This randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of a steamed ginger ethanolic extract (SGE) on weight and body fat loss.

To do so, 8 healthy obese participantswere randomized to receive either two capsules per day containing each 100 mg of SGE (standardized to 5.89–8.83 mg/g of 6-shogaol) or placebo for 12 weeks. Outcome measures comprised indicators of efficacy (body weight, body mass index, body composition, and blood markers) and safety.

Results showed that mean body weight (p = 0.047), body mass index (p = 0.035) were significantly lower in the SGE group than in the placebo group. However, there was no significant change in waist or hip circumference in either group. Moreover, adiponectin level in the SGE group was reduced (p = 0.034) but did not differ significantly from that of the placebo group. There were no significant changes in other blood markers, including leptin. No changes were observed for any safety parameter.

In conclusion, steamed ginger ethanolic extract is a potent anti-obesity agent that does not cause significant side effects

Park SH, Jung SJ, Choi EK, et al. The effects of steamed ginger ethanolic extract on weight and body fat loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2019;29(2):265–273. Published 2019 Oct 11. doi:10.1007/s10068-019-00649-x