title: Therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jae-Woo
authors: JW
authors: Jung
authors: Hye-Ryun
authors: HR
authors: Kang
authors: Geun-Eog
authors: GE
authors: Ji
authors: Myeong-Soo
authors: MS
authors: Park
authors: Woo-Jung
authors: WJ
authors: Song
authors: Min-Hye
authors: MH
authors: Kim
authors: Jae-Woo
authors: JW
authors: Kwon
authors: Tae-Whan
authors: TW
authors: Kim
authors: Heung-Woo
authors: HW
authors: Park
authors: Sang-Heon
authors: SH
authors: Cho
authors: Kyung-Up
authors: KU
authors: Min