Efficacy of Panax ginseng supplementation on blood lipid profile. A meta-analysis and systematic review of clinical randomized trials. (28th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hernández-García, Didier; Granado-Serrano, Ana Belén; Martín-Gari, Meritxell; Naudí, Alba; Serrano, Jose CE.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 243(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-28
• Subjects: Cholesterol -- Blood lipid profile -- Panax ginseng; PG Panax ginseng -- TC total cholesterol -- LDL-C Cholesterol from Low- Density Lipoprotein -- HDL-C Cholesterol from High-Density Lipoprotein -- TG Triacylglycerides; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional formulations have shown protective effects against atherosclerosis, suggesting that ginseng may be useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Aim of the study: To evaluate whether the supplementation with Panax ginseng (PG) has an effect on blood lipid profile in humans. Materials and methods: A meta-analysis and a systematic review were conducted to evaluate the effects of PG on blood lipid profile. Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 10 studies were performed in volunteers with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, 3 in postmenopausal women, 2 in healthy volunteers and 3 with other types of inclusion criteria. The doses employed ranged from 0.2 to 20 g/day (median 3 g/day, 95% CI 1.7, 5.8), while the treatment time ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median 8 weeks, 95% CI 6, 9). Few studies reported the composition of the PG extract employed. The main ginsenosides reported were Rb1 and Rg1 (content ranging from Rb1 0.023-6.44 mg/g and Rg1 0.028-3.21 mg/g). Significant modification in blood profile was described in 7 studies, in which 5 studies observed a reduction in total cholesterol, 4 in LDL-cholesterol, and 2 in triacylglycerides. The meta-analysis of 10 studies in volunteers with parameters related with metabolic syndrome describes that PG may induce a mean difference compared to a placebo of −2.30 (95% CI -3.79, -0.80) and −1.47 (95% CI -1.90, -1.05) mg/dL per g/day of PG in the levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no significant effects in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerides. Conclusions: PG extract may induce an improvement in blood lipid profile mainly by a reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Graphical abstract: Image 1