Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety

Abstract

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing side effect of cancer treatment. Ginger is often used as a complementary therapy to manage these symptoms. This review evaluates the evidence for ginger's efficacy in preventing CINV.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for RCTs up to December 2019 that compared ginger to placebo or standard antiemetic therapy for the prevention of CINV in cancer patients. Outcomes included the incidence and severity of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting.

Results: Twelve RCTs with 1,296 patients were included. The meta-analysis indicated that ginger supplementation significantly reduced the severity of acute nausea (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.58 to -0.14) when used as an adjunct to standard antiemetics. However, it did not have a significant effect on the incidence of acute or delayed vomiting.

Discussion: Ginger appears to be a beneficial adjunct therapy for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea, but not vomiting. It is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. The optimal dose and timing of administration require further investigation.

Conclusion: Pre-2020 evidence supports the use of ginger as a safe complementary treatment to reduce the severity of acute nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy.