Using ginseng for menopausal women's health care: A systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #hot-flashes #humans #menopause #panax

Using ginseng for menopausal women's health care: A systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials

Lee et al., 2022 | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Meta Analysis

Citation

Lee Hye Won, Ang Lin, Lee Myeong Soo. Using ginseng for menopausal women's health care: A systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022-Aug;48:101615. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101615

Abstract

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to update the evidence of ginseng on menopausal women's health care. METHODS: We searched six databases (PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, RISS, and KoreaMed) from their inception to April 2022 and included all placebo-controlled RCTs comparing any type of ginseng in menopausal women. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. RESULTS: We included 15 RCTs with our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies considered bias a concern. Ginseng reduced menopausal symptoms in three studies (n = 515; standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73 to -0.07, P = 0.02) and lowed hot flashes (n = 515; SMD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.01, P = 0.04). The meta-analysis of three other studies failed to show that ginseng was beneficial for sexual function (n = 491; SMD: 0.31, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.92, P = 0.32). Three RCTs showed positive effects of ginseng on the quality of life score (n = 515, SMD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.01, P = 0.05). In two studies, ginseng failed to produce significant effects on the vaginal maturation index and vaginal pH. Another three RCTs failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on endometrial thickness. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ginseng can significantly reduce hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women. In contrast, neither KRG nor ginseng appeared to have any direct effect on sexual dysfunction, hormones or biomarkers, or endometrial thickness. More rigorous RCTs are needed to overcome the current limitations.

Key Findings

We included 15 RCTs with our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies considered bias a concern. Ginseng reduced menopausal symptoms in three studies (n = 515; standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73 to -0.07, P = 0.02) and lowed hot flashes (n = 515; SMD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.01, P = 0.04). The meta-analysis of three other studies failed to show that ginseng was beneficial for sexual function (n = 491; SMD: 0.31, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.92, P = 0.32).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 515
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Hot Flashes
  • Humans
  • Menopause
  • Panax
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Women's Health

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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