Methodological issues in the investigation of ginseng as an intervention for fatigue

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#breast-neoplasms #contraindications #cross-over-studies #double-blind-method #drug-administration-schedule

Methodological issues in the investigation of ginseng as an intervention for fatigue

Elam et al., 2006 | Clin Nurse Spec | Rct

Citation

Elam Julie L, Carpenter Janet S, ... Friedmann-Gilchrist Janet. Methodological issues in the investigation of ginseng as an intervention for fatigue. Clin Nurse Spec. 2006;20(4):183-9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although literature suggests that fatigue is commonly reported by women during and after breast cancer treatment, treatment options are limited. Although ginseng is widely used in Asian countries as a tonic to increase energy, its efficacy for treating cancer-related fatigue has not been carefully studied. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a larger clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of ginseng for treating breast cancer-related fatigue. PARTICIPANTS/METHODS: Breast cancer survivors seeking treatment for fatigue were recruited to participate in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. RESULTS: A variety of practical problems were encountered in the study, including large numbers of survivors with conditions that were possible contraindications to ginseng use, inability to achieve blinding for the intervention because of strong odor from the ginseng, and measurement device failure. DISCUSSION: Evaluating ginseng for breast cancer treatment-related fatigue is a great challenge, particularly if a blinded randomized design is desired. This article provides insight into issues related to investigating complementary therapies and the importance of pilot studies for identifying methodological problems.

Key Findings

A variety of practical problems were encountered in the study, including large numbers of survivors with conditions that were possible contraindications to ginseng use, inability to achieve blinding for the intervention because of strong odor from the ginseng, and measurement device failure.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Contraindications
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Equipment Failure
  • Fatigue
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • Middle Aged
  • Panax
  • Patient Selection
  • Phytotherapy
  • Pilot Projects
  • Plant Preparations
  • Research Design
  • Sleep Wake Disorders
  • Southeastern United States
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

  • PMID: 16849930
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09