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. 2015 Jun 8;2(2):106–126. doi: 10.3390/medicines2020106

Table 1.

Summary of randomized controlled studies of Panax ginseng for a 10 year period (2005–2014).

Author (Year) Design Condition, Age Range (yr) No of Subjects
C/T		 Intervention Dose (g/day) Duration Main Results Adverse Events Adverse Reactions
Kang (2013) [10] DB, parallel Healthy subjects, 30–50 C and T:20 Korean red ginseng powder, 1.5 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Temperature differences of specific part: NS

    Maximum/average rate of blood circulation: NS

    Blood coagulation/lipids: NS

 Not reported -
Park (2012) [11] DB, parallel Subjects with metabolic syndrome ≥ 20 C:25
T:23		 Korean red ginseng powder, 5 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Blood pressure: NS

    Glucose, lipids: NS

    CRP ; NS

 C:1
T:0		 Gastrointestinal disturbance (C:1)
Choi (2009) [12] DB, crossover Healthy, married women with FSFI score below 25, 30–45 C and T:23 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 6 weeks
  • 1.

    Thermal effect measured with subjective warm scale and DITI: NS

 Not reported -
Shin (2007) [13] DB, parallel Healthy subjects with cholesterol 180– 250 mg/dL, 20–59 C:29
T1 (low-dose): 29
T2 (high-dose): 29		 Korean red ginseng extract, 1.5 g, 3 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Inhibited platelet aggregation PT, APPT: NS

 T:1 (not clear in dosage) Cold allergy (T:1)
Bang (2014) [14] DB, parallel Subjects with IFG (100–125 mg/dL), IGT (2-h OGTT ≥ 140 mg/dL) or newly diagnosed T2DM, 20–70 C:20
T:21		 Korean red ginseng powder, 5.0 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Decrease in insulin and C-peptide level at 30 min during OGTT

 Not reported -
Oh (2014) [15] DB, parallel Healthy subjects (FBG5.6–7.8 mmol/L), 44–62 C:21
T:21		 Fermented red ginseng, 2.7 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    Reduction in postprandial glucose level and glucose AUC

    Increase in postprandial insulin levels

 C:0
T:1 (exclude the data)		 Hypoglycemia (T:1)
Lee (2013) [16] DB, parallel Post-menopausal women, 52–64 C:44
T:49		 Fermented red ginseng, 2.1 g, 2 weeks
  • 1.

    Decreased HbA1C, insulin and HOMA-IR

  • 2.

    Increased DHEAS, GH and E2

 Not reported -
Reed (2011) [17] DB, parallel Overweight and/or obese subjects (BMI 34 ± 1 kg/m2) with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed T2DM 43–49 C:5
T1:5
T2:5		 T1: Korean red ginseng extract, 3 g/day for 2 weeks→8 g/day for 2 weeks
T2: Re, 250 mg/day for 2 weeks→500 mg/day for 2 weeks
  • 1.

    OGTT, β-cell function, or multiorgan insulin sensitivity: NS

 Not reported -
Reay (2009) [18] DB, crossover Healthy subjects,
Study 1: 33.4 ± 10.4
Study 2: 38.4 ± 10.6		 Study 1:C and T 23
Study 2:C and T 14		 Study 1: Panax ginseng extract (G115), 200mg, 8 weeks
Study 2: Korean red ginseng extract, 200 mg, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    HbA1c: NS

    Plasma insulin:NS

 Not reported -
Yeo (2012) [19] DB, parallel Healthy young men, 19–25 C:7
T:8		 Korean red ginseng 4.5 g, 2 weeks
  • 1.

    Neurocognitive function test (Vienna test system version IX): NS

 Not reported -
Reay (2010) [20] DB, crossover Healthy, young volunteers, 18–26 C and T:30 Panax ginseng extract (G115) 200 mg, 8 days
  • 1.

    Working memory: NS

    Mood: NS

 Not reported -
Kennedy (2007) [21] DB, crossover Healthy, young volunteers, 19–25 C and T:18 Korean red ginseng extract, 200 mg, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved working memory and mood and quality of life

    Blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c: NS

 Not reported -
Yun (2010) [22] DB, parallel 3 years of intervention and 8 years of follow up Chronic atrophic gastritis patients, 40–69 (no mentioned medication) C:318
T:325		 Korean red ginseng extract powder, 1 g/week, 3 years
  • 1.

