Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used to ameliorate symptoms of nausea. A beverage containing ginger in a syrup may be easier to consume than a capsule or solid food.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if ginger syrup mixed in water is an effective remedy for the relief of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy.


METHODS
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Subjects were enrolled from the University of South Florida department of obstetrics and gynecology private practice office.


METHODS
26 subjects in the first trimester of pregnancy.


METHODS
Subjects ingested 1 tablespoon of commercially prepared study syrup (or placebo) in 4 to 8 ounces of hot or cold water 4 times daily.


METHODS
Duration and severity of nausea and vomiting over a 2-week period measured on a 10-point scale.


RESULTS
After 9 days, 10 of the 13 (77%) subjects receiving ginger had at least a 4-point improvement on the nausea scale. Only 2 of the 10 (20%) remaining subjects in the placebo group had the same improvement. Conversely, no woman in the ginger group, but 7 (70%) of the women in the placebo group, had a 2-point or less improvement on the nausea scale. Eight of the 12 (67%) women in the ginger group who were vomiting daily at the beginning of the treatment stopped vomiting by day 6. Only 2 of the 10 (20%) women in the placebo group who were vomiting stopped by day 6.


CONCLUSIONS
The ingestion of 1 g of ginger in syrup in a divided dose daily may be useful in some patients experiencing nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Keating
Angela
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
Chez
Ronald A
RA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D020939:Zingiber officinale; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal