Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #male #panax #phytotherapy

Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review

Shergis et al., 2013 | Phytother Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Shergis Johannah L, Zhang Anthony L, ... Xue Charlie C. Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review. Phytother Res. 2013-Jul;27(7):949-65. doi:10.1002/ptr.4832

Abstract

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a common herb with many purported health benefits. However, there is no conclusive evidence supporting its use in the treatment of any particular disease. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate randomised controlled trials. Four English databases were searched with no publication date restriction. Included studies evaluated P. ginseng in patients with any type of disease or in healthy individuals. We assessed the quality of studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Of the 475 potentially relevant studies, 65 met the inclusion criteria. These studies examined P. ginseng's effects on psychomotor performance (17 studies), physical performance (ten), circulatory system (eight), glucose metabolism (six), the respiratory system (five), erectile dysfunction (four), immunomodulation (four), quality of life/mood (four), antioxidant function (two), cancer (two), menopausal symptoms (two) and dry mouth (one). The risk of bias was unclear in most studies. Authors evaluated adverse events in 40 studies, with 135 minor events and no serious adverse events reported. P. ginseng shows promising results for improving glucose metabolism and moderating the immune response. This may have implications for several diseases including type 2 diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions. Further studies are needed to explore P. ginseng's potential as an effective treatment for these and other health conditions.

Key Findings

Further studies are needed to explore P. ginseng's potential as an effective treatment for these and other health conditions.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy individuals
Sample Size 17
Age Range See abstract
Condition mood

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Panax
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

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