PMID 18754850 Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review Meta-analysis · Br J Clin Pharmacol, 2008 7 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s - red ginseng gave a better ED response than placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline. (6 trials, 349 people, RR 2.40). But low trial quality and size held back definitive conclusions.
Key summary
A systematic review evaluating red ginseng (unskinned Panax ginseng that is steamed and dried) for erectile dysfunction. Searching 20 databases without language restriction, it included 7 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, and a meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of the 6 placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline.-controlled trials (349 people) found a significant response risk ratio of 2.40 (95% CI 1.65–3.51, I²=22%). A subgroup analysis of psychogenic ED was also favorable (RR 2.05). However, methodological quality was low on average and the sample and number of trials were small, so the authors said the evidence was too limited for definitive conclusions and that more rigorous studies are needed.
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AIMS: Korean red ginseng (unskinned Panax ginseng before it is steamed or otherwise heated and subsequently dried) is one of the most widely used herbal remedies. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted on 20 electronic databases without language restrictions. Hand-searches included conference proceedings and our files. All randomized clinical studies (RCT) of red ginseng as a treatment of erectile dysfunction were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. RESULTS: Seven RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was low on average. Six of the included RCTs compared the therapeutic efficacy of red ginseng with placebo. The meta-analysis of these data showed a significant effect (n = 349, risk ratio, 2.40; 95% CI of 1.65, 3.51, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0.05, chi(2) = 6.42, p = 0.27, I(2) = 22%). Subgroup analyses also showed beneficial effects of red ginseng in psychogenic erectile dysfunction (n = 135, risk ratio, 2.05; 95% CI of 1.33, 3.16, p = 0.001, heterogeneity: chi(2) = 0.08, p = 0.96, I(2) = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Collectively these RCTs provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, the total number of RCTs included in the analysis, the total sample size and the methodological quality of the primary studies were too low to draw definitive conclusions. Thus more rigorous studies are necessary. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 35776997 Efficacy of ginseng supplements on disease-related fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis Meta-analysis · Medicine (Baltimore), 2022 12 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 1,298 people - ginseng supplements significantly reduced disease-related fatigue (SMD 0.33).
Key summary
A meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of ginseng supplementation for fatigue in adults with disease (12 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 1,298 people). In a fixed-effect analysis, ginseng supplements significantly reduced disease-related fatigue (standardized mean difference 0.33). The authors concluded that ginseng supplements help patients reduce disease-related fatigue. However, the review pooled the genus broadly, making red ginseng's independent contribution hard to isolate, and it should be read alongside the larger meta-analysis below, whose results diverge.
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BACKGROUND: Ginseng has been believed to provide energy, physical health, and well-being to patients for hundreds of years. Fatigue is a multidimensional symptom with unknown etiology and varying severity, and lots of patients suffer from fatigue. METHODS: We search for research of ginseng treatment of disease-related fatigue in adult patients in Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library. Two independent reviewers assessed included studies and met to develop consensus on included studies. And we used Review Manager 5.3 software to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS: The present meta-analysis included 12 randomized controlled trial containing 1298 patients. In the fixed-effect meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trial, ginseng supplements had a statistically significant efficacy on disease-related fatigue reduction (standardized mean difference = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.44-0.22). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ginseng supplements is benefit for patients to reduce disease-related fatigue. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 36730693 Ginseng and Ginseng Herbal Formulas for Symptomatic Management of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Meta-analysis · J Integr Complement Med, 2023 19 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s - no significant fatigue reduction overall (SMD -0.36). Significant only in herbal-formula, chronic-fatigue, and general-fatigue subgroups, all with small effect sizes.
Key summary
A meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of ginseng and ginseng herbal formulas for fatigue (19 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, by the Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine group). The overall pooled analysis found no significant reduction in fatigue severity (SMD -0.36, 95% CI -0.82 to 0.11, P=0.13). In subgroups, only the ginseng herbal formula (SMD -0.39), chronic fatigue (-0.30), and general (non-disease) fatigue (-0.48) reached significance, and effect sizes were all small. Quality of life showed a trend toward improvement (P=0.05) and adverse events did not increase versus controls. The authors said guidelines for standard use and rigorous RCTs are still needed.
