Steamed ginger extract and mild knee osteoarthritis in 100 people
What it found
In 100 people with mild knee osteoarthritis, steamed ginger extract reduced joint pain more than a dummy pill over 12 weeks.
The authors found no difference in safety measures between the two groups.
What they found
Studies in people
Joint pain relief
People taking the ginger extract reported less knee pain than those on the dummy pill. Their overall scores for stiffness and daily function also improved more.
Safety checks
Blood tests and other safety measures showed no meaningful differences between the ginger group and the dummy pill group after 12 weeks.
What the authors conclude
- They suggest that this steamed ginger extract works well as a functional food for easing joint pain.
- The authors say it may help manage or prevent knee osteoarthritis without causing side effects.
How it was done
The researchers wanted to see if a specific steamed ginger extract could help people who have mild wear and tear in their knees. They also wanted to check whether taking it caused any problems.
They gave 100 people with mild knee osteoarthritis either the ginger extract or a dummy pill every day for 12 weeks. Each person took 1.6 g of the product daily, which delivered 0.48 g of the ginger extract. Researchers measured pain levels and blood markers before and after the 12 weeks.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This trial lasted only 12 weeks, so it cannot show what happens if someone takes the extract for years.
- It also only looked at mild knee problems, not severe arthritis.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Woosuk University, Republic of Korea; Aerospace Center Hospital, China; Kyung Hee University, Republic of Korea
The paper
- Title
- Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Baek HI, Shen L, Ha KC, et al (2024). Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food & function. doi:10.1039/d4fo01640hPubMed 39212491DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error