ABSTRACT:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a widely used medicinal plant, contains bioactive compounds such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antinociceptive properties. These pharmacological activities suggest a possible role in neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation and nociceptive activation. Migraine, one of the most common primary headache disorders, ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide and is often difficult to manage with current pharmacological therapies, encouraging interest in herbal alternatives. This study systematically reviewed clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of ginger for migraine. Literature searches were conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) up to November 2024, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool. From 533 records, five RCTs involving 430 participants were included. Interventions consisted of capsules, tablets, and sublingual formulations (200–500 mg), compared with placebo or standard drugs such as sumatriptan, propranolol, and ketoprofen. Results were heterogeneous: some trials reported reductions in pain intensity or attack frequency, while others showed no significant differences (p >0.05). Adverse events were mainly mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and the suggested safe daily intake was =2 g. Overall, current evidence suggests that ginger may provide preliminary benefits in migraine management with a favorable short-term safety profile. This review indicates that ginger may provide modest benefits in migraine management with a good short-term safety profile. However, evidence is limited and inconsistent.