Effects of ginger supplementation on quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia: An open-label, clinical trial

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, often marked by persistent discomfort and negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Despite various treatment approaches, many patients continue to experience symptoms. Ginger has been suggested as a potential natural remedy for dyspepsia due to its anti-inflammatory and prokinetic properties. While previous studies have focused on ginger’s ability to alleviate dyspeptic symptoms, its impact on QoL in FD patients remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of ginger supplementation on QoL in patients with FD. This open-label clinical trial enrolled adult FD patients who met the Rome IV criteria. A total of 62 patients were enrolled, and 51 completed the study. Participants received a standardized ginger supplement of 540 mg twice daily for eight weeks. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using a validated questionnaire, Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes were also evaluated. After eight weeks of ginger supplementation, there was a significant improvement in QoL, as indicated by a decrease in NDI scores (mean change ± SD: 9.97 ± 16.20, p = 0.039). This demonstrates a notable enhancement in the participants' QoL, particularly in terms of interference, eating and improved day-to-day activity. Secondary outcomes also showed favorable changes. Ginger supplementation may offer a beneficial adjunct therapy for patients with FD, improving both symptom management and overall QoL. Future studies with larger sample sizes and randomized controls are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms involved.