Is Ginger a MAOI Inhibitor? A Look at the Evidence

January 6, 2026 •

5 min read

According to a 2018 study published in the journal Molecules, specific components within ginger extracts exhibit moderate MAO-A inhibitory properties in laboratory settings. The question, "is ginger a MAOI inhibitor?" is complex because this effect is not robust enough to classify ginger as a powerful or dangerous MAO inhibitor in the way pharmaceutical drugs are. The distinction between a minor laboratory finding and a significant clinical risk is crucial for anyone concerned about drug interactions.

Quick Summary

Ginger extracts contain certain compounds that show moderate MAO-A inhibitory potential in in vitro tests, but it is not classified as a potent MAOI drug. While culinary use is generally safe, high concentrations in supplements may pose risks, especially for individuals on pharmaceutical MAOIs or other mood-regulating medications. Consult a healthcare provider before using ginger supplements alongside prescription drugs to ensure safety.

Key Points

Moderate MAO-A Inhibition: In controlled laboratory settings, specific terpene compounds within ginger extracts have demonstrated a moderate, not potent, ability to inhibit the MAO-A enzyme.
Not a Clinical MAOI: Despite laboratory findings, ginger is not considered a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the way pharmaceutical drugs are, and culinary use is not considered risky.
Risk with Medication: Individuals taking prescription MAOIs, SSRIs, or other psychoactive drugs should be cautious, as the combination of agents can increase the risk of adverse effects like serotonin syndrome.
Interaction with Blood Thinners: A more significant and well-documented risk is ginger's interaction with anticoagulant medications, as it can inhibit platelet aggregation and increase bleeding risk.
Importance of Medical Consultation: It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before combining ginger supplements with any prescription medication to ensure safety and avoid potential complications.
Safe for Culinary Use: The risks associated with MAO inhibition are primarily a concern with high, concentrated doses found in supplements, not from normal dietary consumption.

Understanding MAOIs and Their Importance

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of powerful pharmaceutical drugs prescribed to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. They work by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this breakdown, MAOIs cause an increase in the concentration of these mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms of mood disorders.

There are two primary types of MAO enzymes: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A primarily metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and tyramine, while MAO-B primarily breaks down dopamine. The risk associated with MAOIs is that a buildup of tyramine, an amino acid found in fermented foods, can lead to a dangerous spike in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis. This is why patients on pharmaceutical MAOIs must adhere to strict dietary restrictions.

The Scientific Evidence: Does Ginger Inhibit MAO?

Scientific research has explored whether compounds found in ginger exhibit MAO-inhibiting activity. A notable 2018 study used a bioguided fractionation approach to examine the potential of various terpene constituents from ginger rhizomes to inhibit the MAO-A enzyme.

In Vitro Findings: In this laboratory-based (in vitro) study, researchers found that certain terpene compounds isolated from ginger extract, such as geraniol and terpinen-4-ol, exhibited moderate inhibitory properties against the MAO-A enzyme. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, geraniol and (-)-terpinen-4-ol showed 44.1% and 42.5% enzyme inhibition, respectively.
Moderate vs. Potent Inhibition: It is important to contextualize these findings. The inhibition levels seen in these studies were only moderate compared to a powerful pharmaceutical MAO-A inhibitor like clorgyline, which can produce 96% inhibition at a much lower concentration. This indicates that while ginger contains compounds with some MAO-inhibiting potential, it does not act with the same potency or risk profile as a prescription MAOI.
Whole Extract vs. Isolated Compounds: Another critical observation from the study is that the overall effect of the total ginger extract was often less potent than that of the isolated, purified compounds. This suggests that the MAO-inhibiting activity is a result of a complex interplay of compounds within the ginger matrix, and not just the action of a single, highly potent ingredient.

Ginger's Role with Neurotransmitters and Other Medications

Beyond its potential MAO-inhibiting properties, ginger's bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, are known to influence other neurological pathways. Some studies suggest that ginger extracts may have neuroprotective effects, partly by modulating monoamine and cholinergic systems in the brain. While this might explain some of its effects on mood or anxiety, it does not equate to the powerful, high-risk interactions seen with traditional MAOIs.

Comparison: Ginger vs. Prescription MAOIs


Feature	Ginger (Culinary & Moderate Supplement Doses)	Prescription MAOIs (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)
MAO Inhibition	Moderate, found in specific extracts and isolated compounds, largely in vitro.	Powerful and targeted inhibition of MAO enzymes in the body.
Risks of Hypertensive Crisis	Very low to negligible risk with typical use. Does not cause significant tyramine accumulation.	High risk if combined with tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, cured meats).
Drug-Drug Interactions	Potential, especially with blood thinners and blood sugar medications.	Numerous and well-documented, especially with other antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
Dietary Restrictions	None with regular culinary use. Caution advised for supplements with specific medical conditions.	Strict dietary restrictions to avoid tyramine-rich foods and hypertensive crisis.
Purpose	Culinary use, traditional remedy for nausea, inflammation.	Treatment for severe depression and other mental health disorders.

Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

While the risk of a hypertensive crisis from consuming ginger is minimal for healthy individuals, it's a different story for those on psychiatric medications. The primary concern is serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin. This risk is heightened when combining different serotonergic agents. Although ginger is not a strong serotonergic agent, caution is always warranted.

Interactions with SSRIs: Some research suggests that ginger may have beneficial effects when used as an adjunctive treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to reduce anxiety and gastrointestinal side effects. However, this requires more extensive research, and any such combination should be medically supervised. Leading medical information sites like Drugs.com state that no interactions were found between ginger and certain SSRIs like Zoloft, but they stress the importance of consulting a healthcare provider.
Interactions with Blood Thinners: Perhaps more concerning than the theoretical MAOI risk are ginger's well-documented interactions with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin. Ginger can inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
Other Interactions: Ginger can also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure, necessitating careful monitoring for individuals on diabetes or antihypertensive medications.

Conclusion

To the question, "is ginger a MAOI inhibitor?" the scientifically accurate answer is that specific compounds in ginger have been shown to have moderate MAO-A inhibitory effects in a lab setting, but ginger itself is not a potent or clinically significant MAOI. For the vast majority of people, incorporating ginger into their diet through cooking or tea is safe and poses no MAOI-related risk. However, the situation changes for individuals taking prescription medication, especially antidepressants. The most prudent course of action is to discuss any and all supplement use with a qualified healthcare professional, who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current prescriptions. The presence of other potential drug interactions, particularly with blood thinners, means that even a moderate inhibitor can have significant consequences in the wrong combination. Informed caution is the key to safely enjoying the health benefits of ginger.

Navigating Herbal Supplements: What to Ask Your Doctor

What is the potential for interaction between ginger and my specific medication? Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your health profile.
What are the signs of a drug interaction I should look out for? Knowing the symptoms of serotonin syndrome or increased bleeding risk is crucial.
Is there a specific dosage of ginger that is considered safe for me? Medical professionals can help determine safe amounts, especially regarding concentrated supplements.
Are there any dietary changes I should make while using ginger? This is especially important for those taking pharmaceutical MAOIs.
How should I report a suspected adverse reaction to a supplement? Your doctor can guide you on reporting procedures to regulatory bodies.
Can you recommend a reputable brand of supplement? Quality control varies widely, and your doctor may have reliable recommendations.
Are there safer alternatives to ginger for treating my symptoms? Discussing alternative remedies can help you weigh the risks and benefits.

By having an open and honest conversation with your doctor, you can ensure that your use of ginger—whether for culinary delight or medicinal purposes—is both safe and beneficial.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, moderate culinary consumption of ginger is generally considered safe for those taking antidepressants like SSRIs. However, high-dose ginger supplements should be avoided unless discussed with and approved by a healthcare professional.

Ginger as a food, used in cooking or tea, contains a low, diluted concentration of its active compounds. Supplements, in contrast, contain a highly concentrated form of these compounds, which increases the likelihood of physiological effects and drug interactions.

If you are on medication and experience side effects such as increased bleeding (unusual bruising), mood changes, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat after taking ginger, seek medical attention immediately.

Some studies suggest ginger may have beneficial effects on anxiety, particularly alongside SSRIs. However, it is not a primary treatment, and a doctor should be consulted to ensure safety, especially with prescription medication.

While theoretically possible with extremely high, concentrated doses, there is no significant clinical risk of ginger causing a hypertensive crisis in the way that powerful pharmaceutical MAOIs do when combined with tyramine-rich foods. The dietary precautions for MAOIs do not typically include normal ginger consumption.

Yes, ginger can potentially lower blood pressure. Taking it with medications for high blood pressure might cause blood pressure to drop too low. It's crucial to monitor blood pressure closely and consult a doctor.

Studies suggest that the potency of MAO inhibition can vary depending on the preparation (e.g., fresh vs. dried), extraction method, and concentration of specific compounds. Whole extracts are typically less potent than isolated compounds in laboratory tests.