Systematic review of the effects of ginseng on cardiovascular risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the evidence for the efficacy of ginseng (Panax spp.) on cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and blood glucose, and to summarize reported cardiovascular adverse events.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, AMED, BIOSIS, CAB, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials databases through July 2005 and performed hand searches of bibliographies.


METHODS
Short- or long-term, randomized, controlled trials and nonrandomized studies published in English were included. Data were extracted in a standardized manner, and 2 independent investigators assessed methodologic quality of the studies. Thirty-four studies were identified with results for blood pressure, lipids, and/or blood glucose. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Data on cardiovascular adverse events were extracted from events reported in identified studies and from case reports.


RESULTS
The majority of studies were short term. Ginseng may slightly decrease blood pressure compared with placebo (range 0-4%). We found mixed results for an effect on lipids, with 5 of 9 studies showing improvement in one or more lipid parameters compared with baseline (range 7-44%). We identified several studies showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose, but overall studies were inconsistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence does not support the use of ginseng to treat cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies suggest a small reduction in blood pressure. Despite some evidence showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose and improves lipid profiles, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials evaluating its effects are lacking.
Buettner
Catherine
C
Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-3325, USA. catherine_buettner@hms.harvard.edu
Yeh
Gloria Y
GY
Phillips
Russell S
RS
Mittleman
Murray A
MA
Kaptchuk
Ted J
TJ
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002784:Cholesterol