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Zingiber officinale does not affect gastric emptying rate. A randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
S Phillips1, S Hutchinson, R Ruggier
1Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey.
Anaesthesia
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) did not alter gastric emptying rates in healthy volunteers. This study found no link between ginger
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is traditionally used for nausea and vomiting.
- Its antiemetic properties are well-documented, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood.
- Potential mechanisms include effects on gastric motility and emptying.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ginger on gastric emptying rate.
- To determine if ginger's antiemetic action is mediated by altered gastric motility.
- To assess the safety of ginger consumption in healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted.
- Sixteen healthy volunteers received either 1g of powdered ginger or a placebo.
- Gastric emptying was assessed using the oral paracetamol absorption model.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of ginger did not significantly affect gastric emptying rate compared to placebo.
- No significant differences in paracetamol absorption, an indicator of gastric emptying, were observed.
- No adverse effects were reported during the study.
Conclusions:
- Ginger's antiemetic effect is not associated with a significant alteration in gastric emptying rate.
- The mechanism of ginger's antiemetic action likely involves pathways other than gastric motility modulation.
- Ginger appears to be safe for short-term use at the tested dosage.