Impact of ginger supplementation on obesity indices and Adipokine profiles in adults: A GRADE-based systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #zingiber-officinale #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #obesity #dietary-supplements

Impact of ginger supplementation on obesity indices and Adipokine profiles in adults: A GRADE-based systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Rjabi et al., 2025 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rjabi Shrin, Seyedhatami Seyed Sina, ... Askarpour Moein. Impact of ginger supplementation on obesity indices and Adipokine profiles in adults: A GRADE-based systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2025-Nov;94:103260. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103260

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are major health concerns. The impact of ginger on weight has been studied. In the present systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis we aim to sum up the findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of ginger on various weight measurements/indices. METHODS: Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar) were comprehensively searched. Relevant studies were selected using defined criteria. Outcomes included: body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), adiponectin and leptin. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence interval (CI) were reported. Subgroup analysis was carried out. Linear and non-linear associations, based on dosage and duration of interventions, were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-six RCTs were included. Ginger supplementation significantly improved WC (WMD: -0.65 cm, 95 % CI: -1.07, -0.24), BFP (WMD: -1.49 %, 95 % CI: -2.65, -0.32), and serum adiponectin levels (WMD = 0.84 μg/mL; 95 % CI: 0.01). Other measurements were not improved by the intervention. An inverse, linear association was found between the duration of intervention and changes in BW (BW: coefficient = -0.471, P = 0.001). Also, a non-linear direct association was observed between ginger dosages and WC (P-nonlinearity = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Ginger supplementation does not seem effective in improving major measurements/indices of weight, including body weight and BMI. However, ameliorations in other measurements of local adiposity, findings from subgroup analyses, and investigations of linear and non-linear association on dosage and duration, indicate that further studies with longer intervention periods are needed to make a conclusive decision.

Key Findings

Thirty-six RCTs were included. Ginger supplementation significantly improved WC (WMD: -0.65 cm, 95 % CI: -1.07, -0.24), BFP (WMD: -1.49 %, 95 % CI: -2.65, -0.32), and serum adiponectin levels (WMD = 0.84 μg/mL; 95 % CI: 0.01). Other measurements were not improved by the intervention. An inverse, linear association was found between the duration of intervention and changes in BW (BW: coefficient = -0.471, P = 0.001). Also, a non-linear direct association was observed between ginger dosages and WC

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Zingiber officinale
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Obesity
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Adipokines
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Waist Circumference
  • Body Weight

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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