Introduction: The efficacy of ginger for migraine remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of ginger versus placebo on treatment in migraine patients.

Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ginger versus placebo on treatment efficacy in migraine patients. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results: Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in migraine patients, ginger treatment is associated with substantially improved pain free at 2 h (RR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.04-3.09; P = 0.04) and reduced pain scores at 2 h (MD = -1.27; 95% CI = -1.46 to -1.07; P < 0.00001), but reveals no obvious impact on treatment response (RR = 2.04; 95% CI = 0.35-11.94; P = 0.43) or total adverse events (RR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.46-1.41; P = 0.44). The incidence of nausea and vomiting is obviously lower in ginger group than that in control group.

Conclusions: Ginger is safe and effective in treating migraine patients with pain outcomes assessed at 2 h.

Keywords: Ginger; Migraine; Randomized controlled trials.