Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger supplementation in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #zingiber-officinale #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #antioxidants #anti-inflammatory-agents

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger supplementation in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Rjabi et al., 2025 | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rjabi Shrin, Barbarz Hassan, ... Askarpour Moein. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger supplementation in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Inflammopharmacology. 2025-Dec;33(12):7197-7216. doi:10.1007/s10787-025-01994-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Disturbance of inflammatory/oxidative status of the body is an important player in chronic disease pathophysiology. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) supplementation has been vastly investigated in this regard. The present dose-response meta-analysis is aimed at summing up the findings of existing literature. METHODS: Online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on ginger supplementation. Outcome variables included: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Findings were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). Subgroup analysis was conducted. Linear and non-linear associations between dosage/duration of intervention and the observed effects were assessed. Protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251011148(. RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs were included. Our findings show that ginger supplementation improves all inflammation/anti-oxidant biomarkers, as follows: CRP (WMD = -0.86 mg/L; 95% CI = - 1.10, - 0.62), TNF-α (WMD = - 1.90 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 2.61, - 1.18), IL-6 (WMD = - 1.15 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 1.90, - 0.41), TAC (WMD = 0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.38), MDA (WMD = - 0.76 mcmol/L; 95% CI = - 1.19, - 0.33), and SOD (WMD = 48.12 u/L; 95% CI = 30.57, 65.58). CONCLUSION: The effect of ginger on IL-6 seems to associate with the dosage and duration of intervention in a non-linear fashion. Ginger supplementation may improve inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. Given the high heterogeneity among studies, findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Key Findings

Twenty-nine RCTs were included. Our findings show that ginger supplementation improves all inflammation/anti-oxidant biomarkers, as follows: CRP (WMD = -0.86 mg/L; 95% CI = - 1.10, - 0.62), TNF-α (WMD = - 1.90 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 2.61, - 1.18), IL-6 (WMD = - 1.15 pg/mL; 95% CI = - 1.90, - 0.41), TAC (WMD = 0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.38), MDA (WMD = - 0.76 mcmol/L; 95% CI = - 1.19, - 0.33), and SOD (WMD = 48.12 u/L; 95% CI = 30.57, 65.58).

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population underlying health conditions
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Zingiber officinale
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Inflammation
  • Adult
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Biomarkers

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