Can ginger improve cardiovascular health indices? A protocol for a GRADE-assessed systematic review and planned dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which encompass a range of disorders impacting the heart and blood vessels, continue to pose a significant global public health challenge. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has attracted attention among various treatment options for its potential advantages in promoting cardiovascular well-being. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive properties, ginger is a widely used culinary and medicinal plant. The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive summary and systematic analysis of the existing scientific literature pertaining to the effects of ginger supplementation on glycemic profile, lipid profile, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, liver function tests, oxidative stress parameters, and adipokines. This analysis aims to establish a foundation for clinical interventions.

Methods: A methodical electronic exploration will be carried out to discover articles in various databases such as Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search will specifically target randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that include both healthy and diseased individuals. Two evaluators will independently review articles, extract information, and evaluate the quality of the studies using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2). Any discrepancies will be addressed by involving a third reviewer. The quality of cumulative evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Should a sufficient quantity of suitable studies be found, a meta-analysis will be conducted on the chosen outcomes.

Discussion: This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach for systematically reviewing and conducting a dose-response meta-analysis on the effects of ginger supplementation on CVD risk factors. The proposed methodological rigor, including independent evaluation and GRADE assessment, will ensure high-quality evidence synthesis from available RCTs. The findings from this planned review will help inform future research directions and potentially guide clinical recommendations regarding ginger supplementation for cardiovascular health.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42024571362.