    Cancer case occurred, C:16, T: 8

  • 2.

    Cancer risk in T included both gender: 0.54 ( 95% CI 0.23–1.28; p = 1.3)

  • 3.

    In male T group, cancer risk: 0.35 ( 95% CI 0.13–0.96; p = 0.03)

 General symptom:
C:23 (12%)
T:19 (9.9%)		 Headache (C:4, T:4), Increasing heartbeat (C:2, T:2), Rash (C:4, T:4)
Sweating (C:3, T:2),
Increasing blood pressure (C:8, T:4),
Nasal bleeding (C:2, T:3)
Seo (2014) [23] DB, parallel Postmenopausal women, 45–60 C:36
T:35		 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Increased SOD activity

  • 2.

    MDA, GPx, 8-OHdG: NS

 Not reported -
Kim (2012) [24] DB, parallel Healthy subjects, 20–65 C:19
T1 (low-dose): 19
T2 (high-dose):19		 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 6 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Increased SOD, GPx, catalase in T2

  • 2.

    Decreased 8-epi-PGF2a, oxidized LDL and DNA damage in T1 and T2

 Not reported -
Kim (2011) [25] DB, parallel Healthy subjects, 21–61 C:27
T1 (low-dose): 27
T2 (high-dose):27		 20% ethanol extract of Panax ginseng 1 g, 2 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    Decreased serum ROS and MDA level in both T1 and T2

  • 2.

    Increased total GSH and GSH-reductase in T2

  • 3.

    TAC, catalase, SOD, GPx: NS

 C:0
T1:0
T2:2 (females)		 Insomnia and palpitations (T2:1)
None-health related reasons (T2:1)
Kim (2013) [26] DB, parallel Subject with idiopathic chronic fatigue, 20–65 C:30
T1 (low-dose):30
T2 (high-dose):30		 20% ethanol extract of Panax ginseng 1 g, 2 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved fatigue score (mental NRS and VAS): in both T groups

  • 2.

    Decreased ROS and MDA in both T groups

  • 3.

    Increased GSH and GSH reductase

 T1:1 (female)
T2:1 (male)		 Non-medical reason (T1:1)
Allergic response (systemic rash, pruritus) (T2:1)
Jung (2011) [27] DB, Parallel Healthy male subject, 19–22 C:9
T:9		 Korean red ginseng extract 60 g, 11 days
  • 1.

    Decreased CK and IL-6 post-uphill tread mill exercise

  • 2.

    Reduced plasma glucose and insulin in OGTT

Not reported -
Yoon (2008) [28] DB, parallel Healthy male subject, 19–22 C:7 (endurance training+placebo)
T1:7
(endurance training+ginseng)
T2:10 (only ginseng)		 Korean red ginseng extract 3 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    VO2max, %VO2/VO2max, Plasma BCAA among groups: NS

 Not reported -
Kulaputana (2007) [29] DB, parallel Physically active Thai men, 17–22 C:30
T:30		 Ginseng powder, 3 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    LT, physical performances (exercise heart rate, total exercise time, peak power output): NS

  • 2.

    Oxidation rate of fat or carbohydrate: NS

 None -
Oh (2010) [30] DB, crossover Menopausal women, 40–60 C and T:28 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved FSFI in sexual arousal and GAQ

 C:0
T: 2		 Vaginal bleeding (T:2)
Ham (2009) [31] DB, parallel Patient with erectile dysfunction, 40–70 C:34
T:35		 Korean red ginseng extract powder:total ginsenoside (~90%) (1:1), 0.8 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved erectile function and sexual desire in IIEF

 C:5
T:8		 Acute nasopharyngitis (C:3)
Rhinitis (T:1)
Eczema (T:1)
Skin disease (T:1)
Diarrhea (T:1)
Anal bleeding (C:1)
Voice disorders (T:1)
Ophthalmalgia (T:1)
Perineal pain (T:1)
Chest pain (T:1)
Renal stone (C:1)
Kim (2009) [32] DB, cross-over Women depressed sexual function 30–45 C and T:24 Korean red ginseng powder, 6 g, 6 weeks
  • 1.

