Standardized Ginger
Also known as: Ginger, standardized ginger extract, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiber officinale
Overview
Standardized ginger, derived from the rhizome of *Zingiber officinale*, is a widely recognized herbal supplement known for its medicinal properties. It is characterized by quantified amounts of active constituents, primarily gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects. The primary applications of standardized ginger include the management of nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced scenarios, as well as general digestive support and anti-inflammatory actions. Its key characteristics encompass antioxidant, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory properties, with emerging research suggesting potential anticancer effects. While research maturity is moderate to high, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, the quality of evidence can be mixed, with some studies limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous methodologies.
Benefits
Standardized ginger offers significant benefits, primarily in reducing nausea and vomiting. Meta-analyses confirm its efficacy in pregnancy-related nausea and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) at doses around 1500 mg/day, leading to statistically significant reductions in severity and frequency, and improved quality of life for cancer patients. The strength of evidence for these antiemetic effects is strong, supported by multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, which may positively impact markers of metabolic syndrome and digestive function, though the evidence for these effects is less consistent and requires further investigation. Potential antioxidant and anticancer marker modulation have also been reported but need more validation. Pregnant women experiencing nausea, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals with general gastrointestinal discomfort are the populations most likely to benefit. Effects are typically observed within days to weeks for acute nausea.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of standardized ginger are primarily attributed to its active compounds, gingerols and shogaols. These compounds exert antiemetic effects by modulating gastrointestinal motility and acting as antagonists at serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, as well as influencing substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor pathways. The anti-inflammatory properties stem from the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways, which subsequently reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, ginger's antioxidant effects are achieved through free radical scavenging and the modulation of oxidative stress pathways. Standardization ensures consistent delivery of these bioactive compounds, optimizing their moderate bioavailability within the body.
Side effects
Standardized ginger is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal discomforts such as heartburn and gas. Less common side effects (1-5%) include allergic reactions and mild skin irritation. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, theoretically include an increased bleeding risk due to its antiplatelet effects, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical settings. Caution is advised when combining ginger with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications due to this potential interaction. Contraindications include a known allergy to ginger and caution is recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders. While generally safe in pregnancy at studied doses for nausea, medical supervision is always recommended.
Dosage
For mild effects, a minimum effective dose of approximately 500 mg/day of standardized ginger extract is suggested. For more pronounced relief, particularly for nausea, the optimal dosage range is typically 1000–1500 mg/day, often divided into multiple doses throughout the day to enhance tolerability and efficacy. Clinical trials have reported the use of up to 2000 mg/day without serious adverse effects, establishing this as a potential maximum safe dose. Standardized extracts with quantified gingerols/shogaols are preferred to ensure consistent potency. Absorption can be enhanced when taken with food, though bioavailability may vary by specific formulation. No specific cofactors are required, but general nutritional support can complement its effectiveness.
FAQs
Is standardized ginger safe during pregnancy?
Yes, at doses around 1500 mg/day for nausea, it is generally considered safe, but always consult with a healthcare professional.
How soon does it work?
Effects on nausea typically become noticeable within a few days of consistent supplementation.
Can it replace antiemetic drugs?
It may help reduce the need for some antiemetic drugs, but it should not replace prescribed medications without medical consultation.
Does it cause side effects?
Most side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn or gas; serious adverse effects are rare.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019938/ – This systematic review of 109 RCTs on ginger's clinical effects found consistent evidence for its efficacy in nausea, vomiting, and inflammation. However, it highlighted that only 39.4% of the trials were of high quality, often limited by small sample sizes and variable methodologies, suggesting a need for more rigorous research.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.807 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on ginger's role in gastrointestinal disorders, particularly pregnancy-associated nausea. It concluded that a dose of 1500 mg/day was effective for nausea relief with statistical significance, while also recommending further dose-finding studies to optimize treatment.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31519467/ – This systematic review update and meta-analysis investigated ginger for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It confirmed the benefits of ginger in reducing vomiting and fatigue, incorporating good quality RCTs. The review noted clinical heterogeneity among studies as a limitation.
Supplements Containing Standardized Ginger
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