Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Araya-Quintanilla et al., 2020 | Pain Physician | Meta Analysis

Citation

Araya-Quintanilla Felipe, Gutierrez-Espinoza Hector, ... Lopez-Jeldes Juan. Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2020-Mar;23(2):E151-E161

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ginger has been proposed as a complementary treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, efficacy, type, and safety remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of consumption or topical application of ginger for pain relief and knee function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. METHODS: An electronic search was performed on Medline, Central, CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS databases. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies included clinical trials that compared consumption and/or topical ginger with placebo or other interventions for the pain relief and knee function in patients with medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. RESULTS: Seven clinical trials met the eligibility criteria, and for the quantitative synthesis, 4 studies were included. For the comparison capsules versus placebo, mean difference for pain was -7.88 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.92 to 3.85 (P = 0.00), and standard mean difference for knee function was -1.61 points; 95% CI, -4.30 to -1.09 (P = 0.24). For the comparison of topical ginger versus standard treatment, standard mean difference for pain was 0.79 mm; 95% CI, -1.97 to 0.39 (P = 0.19), and standard mean difference for knee function was -0.51 points; 95% CI, -1.15 to 0.13 (P = 0.12). LIMITATIONS: The current evidence is heterogeneous and has a poor methodologic quality. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of oral ginger compared with placebo in the pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. For other comparisons, no statistically significant differences were found. KEY WORDS: Osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, ginger, pain, randomized clinical trial, systematic review.

Key Findings

Seven clinical trials met the eligibility criteria, and for the quantitative synthesis, 4 studies were included. For the comparison capsules versus placebo, mean difference for pain was -7.88 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.92 to 3.85 (P = 0.00), and standard mean difference for knee function was -1.61 points; 95% CI, -4.30 to -1.09 (P = 0.24). For the comparison of topical ginger versus standard treatment, standard mean difference for pain was 0.79 mm; 95% CI, -1.97 to 0.39 (P = 0.19), and

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population knee osteoarthritis
Sample Size 4
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Zingiber officinale
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Pain Management
  • Pain Measurement
  • Plant Extracts
  • Recovery of Function

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

  • PMID: 32214292
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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