Ginger for Pain Management in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Moshfeghinia R, Salmanpour N, Ghoshouni H, Gharedaghi H
Published in Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine
Methodology
PROSPERO-registered systematic review of seven databases through May 2023; 24 studies qualitatively synthesised and 12 pooled in random-effects meta-analyses of ginger versus placebo, NSAIDs and exercise for dysmenorrhea pain.
Key Findings
Ginger was more effective than placebo for pain intensity (SMD -1.13, 95% CI -1.59 to -0.68) and pain duration (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.12), with no difference versus NSAIDs or exercise.
Conclusions
Ginger is an effective option for primary dysmenorrhea pain, performing comparably to NSAIDs in pooled analyses.
Limitations
High heterogeneity (I2 = 81%), many small Iranian trials, safety data infrequently reported.
Outcomes Measured
The combined results of the studies indicate that ginger is notably more effective than placebo in reducing both the intensity (SMD = -1.13; 95% CI = -1.59 to -0.68, I2 = 81.05%) and duration of pain (SMD = -0.29; 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.12).
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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