ING-134Ingredient Research Profile

Gut Health & Digestive

Ginger Extract

Also known as: Zingiber officinale · Gingerols · Shogaols

●●●Strong Evidence

One of the best-evidenced natural remedies for nausea (pregnancy, chemotherapy, surgery, motion sickness). Also reduces inflammatory pain comparably to ibuprofen in knee OA studies.

Effective Dose

250–2000mg / day

per clinical evidence

Evidence Level

Strong

Gut Health & Digestive

Mechanism

5-HT3 antagonism, COX-2 inhibition, gastric motility promotion

primary action

Best For

Nausea

Digestive comfort, Anti-inflammatory, Joint pain

This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.

What Is Ginger Extract?

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome contains gingerols (fresh ginger) and shogaols (dried/heated ginger) — bioactive compounds with multiple pharmacological actions including 5-HT3 receptor antagonism (anti-nausea), COX-2 inhibition (anti-inflammatory), and gastric prokinetic effects (speeds gastric emptying).

How It Works: The Science

6-Gingerol and 6-shogaol antagonise 5-HT3 receptors in the gut and CNS — the same target as ondansetron (a pharmaceutical anti-emetic). This blocks the nausea-triggering serotonin signalling from gut chemoreceptors. Gingerols also inhibit COX-2 and 5-LOX simultaneously — a dual anti-inflammatory action more like boswellia than NSAIDs.

Primary Mechanism

5-HT3 antagonism, COX-2 inhibition, gastric motility promotion

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces nausea in pregnancy, chemotherapy, and post-surgery

strong

Viljoen et al. (2014) Cochrane-level review — consistent efficacy across nausea types

Reduces knee OA pain comparably to ibuprofen

moderate

Altman & Marcussen (2001) — 255mg extract twice daily non-inferior to ibuprofen

Reduces post-exercise muscle soreness

moderate

Black et al. (2010) — 2g/day for 11 days reduced DOMS by 25% vs placebo

Dosage Guide

Effective Dose

250–2000mg / day

250–1000mg extract for nausea (immediately before travel or meals); 1000–2000mg for anti-inflammatory effects. Standardised extracts (5% gingerols) provide consistent dosing.

Safety Profile & Side Effects

Very safe as a food-derived remedy. May mildly inhibit platelet aggregation — caution with anticoagulants at high doses. Can cause acid reflux in susceptible individuals.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It

Best for

NauseaDigestive comfortAnti-inflammatoryJoint pain

Who it's for

Almost universally useful — nausea sufferers, athletes with DOMS, those with OA or joint inflammation. An underrated, multi-purpose supplement with strong clinical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Ginger Extract?

250–1000mg extract for nausea (immediately before travel or meals); 1000–2000mg for anti-inflammatory effects. Standardised extracts (5% gingerols) provide consistent dosing.

Is Ginger Extract safe?

Very safe as a food-derived remedy. May mildly inhibit platelet aggregation — caution with anticoagulants at high doses. Can cause acid reflux in susceptible individuals.

How does Ginger Extract work?

Who should take Ginger Extract?

Almost universally useful — nausea sufferers, athletes with DOMS, those with OA or joint inflammation. An underrated, multi-purpose supplement with strong clinical evidence.

Related Ingredients

Curcumin (with Bioperine / Phytosome)Boswellia Serrata Probiotics (Lactobacillus / Bifidobacterium)

Medical Disclaimer

Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →