Effect of Dried Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Serum Total Cholesterol Level in Hyperlipidemic Patients

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of dried ginger on serum cholesterol and to compare the pre and post interventional serum cholesterol level in hyperlipidemic patients.

Methods: It was a randomized, single-blind, placebo controlled study in which 100 hyperlipidemic patients, 50 in treatment group and 50 in placebo group, participated. Baseline sampling of subjects, with ginger in diet, was done before administration of first dose. Ginger capsules and placebo were administered orally to the respective groups, for 30 days. Blood samples were collected next day after administration of the last dose. Lipid profile tests were performed on samples and readings were recorded in tables. Data was reported as means ± SEM. Means of intervention values, both pre and post, were compared using a paired t-test, p - value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant.

Result: It was found in treatment group, there was a substantial decrease (p-value = 0.000) in serum cholesterol level of hyperlipidemic patients. Whereas, in placebo group, the serum cholesterol level changed insignificantly (p-value = 0.168).

Conclusion: This finding shows that dried ginger powder in a dose of 3g/day can significantly decrease serum cholesterol level in hyperlipidemic patients.