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Ginger supplementation markedly reduces nausea and vomiting symptoms in hyperemesis gravidarum, offering a safe and well-tolerated non-pharmacologic treatment option.
Nausea and vomiting are among the most commonly reported symptoms experienced during pregnancy, affecting between 50-80% of pregnant women. While often mild, a substantial number develop hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a more severe form of pregnancy-related nausea that can arouse dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, and even hospitalization due to poor maternal nutrition.
With increasing concerns about the potential risks of antiemetic medications during pregnancy, many women—over 28% globally—opt for herbal alternatives. Ginger, in particular, has gained popularity as a natural remedy. To rigorously evaluate ginger’s therapeutic role, researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of clinical studies focused on its use in managing HG. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included a detailed search of 5 prominent databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate.
Of the 32 papers initially identified, 10 studies—comprising randomized controlled trials and high-quality comparative research—met the strict inclusion criteria. These studies explored the usefulness of various forms of ginger supplements, like powders, capsules, and ginger-infused biscuits. Control groups incorporated participants given placebos, vitamin B6 (a commonly prescribed antiemetic), and metoclopramide (a standard pharmacologic option). Across the studies, treatment duration ranged from several days to 2 weeks, with doses typically around 1 gram per day.
The pooled analysis revealed that ginger remarkably alleviated nausea and vomiting symptoms in women with HG. The overall odds ratio was 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.22 to 0.79; P = 0.008), indicating that ginger supplementation nearly halved the odds of persistent symptoms when compared to controls. Notably, the studies also reported excellent tolerance to ginger, with minimal or no adverse effects. Importantly, there was no evidence of harm to fetal development or maternal health, supporting its safety during pregnancy.
The authors conclude that ginger is not only valuable but also a safe and accessible option for the non-pharmacologic care of morning sickness during pregnancy. Its diverse forms and ease of administration make it a practical addition to clinical practice, particularly for women seeking to avoid prescription medications.
American Journal of Translational Research
Effectiveness of ginger supplementation in alleviating hyperemesis gravidarum: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Pei Gao et al.
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