Ginger and Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Research synthesisLow evidenceSmall effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Based on 3 systematic reviews and reviews, ginger shows moderate evidence for small beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in populations with type 2 diabetes and PCOS. All 3 studies reported beneficial effects, with 2 of 3 reaching statistical significance. Study durations, doses, and forms were not consistently reported, limiting dose-response conclusions.

Studied populations: individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), PCOS patients

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). No dose or form data were reported in these reviews, so practical supplementation guidance cannot be derived from this evidence base.

Generated May 16, 2026

3 of 3 papersPopulation:

Systematic Review of the Effects of Plant-Based Foods on Metabolic Outcomes in Adults with MASLD and Comorbidities Such as Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes.
- 2025-09-22
- Systematic Review
- Nutrients 17(18)
- - Joanna Michalina Jurek
  - Katarzyna Zablocka-Slowinska
  - Joanna Pieczynska
  - Helena Clavero Mestres
  - Teresa Auguet
- PubMed: 41010543
- DOI: 10.3390/nu17183020
8 Insights on
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
WGPs, GCE, flaxseed, rapeseed oil, spirulina, ginger, and garlic were beneficial for glycemic regulation
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for glycaemic control and insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review.
- 2025-09-30
- Systematic Review
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies 25(1)
- - Ethan Li
  - Alison Maunder
  - Jing Liu
  - Chhiti Pandey
  - Adele Cave
  - Allana O'Fee
  - Carolyn Ee
- PubMed: 41029669
- DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-05059-7
2 Insights on
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity
- High evidence
Ginger, turmeric, cardamom, Berberis vulgaris, Nigella sativa, and various Chinese herbal medicines demonstrated improvements in insulin resistance measures.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
Exploring the Antioxidative Effects of Ginger and Cinnamon: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Other Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders.
- 2024-03-25
- Review · n = 65
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) 13(4)
- - Sladjana Novakovic
  - Vladimir Jakovljevic
  - Nikola Jovic
  - Kristina Andric
  - Milica Milinkovic
  - Teodora Anicic
  - Bozidar Pindovic
  - Elena Nikolaevna Kareva
  - Vladimir Petrovich Fisenko
  - Aleksandra Dimitrijevic
  - Jovana Joksimovic Jovic
- PubMed: 38671840
- DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040392
4 Insights on
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity
- Moderate evidence
- Clinical
Cinnamon and ginger can affect hormonal status, lipid profile, obesity, and insulin resistance by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Ginger and Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Systematic Review of the Effects of Plant-Based Foods on Metabolic Outcomes in Adults with MASLD and Comorbidities Such as Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes.

The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for glycaemic control and insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review.

Exploring the Antioxidative Effects of Ginger and Cinnamon: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Other Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders.