Does Ginger Lower Platelet Count? A Look at the Evidence

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2015 systematic review published in PLOS ONE, the evidence regarding ginger's effect on platelet aggregation is equivocal, with some studies showing an effect and others showing none. Concerns about whether ginger lowers platelet count often stem from its well-known use in traditional medicine and its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the reality of its impact on platelet levels is more nuanced and dependent on factors like dosage and individual health.

Quick Summary

An examination of clinical studies reveals mixed findings on ginger's effect on platelet aggregation. The impact appears dependent on dosage, form, and individual factors, with higher concentrations showing more potential for inhibition. Caution is warranted for those with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medications, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Key Points

Equivocal Evidence: Scientific studies on ginger's effect on platelet aggregation show mixed results; some find an inhibitory effect, while others find none.
Dosage Matters: Higher, concentrated doses of ginger, often found in supplements, are more likely to exhibit an anti-platelet effect than smaller culinary amounts.
Bleeding Risk Interaction: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising when taken with anticoagulant and anti-platelet medications like warfarin and aspirin.
Mechanism, Not Count: Ginger's potential impact is on platelet function (inhibiting clumping), not on directly lowering the number of platelets in the blood.
Medical Consultation is Crucial: Individuals with bleeding disorders, those on blood thinners, cancer patients, and pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before taking ginger supplements.
Form Varies Effect: The preparation of ginger (raw, dried, cooked) can influence the concentration of active compounds, leading to different effects on platelets.

Understanding Platelet Aggregation and the Role of Ginger

Platelets are tiny, colorless blood cells that form clots and stop bleeding. When an injury occurs, platelets rush to the site, clump together, and form a plug to halt blood loss. This process is known as platelet aggregation. Certain substances, both natural and synthetic, can inhibit this process, acting as anti-platelet agents. Ginger, a popular spice, contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, which have been studied for their potential anti-platelet properties.

The Mixed Scientific Evidence

Research into whether ginger can affect platelet count is not straightforward, with many studies yielding conflicting results. A systematic review found that of the ten studies reviewed, four showed that ginger reduced platelet aggregation, while four showed no effect. The inconsistencies can be attributed to several factors:

Dosage: Some studies found a significant anti-platelet effect only at very high doses, far exceeding typical dietary intake. For instance, one study found a 10g single dose of ginger reduced platelet aggregation in cardiac patients, whereas a daily 4g dose had no effect.
Preparation: The form of ginger—whether fresh, dried, or in supplements—can alter the concentration of its active compounds. This can lead to differing effects between studies.
Population: A person's overall health and genetics can also influence the outcome. Studies have been conducted on both healthy individuals and those with existing conditions, which can lead to different results.
Mechanism of Action: Research suggests that ginger's compounds may interfere with the production of thromboxane, a substance that triggers platelet clumping. However, the extent and clinical significance of this interference are not fully defined.

Ginger and Blood-Thinning Medications: A Critical Look

Because of its potential to inhibit platelet aggregation, there is significant concern regarding the interaction between ginger and blood-thinning medications. This interaction could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. For this reason, individuals on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders are often advised to be cautious with their ginger intake, especially when consuming it in concentrated supplement form. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that until more definitive research is available, the potential effect of ginger on platelet aggregation cannot be confidently dismissed, particularly for those at high risk of bleeding.

Ginger's Potential Impact on Platelets vs. Other Herbs


Feature	Ginger	Garlic	Ginkgo Biloba	Turmeric
Effect on Platelets	Modest anti-platelet effect, dependent on dose and form.	Stronger and more consistently documented anti-platelet effect.	Conflicting studies, some showing anti-platelet properties.	Contains curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Risks on Blood Thinners	Potential increased risk of bruising or bleeding, especially at high doses or in supplement form.	High risk of potentiating the effect of blood thinners, significantly increasing bleeding risk.	Known to increase bleeding risk when taken with anticoagulants like warfarin.	Potential interaction, especially with warfarin, increasing bleeding risk.
Mechanism	Inhibits thromboxane synthesis and platelet aggregation pathways.	Interferes with multiple platelet function pathways.	Varies, with some studies focusing on effects on arachidonic acid pathways.	Inhibits thromboxane production and other inflammatory pathways.
General Safety	Generally safe in culinary amounts; caution with supplements.	Generally safe in food; caution with high-dose supplements.	Caution advised due to bleeding risk with medications.	Safe in culinary amounts; caution with high-dose supplements.

