RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Ginger-PD: Ginger as a Modifier of Ghrelin Levels and Gut Function in Parkinson's Disease

This clinical trial is exploring whether simple ginger supplements can help people with Parkinson's disease and a sleep condition called REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD). Scientists have found that people with these conditions often have lower levels of ghrelin, a natural hormone made in the stomach. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, keeps the gut moving normally, and may help protect brain cells. Because giving ghrelin as an injection is difficult, researchers want to see if ginger can encourage the body to make more of its own. In lab tests, ginger helped raise ghrelin levels and lowered inflammation. In this study, 72 participants aged 55 and over will take daily ginger capsules for 12 weeks. Researchers will check whether ginger safely boosts ghrelin levels in the blood, eases constipation, and calms inflammation, laying the groundwork for future treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

17 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Parkinson s Disease

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is well known for causing movement difficulties, but it also commonly causes digestive problems, especially constipation. Scientists have discovered that people living with Parkinson's, as well as those with a related condition called REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), often have low amounts of a hormone called ghrelin in their blood. Ghrelin is made in the stomach. It helps trigger hunger, keeps the bowels moving smoothly, and appears to help shield delicate brain cells from damage.

Researchers would like to know if boosting ghrelin could help slow down Parkinson's and improve gut symptoms. However, ghrelin breaks down very quickly in the body and usually requires injections, making it impractical as a routine treatment. Scientists at the University of Cambridge are therefore looking at natural alternatives. Early research suggests that active compounds found in ginger can stimulate the body to produce its own ghrelin, while also reducing inflammation.

The Ginger-PD study is designed to see whether taking ginger root extract capsules every day can reliably raise ghrelin levels in people. By comparing different doses in people with Parkinson's, people with RBD, and healthy volunteers, the team hopes to find out whether ginger is a safe, gentle, and practical way to support both gut and brain health.

Key takeaways

Tests whether daily ginger capsules can raise ghrelin, a gut and brain hormone.
Open to people aged 55 and over with Parkinson's, RBD sleep disorder, or healthy volunteers.
Lasts for 12 weeks with up to four appointments in Cambridge or at home.
Aims to find new, gentle ways to relieve constipation and protect nerve cells.
Participants must agree to avoid ginger in their regular diet during the study.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is looking for men and women aged 55 and older who fit into one of three groups. The first group is for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The second group is for people diagnosed with REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), a sleep problem where people physically move around or act out vivid dreams while asleep.

The third group is for healthy volunteers of a similar age who do not have Parkinson's or RBD. These participants act as a comparison group so scientists can see how ginger works in healthy bodies versus those with nerve conditions.

Because the study specifically measures how ginger affects your blood and stomach, all participants must be willing to avoid eating or drinking ginger-flavoured foods, teas, and spices for the 12 weeks of the trial.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 55 or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (or wish to join as a healthy volunteer)?
Are you able to travel to Cambridge or receive research visits at home?
Are you willing to avoid all ginger foods and drinks for 12 weeks?
Are you happy to take daily capsules and provide blood samples?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about 12 weeks. You will be asked to attend up to four research appointments at the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair in Cambridge, although home visits can be arranged if travelling is difficult. During your appointments, researchers will check your height, weight, memory, and movement. You will provide blood samples before and one hour after your first ginger dose to see how quickly your body responds. You will also complete simple breath and stool transit tests at home to check how fast food moves through your gut. For 12 weeks, you will take a daily ginger capsule—either a lower or higher dose, chosen at random. At the end of the trial, the health checks and blood tests will be repeated to see what has changed.

Potential risks and benefits

You might not get any direct medical benefit from joining this study, but your participation could help scientists discover simpler, natural ways to treat Parkinson's symptoms in the future. Ginger supplements are generally very safe, but they can occasionally cause mild heartburn, burping, or a slight stomach ache. The research team will monitor you closely to make sure you are comfortable. Taking part is completely voluntary; you can stop taking the capsules and leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your regular NHS medical care will not be affected.

Locations (1)

University of Cambridge
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

Can I just buy ginger supplements from a health food shop instead?

The study uses carefully measured, purified medical-grade capsules so scientists know exactly how much active ingredient you receive. Over-the-counter supplements can vary widely in strength and quality.

Do I have to give up ginger biscuits and curry?

Yes. To ensure the study results are reliable, you will be asked to avoid eating foods, snacks, or drinks that contain ginger while you are taking part.

Will taking ginger cure my Parkinson's disease?

No. This is an early-stage study testing whether ginger can increase a specific hormone and ease gut symptoms. It is not a proven cure for Parkinson's.

What if I cannot easily travel to Cambridge?

The study team recognises that travel can be difficult and offers home visits for several of the study assessments where possible.

How is my dose of ginger decided?

A computer will randomly allocate you to receive either a standard dose (0.24g) or a slightly higher dose (0.48g) of ginger root extract so researchers can compare which works best.

How to find out more

Marta Camacho, PhD

msc72@medschl.cam.ac.uk 00441223334121 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.