    FSFI (sexual function) and SF-36 (QOL): NS

 No significant adverse events related to red ginseng -
Kim (2009) [33] DB, parallel Patients with erectile dysfunction 33–79 C:21
T:65		 Tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract, 2 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved erectile function and overall satisfaction in IIEF

Not reported -
de Andrade (2007) [34] DB, parallel Patients with erectile dysfunction, 26–70 C:30
T:30		 Korean red ginseng powder, 1 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved erectile function and rigidity in IEF

 C:0
T:3		 Headache, insomnia
Kim (2006) [35] DB, parallel Patients with erectile dysfunction
C: 36.1 ± 5.6
T: 43.6 ± 14.1		 C:12
T:23		 Tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract, 2 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved erectile function in patients with low IEF (<17)

 C:1
T:0		 Minor dyspepsia (C:1)
Kim (2012) [36] DB, parallel Menopausal women, 45–60 C:36
T:36		 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved Kupperman index and menopause rating scale score

  • 2.

    Decreased cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and carotid intima-media thickness

 Not reported -
Kim (2009) [37] DB, parallel Menopausal women, 45–55 C:12
T:14		 Korean red ginseng powder, 0.9 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved frequency of hot flushes

 None -
Cho (2013) [38] DB, parallel Non-diabetic healthy subjects with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2, 20–60 C:34
T:34		 Korean red ginseng powder, 6 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Insulin sensitivity and metabolic biomarkers: NS

 C:3
T:0		 Increased appetite (C:3)
Kwon (2011, 2012) [7,8] DB, parallel Obese women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, 18–65 C:26
T:24		 Korean red ginseng powder, 6 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved BMI and KOQOL depending on genotype

  • 2.

    BMI: NS

 None -
Lee (2012) [39] DB, parallel Healthy subjects, 30–70 C:49
T:50		 Korean red ginseng extract, 3 g, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Lowered the frequency of acute respiratory illness

  • 2.

    Symptom duration and score: NS

 C:7
T:11		 Gastritis (T:5)
Arthritis (T:2)
Urticarias (C:2)
Others (T:4, C:5)
Jung (2011) [40] DB, parallel Patients with allergic rhinitis, 19–48 C:29
T:30		 Fermented red ginseng powder, 1.5 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    TNSS score and TNSS duration score: NS

  • 2.

    Improved RQOL

 None -
Han (2013) [41] DB, crossover Healthy male subjects, 15–37 C and T:15 Korean red ginseng powder, 4.5 g, 7 days
  • 1.

    Increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency

  • 2.

    Reduced total wake time

 Not reported -
Lee (2010) [42] DB, parallel Healthy male subjects, 19–25 C:7
T:8		 Korean red ginseng powder, 4.5 g, 2 weeks
  • 1.

    Total sleep, sleep latency and sleep efficiency: NS

  • 2.

    Increased stage 3 sleep

  • 3.

    Deceased stage 2 sleep

 Not reported -
Kitaoka (2009) [43] DB, parallel Healthy male subjects, 20.69 ± 0.44 C:8
T:8		 Fermented red ginseng powder, 1.845 g, 8 days
  • 1.

    Improved sleep efficiency in the first night without affecting sleep architecture

 Not reported -
Doosti (2014) [44] DB, parallel Male textile workers, 28–50 C:16
T: 6
Drug:16		 Panax ginseng extract (G115) 200 mg, 14 days
  • 1.

    Reduced noise-induced temporary threshold shift

 Not reported -
Braz (2013) [45] DB, parallel Patients with fibromyalgia, 27–58 C:13
T1(ginseng): 12
T2(amitriptyline):13		 Panax ginseng extract, 100 mg, 12 weeks
  • 1.

    Pain, fatigue, sleep quality and anxiety using VAS: NS

  • 2.

