Efficacy of Ginseng Supplements on Fatigue and Physical Performance: a Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#databases-factual #dietary-supplements #fatigue #humans #panax

Efficacy of Ginseng Supplements on Fatigue and Physical Performance: a Meta-analysis

Bach et al., 2016 | J Korean Med Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bach Hoang Viet, Kim Jeongseon, ... Cho Young Ae. Efficacy of Ginseng Supplements on Fatigue and Physical Performance: a Meta-analysis. J Korean Med Sci. 2016-Dec;31(12):1879-1886. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.12.1879

Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of ginseng supplements on fatigue reduction and physical performance enhancement as reported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs that investigated the efficacy of ginseng supplements on fatigue reduction and physical performance enhancement compared with placebos were included. The main outcome measures were fatigue reduction and physical performance enhancement. Out of 155 articles meeting initial criteria, 12 RCTs involving 630 participants (311 participants in the intervention group and 319 participants in the placebo group) were included in the final analysis. In the fixed-effect meta-analysis of four RCTs, there was a statistically significant efficacy of ginseng supplements on fatigue reduction (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16 to 0.52). However, ginseng supplements were not associated with physical performance enhancement in the fixed-effect meta-analysis of eight RCTs (SMD = -0.01; 95% CI = -0.29 to 0.27). We found that there was insufficient clinical evidence to support the use of ginseng supplements on reducing fatigue and enhancing physical performance because only few RCTs with a small sample size have been published so far. Further lager RCTs are required to confirm the efficacy of ginseng supplements on fatigue reduction.

Key Findings

Further lager RCTs are required to confirm the efficacy of ginseng supplements on fatigue reduction.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 630
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Databases, Factual
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatigue
  • Humans
  • Panax
  • Physical Fitness
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

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