Effect of Ginger on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common side effects associated with surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ginger on intensity of nausea and vomiting after surgical procedures. This study was a randomized، double blinded، clinical trial. 160 eligible patients were randomly assigned into experimental or control groups. The experimental group received 4 capsules containing 250 mg ginger and control group received 4 placebo capsules 1 hour before surgery. The severity of nausea and vomiting was measured at 2، 4، 6 hours post operation using visual analogue scale (VAS) and a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by independent student t - test and Mann-Whitney U test using SPSS 16. Mean nausea score at 2 hours post operation was significantly lower in the experimental group (P= 0. 04). Mean nausea score at 4 and 6 hours post operation was lower in the experimental group; however، there was no significant difference between the groups at any time post operation. The frequencies of nausea in the experimental group at 2 and 6 hours post operation were lower than that in the placebo group، however، at 2 hours post operation، it was borderline significant (P=0. 05) There was no significant differences between two group in the intensity of nausea at any time. Use of ginger is an effective was effective at decreasing postoperative nausea. Ginger could be used as a safe antiemetic drug at post operation.