Changes of serum adipocytokines and body weight following Zingiber officinale supplementation in obese women: a RCT.

Abstract

The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) consumption on some metabolic and clinical features of obesity.Eighty eligible obese women (aged 18-45آ years) were randomly assigned to either ginger or placebo groups (receiving 2آ g/day of ginger powder or corn starch as two 1آ g tablets) for 12آ weeks. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition were assessed every 4آ weeks, and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, insulin and glucose were determined before and after intervention. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were also calculated.Ginger consumption significantly decreased BMI, serum insulin and HOMA-IR index, along with increasing QUICKIs as compared to the placebo. Moreover, significant reductions in serum leptin, resistin and glucose were observed in both groups, especially in ginger group with nonsignificant differences between groups. The body composition and serum levels of adiponectin were not significantly changed in study groups.In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a minor beneficial effect of 2آ g ginger powder supplementation for 12آ weeks on weight loss and some metabolic features of obesity. However, given the lack of data in this area, ongoing clinical trials are needed to further explore ginger's effectiveness.