Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #zingiber-officinale #humans #morning-sickness #phytotherapy

Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis

Thomson et al., 2014 | J Am Board Fam Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Thomson Maggie, Corbin Renee, Leung Lawrence. Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis. J Am Board Fam Med. 2014;27(1):115-22. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2014.01.130167

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (NVEP) is commonly encountered in family medicine. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular nonpharmacological treatment but consensus of its use is lacking. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of clinical trials using ginger for NVEP as published in PubMed and EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and all EBM reviews. Studies satisfying 3 criteria were selected: (1) randomized placebo-controlled design; (2) use of ginger or Z. officinale; and (3) extractable data on improvement in NVEP. Data were synthesized into pooled odd ratios based on the random effects model, and results were tabulated with the aid of Forest plots. RESULTS: We identified 135 potentially relevant records; only 6 studies met the final criteria. Of the total 508 subjects, 256 and 252 subjects were randomly assigned to receive ginger and placebo, respectively. The use of ginger (∼1 g daily) for at least 4 days is associated with a 5-fold likelihood of improvement in NVEP. Heterogeneity among the clinical studies were acknowledged in the final interpretation of results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the widespread use of ginger in the diet, its clinic value and safety profile in treating NVEP is still unknown. Our meta-analysis suggests that ginger is an effective nonpharmacological treatment for NVEP.

Key Findings

We identified 135 potentially relevant records; only 6 studies met the final criteria. Of the total 508 subjects, 256 and 252 subjects were randomly assigned to receive ginger and placebo, respectively. The use of ginger (∼1 g daily) for at least 4 days is associated with a 5-fold likelihood of improvement in NVEP. Heterogeneity among the clinical studies were acknowledged in the final interpretation of results.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 508
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Zingiber officinale
  • Humans
  • Morning Sickness
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • Pregnancy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

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