Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease.
• Traditional medicine, including ginseng, has been explored for COPD management.
• Limited research exists on ginseng's specific effects on pulmonary function in COPD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of Ginseng extract (G115) in improving pulmonary function and exercise capacity in COPD patients.
• To evaluate the impact of G115 on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max).

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 92 adults with moderately-severe COPD.
• The experimental group received G115 100 mg twice daily for three months; the control group received a placebo.
• PFTs, MVV, and MIP were measured bi-weekly; exercise tests and VO2max were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

Main Results:

• The G115 group showed significant improvements in FVC, FEV1.0, PEF, FEF50, FEF75, MVV, MIP, and VO2max compared to baseline and placebo.
• Maximum increases observed in the G115 group included FVC (32.5%), FEV1.0 (27.0%), MVV (40.4%), MIP (47.0%), and VO2max (37.5%).
• No adverse side effects were reported in the G115 treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Ginseng extract (G115) at 100 mg twice daily for three months effectively improves pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with moderately-severe COPD.
• G115 represents a safe and potentially beneficial therapeutic option for managing COPD symptoms.
• Further research may explore long-term effects and optimal dosing of ginseng in COPD management.