Taking a Practical Approach to Ginger Consumption

For most people, consuming ginger in culinary quantities is perfectly safe and unlikely to cause any significant change in platelet count. This includes using it as a spice in cooking, drinking ginger tea, or enjoying ginger ale made with real ginger. The concern arises with concentrated supplements, where the dose of active anti-platelet compounds is much higher.

If you are on anticoagulant or anti-platelet medications (such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), have a known bleeding disorder, or are preparing for surgery, discussing your intake of ginger with a healthcare provider is essential. It is a standard medical precaution to halt the use of supplements known to affect clotting in the weeks leading up to a surgical procedure. While ginger does not directly lower the number of platelets, its ability to inhibit their function is what poses the risk.

Considerations for Different Populations

Cancer Patients: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, often experience a lower platelet count (thrombocytopenia). While ginger is a common remedy for chemotherapy-induced nausea, its potential anti-platelet effects warrant caution in this population to avoid exacerbating bleeding risk. A clinical dietitian or oncologist can provide guidance.
Pregnant Women: The effect of ginger on platelet function and bleeding risk during pregnancy is a topic of debate, especially nearing the time of delivery. While typically considered safe for morning sickness, high doses or supplements should be discussed with an obstetrician to assess any potential risk.
Individuals with Chronic Conditions: Those with pre-existing heart conditions or diabetes should also exercise caution, as high doses of ginger could theoretically interact with related medications or worsen certain conditions.

Conclusion

While laboratory and some human studies suggest that ginger possesses anti-platelet properties, the evidence is not definitive, and the effect appears to be heavily dependent on dosage, preparation, and individual health factors. The notion that ginger significantly lowers platelet count in healthy individuals is largely unsubstantiated. The primary concern is ginger's potential to inhibit platelet function, which can pose a risk of increased bleeding, particularly in individuals taking blood-thinning medications or those with pre-existing bleeding disorders. Therefore, moderation is key, and consultation with a healthcare provider is vital when using ginger therapeutically or in high doses, especially if any underlying health issues are present. The NIH's review reinforces that further study is needed to clearly define the safety and efficacy of ginger in high-risk populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, consuming ginger in normal culinary amounts, such as in tea, is unlikely to have a significant effect on your platelet count. The primary concern and research focus on concentrated, high-dose ginger supplements.

You do not need to stop eating ginger in typical culinary amounts. However, if you are on blood-thinning medication, you should consult your doctor before taking high-dose ginger supplements. Your doctor may advise monitoring or dosage adjustments.

Ginger does not typically lower the number of platelets in your blood (the count). Instead, its bioactive compounds can potentially interfere with the platelets' ability to clump together and form clots, which is known as affecting their function.

While ginger is often used for nausea, chemotherapy patients often have a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). The potential anti-platelet effect of ginger could worsen bleeding risk. It is critical to discuss this with your oncologist before use.

Studies that have shown significant anti-platelet effects often use doses over 5 grams, typically in supplement form. A standard daily culinary amount is generally much lower and considered safe.

The active compounds in ginger that are most associated with its anti-platelet properties are gingerols and shogaols, which interfere with the production of thromboxane, a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation.

The process of cooking or drying ginger can alter the ratio of its active compounds, converting some gingerols into shogaols. This variation in composition can lead to different biological effects, but more research is needed on the specific impact on platelets.