Ginger has shown beneficial effects on PRNV in several studies (Fischer-Rasmussen et al., 1991; Keating et al., 2002; Ozgoli et al., 2009; Smith et al., 2004; Vutyavanich et al., 2001; Willetts, 2003). Use of ginger is well tolerated with minimal side effects (Fischer-Rasmussen,1991; Hollyer,2002; Enysieh et al. 2009; Ozgoli et al., 2009).
For example, nausea scores were significantly lower in 32 women randomized to receive 250 mg dried ginger 4 times daily for 4 days compared to placebo (35 women); vomiting also decreased (Ozgoli et al., 2009). Two studies evaluated pregnancy outcomes in women who received ginger during pregnancy. These studies evaluated ginger 1.05 g daily for 3 weeks (Smith et al., 2004) or 1 g daily for 4 days (Vutyavanich et al., 2001) in women < 17 weeks gestation. No adverse pregnancy or birth outcome was attributable to ginger. These authors (Vutyavanich et al., 2001) concluded that ginger is a safe and effective treatment for PRNV.
References
Ensiyeh, J., M.A. Sakineh. (2009) Comparing ginger and vitamin B6 for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Midwifery 25(6): p. 649-53.
Fischer-Rasmussen, W., Kjaer S K, Dahl C, Asping U. (1991) Ginger treatment of hyper-emesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 38(1): p. 19-24.
Keating, A., Chez R. A. (2002) Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancy Altern Ther Health Med 8(5): 89-91.
Ozgoli, G. Goli, M., Simbar, M. (2009) Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea, and vomiting. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009. 15(3): p. 243-6.
Smith, C., Crowther, C., Willson, K., Hotham, N., McMillian, V. (2004) A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 103(4): 639-45.
Vutyavanich, T., Kraisarin, T., Ruangsri, R. (2001) Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 97(4): 577-82.
Willetts, K. E., Ekangaki, A., Eden, J. A. (2003) Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomized controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 43(2): 139-44.
