Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risks in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory markers, and arterial stiffness in subjects with metabolic syndrome.


METHODS
We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study in 60 subjects who were not taking drugs that could affect metabolic and vascular functions. Subjects were randomized into either a KRG (4.5 g/d) group or a placebo group for a 12-week study. We collected anthropometric measurements, blood for laboratory testing, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) at the initial (week 0) and final (week 12) visits.


RESULTS
A total of 48 subjects successfully completed the study protocol. Oral administration of KRG did not significantly affect blood pressure, oxidative or inflammatory markers, or baPWV.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence that KRG had an effect on blood pressure, lipid profile, oxidized low density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, or arterial stiffness in subjects with metabolic syndrome. These findings warrant subsequent longer-term prospective clinical investigations with a larger population.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00976274.
Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Byoung-Jin
BJ
Park
Yong-Jae
YJ
Lee
Hye-Ree
HR
Lee
Dong-Hyuk
DH
Jung
Ha-Young
HY
Na
Hong-Bae
HB
Kim
Jae-Yong
JY
Shim