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Objectives: Ginseng has been widely used in fatigue management. However, its efficacy on fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ginseng and ginseng herbal formulas for fatigue in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) databases from inception to July 6, 2022. Outcomes included fatigue severity, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events (AEs). Quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. They pooled all included data and performed subgroup analysis by fatigue type, assessment instrument, and ginseng type. Results: The authors included 19 RCTs. Pooled analyses found no significant reduction in fatigue severity with ginseng versus controls (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.82 to 0.11, p = 0.13). In subgroup analysis, there was significant fatigue reduction with the ginseng herbal formula (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.13, p = 0.004) and chronic fatigue (CF) (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.03, p = 0.03) compared to controls. Ginseng produced significant reductions in general (i.e., non-disease-specific) fatigue compared to controls (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.25, p < 0.0001). Ginseng was associated with a trend toward QoL improvement (p = 0.05) and did not increase AEs compared with controls. Effect sizes were small. Conclusion: Ginseng herbal formulas improved fatigue severity compared to controls, especially among patients with CF, but with a small effect size. Rigorous RCTs as well as guidelines for standard ginseng usage are needed to further evaluate the effects of ginseng for fatigue and ensure proper use. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 25265315 The effect of ginseng (the genus panax) on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials Meta-analysis · PLoS One, 2014 16 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s - ginseng modestly lowered fasting glucose (-0.31 mmol/L). No significant overall effect on fasting insulin, HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control., or HOMA-IR.
Key summary
A meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of ginseng's glycemic effects in people with and without diabetes (16 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, ≥30 days). Ginseng significantly lowered fasting glucose versus control, but the size was small (mean difference -0.31 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.03). There was no significant overall effect on fasting insulin, HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control., or HOMA-IR; HbA1c fell only in a parallel-versus-crossover subgroup (-0.22%). Most trials were short (under 12 weeks) and participants had relatively good baseline control. The authors concluded that larger, longer trials using standardized preparations are warranted.
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IMPORTANCE: Despite the widespread use of ginseng in the management of diabetes, supporting evidence of its anti-hyperglycemic efficacy is limited, necessitating the need for evidence-based recommendations for the potential inclusion of ginseng in diabetes management. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effect of ginseng on glycemic control in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in people with and without diabetes. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (through July 3, 2013). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials ≥30 days assessing the glycemic effects of ginseng in people with and without diabetes. DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The Heyland Methodological Quality Score and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess study quality and risk of bias respectively. DATA SYNTHESIS: Sixteen trials were included, in which 16 fasting blood glucose (n = 770), 10 fasting plasma insulin (n = 349), 9 glycated hemoglobin (n = 264), and 7 homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (n = 305) comparisons were reported. Ginseng significantly reduced fasting blood glucose compared to control (MD = -0.31 mmol/L [95% CI: -0.59 to -0.03], P = 0.03). Although there was no significant effect on fasting plasma insulin, glycated hemoglobin, or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, a priori subgroup analyses did show significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin in parallel compared to crossover trials (MD = 0.22% [95%CI: 0.06 to 0.37], P = 0.01). LIMITATIONS: Most trials were of short duration (67% trials<12wks), and included participants with a relatively good glycemic control (median HbA1c non-diabetes = 5.4% [2 trials]; median HbA1c diabetes = 7.1% [7 trials]). CONCLUSIONS: Ginseng modestly yet significantly improved fasting blood glucose in people with and without diabetes. In order to address the uncertainty in our effect estimates and provide better assessments of ginseng's anti-diabetic efficacy, larger and longer randomized controlled trials using standardized ginseng preparations are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01841229. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 27074879 The effect of ginseng (genus Panax) on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials Meta-analysis · J Hum Hypertens, 2016 17 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 1,381 people - ginseng had no significant effect on systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial pressure. Concluded it should not be discouraged over concern of raising BP.
