Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common side-effect of cytotoxic treatment. It continues to affect a significant proportion of patients despite the widespread use of antiemetic medication. In traditional medicine, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used to prevent and treat nausea in many cultures for thousands of years. However, its use has not been confirmed in the chemotherapy context. To determine the potential use of ginger as a prophylactic or treatment for CINV, a systematic literature review was conducted. Reviewed studies comprised randomized controlled trials or crossover trials that investigated the anti-CINV effect of ginger as the sole independent variable in chemotherapy patients. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were assessed on methodological quality and their limitations were identified. Studies were mixed in their support of ginger as an anti-CINV treatment in patients receiving chemotherapy, with three demonstrating a positive effect, two in favor but with caveats, and two showing no effect on measures of CINV. Future studies are required to address the limitations identified before clinical use can be recommended.

Effects of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis

“…While evidence supports benefits of ginger for seasickness, 18 motion sickness, 19 and postoperative nausea and vomiting, 20 its use in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is still conflicting. 21,22 Ginger also has been demonstrated to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy to the extent that it is as effective as vitamin B 6 alone. [23][24][25][26][27] The exact antiemetic mechanisms of ginger are still unknown, but in vitro studies revealed antagonistic effects of gingerols on serotonergic 5-HT 3 28,29 and cholinergic M receptors.…”

Cheaper Options in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

“…The reported adverse effects of ginger include abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and inhibition of platelet aggregation leading to bleeding; however, these are of a more theoretical interest. 35,39 …”

“…39 The two studies that failed to show a benefit were severely flawed. The first study enrolled only 36 participants, of which 13 were excluded as a result of nonadherence.…”

Kryokonservierung von Eizellen: befruchtet oder unbefruchtet?

“…Sind die Zellen nach dem Au auen intakt, hat die Implantation die gleichen Erfolgschancen wie bei frisch befruchteten Eizellen. Die Schwangerscha srate wird in Übersichtsarbeiten mit 25-59% bezi ert [1,2].Eine noch nicht so lange praktizierte Alternative ist das Einfrieren unbefruchteter Eizellen, das durch Fortschritte in der Konservierungstechnik heute ebenfalls als sicher und nicht mehr experimentell gelten kann [3]. Die Überlebens-und Befruchtungsraten entsprechen publizierten Daten zufolge etwa denjenigen frischer Eizellen [4,2] …”