Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia

AIM:To evaluate the effects of ginger on gastric motility and emptying,abdominal symptoms,and hormones that influence motility in dyspepsia.METHODS:Eleven patients with functional dyspepsia were studied twice in a randomized double-blind manner.After an 8-h fast,the patients ingested three capsules that contained ginger(total 1.2 g) or placebo,followed after 1 h by 500 mL low-nutrient soup.Antral area,fundus area and diameter,and the frequency of antral contractions were measured using ultrasound at frequent intervals,and the gastric half-emptying time was calculated from the change in antral area.Gastrointestinal sensations and appetite were scored using visual analog questionnaires,and blood was taken for measurement of plasma glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),motilin and ghrelin concentrations,at intervals throughout the study.RESULTS:Gastric emptying was more rapid after ginger than placebo [median(range) half-emptying time 12.3(8.5-17.0) min after ginger,16.1(8.3-22.6) min after placebo,P ≤ 0.05].There was a trend for more antral contractions(P = 0.06),but fundus dimensions and gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ,nor did serum concentrations of GLP-1,motilin and ghrelin.CONCLUSION:Ginger stimulated gastric emptying and antral contractions in patients with functional dyspepsia,but had no impact on gastrointestinal symptoms or gut peptides.