Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.

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Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors.
Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

Research data indicate that ginger and its constituents accumulate in the
gastrointestinal tract, which supports the many observations of ginger’s
effectiveness as an antinausea agent and as a possible colon cancer-
preventing compound. Ginger acts as a potent antioxidant in vitro and ex
vivo, but the data are not obvious for in vivo application and specific targets
and mechanisms are lacking. Ginger appears to exert anti-inflammatory
effects by suppressing COX-2 with subsequent inhibition of prostaglandin
and leukotriene biosynthesis. On the other hand, the data supporting the
effectiveness of ginger in alleviating pain and swelling associated with
arthritis are somewhat conflicting. The most common use of ginger is to
alleviate the vomiting and nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy,
and some types of surgery. The clinical data undoubtedly indicate that ginger
is at least as effective, and may be better, than vitamin B6 in treating these
symptoms. Again, mechanisms are lacking, but no reports indicate that ginger
has any adverse side effects or that it can worsen illness in pregnant women
or patients. Interest in ginger as an anticancer agent has markedly increased
over the last few years and a direct protein target has been identified in colon
cancer. Ginger also appears to reduce cholesterol and improve lipid
metabolism, thereby helping to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease
and diabetes.
In summary, ginger has been reported to possess diverse pharmacological
properties, although its specific biological targets are largely unknown and
remain to be determined. However, in spite of the lack of specific
mechanistic information, use of ginger appears to be safe and its effects are
mighty and amazing in its many applications.
Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in
Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence
Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr; 4(Suppl 1): S36–S42.
PMCID: PMC3665023
PMID: 23717767
Nafiseh Shokri Mashhadi, Reza Ghiasvand,1,2 Gholamreza Askari,1,2 Mitra
Hariri,1,2 Leila Darvishi,1,2 and Mohammad Reza Mofid3
The health-promoting perspectives of ginger are well known. It
can treat a wide range of diseases via immunonutrition and anti-
inflammatory responses. As a result of anti-inflammatory effect
of ginger, it can reduce muscle pain after intense physical activity.
Likewise, the anticancer potential of ginger is well documented
and its functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and
paradols are the valuable ingredients which can prevent various
cancers, angiogenesis and metastasis, induction of apoptosis, and
inhibition of cell-cycle progression. Besides these, it improves
cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal
health.

Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic

Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials
Nutrients. 2020 Jan; 12(1): 157.
Published online 2020 Jan 6. doi: 10.3390/nu12010157
PMCID: PMC7019938
PMID: 31935866
Conclusions
Ginger is a natural spice that is used in diverse regions to add a
pungent flavor to food. Furthermore, ginger has been used as an
herbal medicine for common health problems. This systematic
review is the first study that has exclusively collected RCTs
regarding the efficiency of ginger in several human health
conditions. The clinical effects of ginger have been introduced as
six subsections: nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal function,
pain, inflammation, metabolic syndromes, and other symptoms.
Reportedly, ginger has been effective in a majority of studies,
including those that examined the alleviation of NVP, digestive
function, improvement in the expression level of markers for
colorectal cancer risk, and anti-inflammatory functions. Several
other functions have also been regarded as beneficial in trials, with
some confronting results. However, a few drawbacks regarding
the quality of the trials, inconsistent evaluation systems or
parameters, and the generally small size of the studies need to be
noted. Therefore, systematically designed research with detailed
descriptions of methodology and a sufficient pool of participants
is necessary for future clinical trials to address the functional
characteristics of ginger.