Efficacy of ginger for treating Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background/PurposeFew clinical trials have investigated the antidiabetic effects of ginger to date. Several recent clinical trials published in 2013 and 2014, although small, have added contradictory but compelling new evidence about the use of ginger in treating diabetes in humans. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the evidence for using ginger to treat diabetes.MethodsFive randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Four of the RCTs were considered high quality and lasted ≥8 weeks; one lasted only 30 days and was considered low quality. Outcomes measured included fasting blood glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (IR), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and were assessed as mean differences in the meta-analysis.ResultsGinger supplementation significantly lowered fasting blood glucose concentrations and HbA1c levels, but did not significantly lower fasting blood insulin or HOMA-IR.ConclusionGinger root supplementation significantly lowers blood glucose and HbA1c levels. When combined with dietary and lifestyle interventions it may be an effective intervention for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus.