Korean J Fam Med.  2012 Jul;33(4):190-196. 10.4082/kjfm.2012.33.4.190.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risks in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study

• Park BJ
• Lee YJ
• Lee HR
• Jung DH
• Na HY
• Kim HB
• Shim JY

• KMID: 2304251
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2012.33.4.190

Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory markers, and arterial stiffness in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
METHODS
We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study in 60 subjects who were not taking drugs that could affect metabolic and vascular functions. Subjects were randomized into either a KRG (4.5 g/d) group or a placebo group for a 12-week study. We collected anthropometric measurements, blood for laboratory testing, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) at the initial (week 0) and final (week 12) visits.
RESULTS
A total of 48 subjects successfully completed the study protocol. Oral administration of KRG did not significantly affect blood pressure, oxidative or inflammatory markers, or baPWV.
CONCLUSION
We found no evidence that KRG had an effect on blood pressure, lipid profile, oxidized low density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, or arterial stiffness in subjects with metabolic syndrome. These findings warrant subsequent longer-term prospective clinical investigations with a larger population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00976274

Keyword

Panax ginseng; Metabolic Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral
Blood Glucose
Blood Pressure
Fasting
Lipoproteins
Lipoproteins, LDL
Panax
Pulse Wave Analysis
Vascular Stiffness
Blood Glucose
Lipoproteins
Lipoproteins, LDL