Rankings / Immune & Inflammation

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Immune & Inflammation · Anti-inflammatory / antiemetic

Tier A

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

anti-inflammatoryotc
8 / 10
Tier A
Ev 8 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as A (8.0/10) based on strong evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines. OA effect is modest but real. Fresh ginger and dried/standardized extracts have different gingerol/shogaol ratios (drying converts gingerols to shogaols).

Mechanism

Gingerols, shogaols, paradols; 5-HT3 antagonism in GI tract (antiemetic); COX/LOX inhibition; modest NF-kB suppression; mild antiplatelet activity at high doses

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Ginger (Zingiber officinale)'s effects?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as Strong and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of A (8.0/10). One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines.
What safety findings are reported for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (heartburn at higher doses; mild antiplatelet effect — caution with anticoagulants at multi-gram chronic doses) Legal status: OTC.
What doses or routes are reported for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)?
1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Ginger (Zingiber officinale) work?
Gingerols, shogaols, paradols; 5-HT3 antagonism in GI tract (antiemetic); COX/LOX inhibition; modest NF-kB suppression; mild antiplatelet activity at high doses

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.