[Ginseng--no identifiable effect in geriatric rehabilitation]

The consumption of ginseng root has increased greatly in the Western world during the last decades. Because clinical trials have indicated a positive effect of ginseng on physical and psychomotor performance, we have undertaken a trial of Gericomplex to evaluate ginseng as an adjuvant in the treatment and rehabilitation of geriatric patients. The length of stay in hospital and activities of daily living served as the principal study variables, and cognition, somatic symptoms, depression and anxiety were also assessed. No positive effect of Gericomplex as an adjuvant in geriatric rehabilitation was seen.