Comparative Evidence on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Date Seed (Phoenix dactylifera) Supplementation for Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Recovery: A PRISMA 2020-Guided Systematic Review with SWiM-Based Qualitative Synthesis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) involves mechanical disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses that impair performance and delay recovery. Although NSAIDs are commonly used, their adverse effects have increased interest in plant-based alternatives. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) are promising candidates, but comparative evidence remains fragmented because of heterogeneity in supplementation protocols, exercise models, and outcome assessment. Objective: This systematic review evaluated and compared the direction, consistency, and outcome patterns associated with ginger and date seed supplementation for creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following EIMD. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) recommendations, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from inception to December 2025. Randomized controlled, crossover, and quasi-experimental human studies were eligible. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using RoB 2 or ROBINS-I. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized qualitatively using predefined grouping, vote counting based on direction of effect, and consistency assessment. Seventy-five controlled intervention studies were included (10 date seed; 65 ginger). Results: Both interventions showed potential recovery-enhancing effects. Ginger provided the most consistent favorable evidence for reducing DOMS and generally favorable, although heterogeneous, findings for CK, LDH, and CRP. Date seed showed promising but more limited evidence across outcomes. Beneficial effects were more frequently reported with repeated than acute supplementation. Intervention duration, dosage, formulation, and exercise modality appeared to influence outcomes. Conclusions: Ginger currently has a broader and more consistent evidence base than date seed for supporting recovery following EIMD. However, conclusions are based on indirect qualitative comparisons rather than head-to-head trials, and heterogeneous methodologies limit quantitative inference. Date seed remains promising, particularly through antioxidant-related mechanisms. These findings contribute to the evidence base for plant-derived recovery strategies and support future high-quality trials using standardized protocols, harmonized outcomes, and direct comparative designs.
Institution: Yogyakarta State University
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221451876
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