Panax ginseng clinical trials: Current status and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Herbal Medicine Research
• Clinical Trial Analysis
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Panax Ginseng, a traditional Asian remedy, has a long history of use.
• Recent increase in ginseng clinical trials (GCTs) necessitates a comprehensive review of their quality and quantity.
• Existing reviews lack an extensive summary of current ginseng clinical research status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize the characteristics of registered and published ginseng clinical trials.
• To identify trends, common methodologies, and outcomes in ginseng research.
• To provide insights for improving future ginseng clinical study designs.

Main Methods:

• Ginseng clinical trials were retrieved from the International Clinical Trials Registration Platform.
• Systematic search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Korean Studies Information Service System, and SCOPUS.
• Data extracted and summarized on trial characteristics: registration source, recruitment status, purpose, duration, sample size, conditions, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 152 registered ginseng clinical trials (R-GCTs) and 119 published ginseng clinical trials (P-GCTs) were analyzed.
• Most GCTs were single-center, involving fewer than 200 subjects and durations under 3 months.
• Ginseng, ginsenosides, or ginseng-containing prescriptions were studied for protective and therapeutic effects, primarily in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular/metabolic diseases.
• 79.8% of published articles reported positive effects of ginseng.

Conclusions:

• Ginseng demonstrates numerous positive effects in clinical research.
• Current ginseng clinical trials often feature small sample sizes and short durations.
• This review aids researchers and clinicians in understanding the current landscape and challenges in ginseng research, guiding future study design.