Key summary
A meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of ginseng's effect on blood pressure with repeated dosing (17 trials, 1,381 people, ≥4 weeks). Ginseng had no significant effect on systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial pressure. A trend toward lower systolic pressure appeared in the diabetes, metabolic-syndrome, and obesity subgroup but was not significant (mean -2.76 mmHg, P=0.14), while body mass index was significantly associated with treatment differences (β=-0.95, P=0.007). The authors concluded that ginseng appears vascularly neutral and should not be discouraged over concern of raising blood pressure.
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Pre-clinical evidence indicates the potential for ginseng to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and acutely aid in blood pressure (BP) control. Clinical evidence evaluating repeated ginseng exposure, however, is controversial, triggering consumer and clinician concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess whether ginseng has an effect on BP. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and CINAHL were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials ⩾4 weeks that compared the effect of ginseng on systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and/or mean arterial (MAP) BPs to control. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified. Seventeen studies satisfied eligibility criteria (n=1381). No significant effect of ginseng on SBP, DBP and MAP was found. Stratified analysis, although not significant, appears to favour systolic BP improvement in diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity (MD=-2.76 mm Hg (95% CI=-6.40, 0.87); P=0.14). A priori subgroup analyses revealed significant association between body mass index and treatment differences (β=-0.95 mm Hg (95% CI=-1.56, -0.34); P=0.007). Ginseng appears to have neutral vascular affects; therefore, should not be discouraged for concern of increased BP. More high-quality, randomized, controlled trials assessing BP as a primary end point, and use of standardized ginseng root or extracts are warranted to limit evidence of heterogeneity in ginseng research and to better understand its cardiovascular health potential. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 19592479 North American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Preparations for Prevention of the Common Cold in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review Systematic review · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2011 5 trials, 747 people - all included trials examined North American ginseng. Insufficient evidence for reducing incidence or severity; duration shortened by about 6.2 days.
Key summary
A systematic review of ginseng preparations for cold prevention in healthy adults (5 trials, 747 people). Importantly, all five included trials examined North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). The total number of colds fell by 25% in one trial, and the duration of colds or acute respiratory infections was shortened by about 6.2 days in two trials. However, the risk of catching at least one cold was not significantly reduced (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.48–1.02). The authors said the evidence is insufficient to conclude that ginseng reduces the incidence or severity of common colds. Evidence for red ginseng (Asian ginseng) itself was not included in this review.
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BACKGROUND: Standardized ginseng extract has become the best-selling cold and flu remedy in Canada, yet much controversy regarding the efficacy of ginseng in preventing common colds remains. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of ginseng preparations for the prevention of common colds in healthy adults. METHODS: Comprehensive bibliographic database, trial registry and grey literature searches were conducted up to December 2007. Randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials comparing North American (Panax quinquefolius) or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) root extract to placebo or no treatment in healthy adults were included. Two reviewers independently applied the study selection criteria and assessed methodological quality. RESULTS: Five trials involving 747 participants were included. All five trials examined North American ginseng. The methodological quality of the trials varied widely. Ginseng preparations significantly reduced the total number of common colds by 25% compared to placebo (one trial; 95% CI: 5-45). There was a tendency toward a lower incidence of having at least one common cold or other acute respiratory infection (ARI) in the ginseng group compared to the placebo group (five trials; relative risk: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.48-1.02). Compared to placebo, ginseng significantly shortened the duration of colds or ARIs by 6.2 days (two trials; 95% CI: 3.4-9.0). CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to conclude that ginseng reduces the incidence or severity of common colds. North American ginseng appears to be effective in shortening the duration of colds or ARIs in healthy adults when taken preventatively for durations of 8-16 weeks. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
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