Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial

Abstract

BackgroundZingiber officinale R. rhizome (ginger) is a popular spice that has traditionally been used to combat the effects of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginger on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea.MethodThis was a randomized, controlled trial. The study was based on a sample of one hundred and twenty students with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea. The students were all residents of the dormitories of Shahed University. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups, one for ginger and the other for placebo in two different treatment protocols with monthly intervals. The ginger and placebo groups in both protocols received 500 mg capsules of ginger root powder or placebo three times a day. In the first protocol ginger and placebo were given two days before the onset of the menstrual period and continued through the first three days of the menstrual period. In the second protocol ginger and placebo were given only for the first three days of the menstrual period. Severity of pain was determined by a verbal multidimensional scoring system and a visual analogue scale.ResultsThere was no difference in the baseline characteristics of the two groups (placebo n = 46, ginger n = 56). The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in the severity of pain between ginger and placebo groups for protocol one (P = 0.015) and protocol two (P = 0.029). There was also significant difference in duration of pain between the two groups for protocol one (P = 0.017) but not for protocol two (P = 0.210).ConclusionTreatment of primary dysmenorrhea in students with ginger for 5 days had a statistically significant effect on relieving intensity and duration of pain.Trial registrationIRCT201105266206N3

Herbs Act on Female and Male Reproductive System: Recent Advances

“…The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in the severity of pain between ginger and placebo groups for protocol one (P = 0.015) and protocol two (P = 0.029). [40] Morakinyo et al (2008) reported that Zingiber officinale have a beneficial effect on male reproductive functions in rats, which are confirmed by other studies on the increased sperm counts, motility, testosterone, and decrease malonhydialdehyde levels. makes an attempt to compile some of the plants whose extract have been used to enhance fertility, anti-fertility, ant-implantation, ovulatory, galactogogue activity, anti-menorrhagic activity, spermatogenic activity and uterotonic effect etc, in animal and human experiments, but still need experimental studies to finally conclude all these above actions on herb and studies must needed to provide evidence for the mechanism of action of herbs have above said all action as well as their safety through phytochemical and pharmacokinetic assays.…”

The effect of mefenamic acid and ginger on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized clinical trial

“…Some studies have compared ginger with placebo and showed beneficial effects in primary dysmenorrhea [20,22]. Only one study compared ginger with NSAIDs in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, and reported it as effective as mefenamic acid [23].…”

“…Ginger root is an old spice and has been used in traditional medicine for a long time and as an anti-inflammatory agent [20,21]. Some studies have compared ginger with placebo and showed beneficial effects in primary dysmenorrhea [20,22].…”

The Effect of Ginger on Pain and Satisfaction of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…The World Health Organization considered ginger as a food supplement (22). Ginger is used as a medicine, spice and food around the world (23).…”