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Ginseng Consumption Possible Effect on Liver Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Chenhong Zhu1, Jingyi Wang2, Weinan Liu3

  • 1Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling, Zhejiang, P.R. China.

Nutrition and Cancer
|August 8, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ginseng consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing liver cancer. It may also improve outcomes when used alongside chemotherapy, reducing treatment-related side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative oncology
  • Hepatology
  • Cancer epidemiology

Background:

  • Ginseng is traditionally used and investigated for its potential health benefits, including in cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Previous studies suggest a possible association between ginseng consumption and reduced liver cancer risk, but outcomes as adjuvant therapy remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the association between ginseng consumption and the risk of developing liver cancer.
  • To assess the efficacy of ginseng as an adjuvant therapy in managing liver cancer and its treatment-related side effects.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted up to December 2019, including 9 studies with 13,766 participants.
  • Meta-analysis using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was performed to compare ginseng consumption with liver cancer risk and adjuvant therapy outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Ginseng consumers showed a significantly lower risk of liver cancer (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.40-0.52).
  • As adjuvant therapy, ginseng was associated with improved disease control rate (OR, 4.47), Karnofsky Performance Scale (OR, 4.31), chemotherapy response (OR, 1.79), and reduced leukocyte decline (OR, 0.17).
  • No significant effects were observed for survival rates or gastrointestinal/hepatic dysfunction, though trends favored ginseng.

Conclusions:

  • Ginseng may independently reduce liver cancer incidence in healthy individuals when used as a supplement.
  • Ginseng as adjuvant therapy may mitigate risks associated with cancer chemotherapy, improving certain treatment outcomes.

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