    QOL using the FIQ: NS

 Not reported -
Lee (2012) [46] DB, parallel Healthy Korean subjects, 16–60 C:57
T1(low-dose:56
T2(high-dose):57		 20% ethanol extract of Panax. ginseng, 1 g, 2 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    Hematological and biochemical tests: NS

  • 2.

    Total adverse event, symptom and sign (dyspepsia, hot flush, insomnia, constipation): NS

 C:0
T1:0
T2:2 (female)		 Rapid heartbeat and insomnia (T2:1)
Rash and nausea (T2:1)
Park (2010) [47] DB, parallel Xerostomatic patients, 19–76 C:50
T:50		 Korean red ginseng powder, 6 g, 8 weeks
  • 1.

    Dry mouth, USFR and SSFR, symptom questionnaire: NS

  • 2.

    Improved dry mouth in menopausal women (40–59 yr)

 C:9
T:7		 Dyspepsia (C:2,T3)
Diarrhea (C:3, T:1)
Itching sensation (C:2, T:1)
Mild fever (C:1, T:1)
Palmar sweating (C:1, T;1)-
Kang (2009) [48] DB, parallel Normal subjects,
C: 25.6 ± 3.8
T: 27.5 ± 5.1		 C:18
T:21		 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 3 weeks
  • 1.

    Reduced SCL-90-R somatization scale

 Not reported -
Kim (2009) [49] DB, parallel Patients with male and female pattern alopecia C:20
T:20		 Korean red ginseng powder, 3 g, 24 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved hair density and thickness

 C:0
T:1		 Dyspepsia (T:1)
Seo (2005) [50] DB, parallel Healthy male Koreans (160) and Chinese (160), 20–29 C:32
T1 (red ginseng)
T2 (white ginseng):32
T3 (American ginseng 4 yrs.):32
T4 (American ginseng 6 yrs.):32		 Korean red ginseng (6 yrs.), Korean white ginseng (6 yrs.),
American ginseng (4 or 6 yrs.) 3 g, 4 weeks
  • 1.

    No significant general symptom in Koreans

  • 2.

    Increased frequency of chest discomfort in T3 and T4 Chinese group

 No significant frequency of adverse events between Koreans and Chinese group Chest discomfort in Chinese group treated American ginseng
Yang (2014) [9] Single blind, parallel Healthy women, 21–30 C:11
T:11		 Korean red ginseng powder, 2.7 g, 2 weeks
  • 1.

    Decreased urinary BPA and MDA levels

  • 2.

    Alleviated menstrual irregularity, menstrual pain and constipation

 None -
Lee (2014) [51] DB, parallel Postmenopausal women, 50–73 C:44
T:49		 Fermented red ginseng powder, 2.1 g, 2 weeks
  • 1.

    Improved cognitive depression using BDI

  • 2.

    Increased DHEAS, and lowered HOMAIR,

Not reported -

APPT, activated partial thromboplastin time; AUC, area under the curve; BCAA, branched-chain amino acid; BDI, Beck Depression Inventory Questionnaire; BPA, bisphenol A; BMI, body mass index; CK, creatine kinase; CRP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; DB, double blind; DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; DITI, Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging; E2, estradiol; FBG, fasting blood glucose; FIQ, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; FSFI, Female Sexual Function Index; GAQ, Global Assessment Questionnaire; GH, growth hormone; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; GSH, glutathione; HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin; HOMA-IR, Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance; IFG, impaired fasting glucose; IIEF, International Index of Erectile Function; IL-6, interleukin 6; KOQOL, Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; LT, lactate threshold; MDA, malondialdehyde; NS, no significance between control and treatment; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; 8-OHdG, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine PT, prothrombin time; QOL, Quality of Life; ROS, reactive oxygen species; RQOL, Rhinitis Quality of Life; SCL-90, Symptom checklist-90-revised; SF-36, The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey; SOD, super oxide dismutase; SSFR, stimulated salivary flow rate; TAC, total antioxidant capacity; TNSS, total nasal symptom score; T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus; USFR, unstimulated salivary flow rate; USFR, unstimulated salivary flow rate; VAS, Visual Analog Scale; VO2max, maximal oxygen uptake.