The efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

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#zingiber-officinale #humans #migraine-disorders #pain-management #treatment-outcome

The efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Chen et al., 2021 | Am J Emerg Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chen Liyan, Cai Zhiyou. The efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Am J Emerg Med. 2021-Aug;46:567-571. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2020.11.030

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of ginger for migraine remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of ginger versus placebo on treatment in migraine patients. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ginger versus placebo on treatment efficacy in migraine patients. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in migraine patients, ginger treatment is associated with substantially improved pain free at 2 h (RR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.04-3.09; P = 0.04) and reduced pain scores at 2 h (MD = -1.27; 95% CI = -1.46 to -1.07; P < 0.00001), but reveals no obvious impact on treatment response (RR = 2.04; 95% CI = 0.35-11.94; P = 0.43) or total adverse events (RR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.46-1.41; P = 0.44). The incidence of nausea and vomiting is obviously lower in ginger group than that in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Ginger is safe and effective in treating migraine patients with pain outcomes assessed at 2 h.

Key Findings

Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in migraine patients, ginger treatment is associated with substantially improved pain free at 2 h (RR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.04-3.09; P = 0.04) and reduced pain scores at 2 h (MD = -1.27; 95% CI = -1.46 to -1.07; P < 0.00001), but reveals no obvious impact on treatment response (RR = 2.04; 95% CI = 0.35-11.94; P = 0.43) or total adverse events (RR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.46-1.41; P = 0.44). The incidence of nausea and vomi

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population pain outcomes assessed at
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Zingiber officinale
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders
  • Pain Management
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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