
- Zingiber officinale
- Humans
- Morning Sickness
- Nausea
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts
- Pregnancy
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Treatment Outcome
- Vomiting
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: ginger
Provenance
- PMID: 22951628
- DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2012.08.001
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09