title: A systematic review of the evidence for topical use of ginger.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of ginger as a topical intervention is widely advocated in the popular media. However, there has been no attempt to date to synthesize the evidence for topically administered ginger.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To systematically review and synthesize the best available evidence of effectiveness for topical ginger in any condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  CAM on PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, National Library of Australia, The Cochrane Library, TRIP, pertinent texts, and bibliographies of relevant papers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data sources were systematically searched for studies investigating the clinical effectiveness of topical ginger, in any form and for any condition, regardless of study design. Studies were limited to those published between 1980 and 2010, and published in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Taiwanese.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were extracted by two authors, independently, using standardized templates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four studies met the inclusion criteria, including three randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized controlled trial. All studies differed in terms of study population, outcome measures, comparative interventions, and dose and form of ginger used, and thus, were not amenable to meta-analysis. Findings from all trials favored usage of ginger for most outcomes. However, the small sample sizes and inadequate methodological reporting indicate a high risk of bias and the need for caution when interpreting these results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of topically administered ginger for any condition. Until the findings of these studies are corroborated by more robust research, and the safety of ginger is adequately established, clinicians should remain cautious about using topical ginger in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Mingshuang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Leach
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bradley
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D020939:Zingiber officinale; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations
keywords: Ginger; herbal medicine; systematic review; topical; zingiber