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Ginger as a miracle against chemotherapy-induced vomiting
Zohreh Parsa Yekta1, Seyyed Meisam Ebrahimi, Mostafa Hosseini
1Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Ginger supplementation significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced vomiting in breast cancer patients. This natural remedy offers relief across all phases of nausea and vomiting, complementing standard antiemetic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chemotherapy often induces significant nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
- Previous research on ginger's antiemetic properties yielded inconsistent results.
- This study aimed to clarify ginger's efficacy for chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ginger in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
- To compare ginger's impact against a placebo in a randomized controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 women with breast cancer.
- Participants received either 1g daily of ginger powder or placebo capsules for 6 days, starting 3 days before chemotherapy.
- Data collected via daily self-assessment questionnaires and analyzed using statistical tests.
Main Results:
- No significant age difference between the ginger and placebo groups.
- Ginger significantly reduced vomiting episodes during anticipatory, acute, and delayed phases (P < 0.05).
- Heartburn was the sole, mild side effect reported in the ginger group (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Ginger capsules, when taken alongside standard antiemetic therapy, effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
- Ginger demonstrates significant benefits in managing nausea and vomiting across all phases.
- Ginger presents a safe and effective complementary option for managing a common chemotherapy side effect.
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