The effect of ginseng supplementation on CVD risk factors: a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

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#panax #humans #dietary-supplements #cardiovascular-diseases #heart-disease-risk-factors

The effect of ginseng supplementation on CVD risk factors: a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Jafari et al., 2025 | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Jafari Ali, Mardani Helia, ... Alaghi Alireza. The effect of ginseng supplementation on CVD risk factors: a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2025-Oct-14;134(7):529-577. doi:10.1017/S0007114525103607

Abstract

Although numerous clinical studies suggest that ginseng supplementation may benefit CVD risk factors, results remain inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ginseng supplementation on CVD-related risk factors. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches in Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and CENTRAL up to August 2024. Statistical analyses, including a random effects model, meta-regression and non-linear modelling, were used to assess heterogeneity, dose-response relationships and the overall effects of ginseng supplementation. A total of 70 studies, published between 1998 and 2024 and involving 4506 participants, were included. Ginseng supplementation significantly affected several biochemical markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (standardised mean difference (SMD): -0·23; 95 % CI: -0·38, -0·08; P = 0·002), gamma-glutamyl transferase (SMD: -0·20; 95 % CI: -0·36, -0·04; P = 0·015), glutathione reductase (SMD: 0·90; 95 % CI: 0·38, 1·42; P = 0·001), reactive oxygen species (SMD: -0·94; 95 % CI: -1·27, -0·60; P < 0·001) and superoxide dismutase (SMD: 0·48; 95 % CI: 0·10, 0·87; P = 0·014). Meta-regression analysis showed significant linear associations between ginseng dosage and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (P = 0·044) and between supplementation duration and malondialdehyde (P = 0·007). Dose-response analysis revealed significant associations between ginseng dose and fasting blood glucose (P < 0·001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0·043), IL-6 (P = 0·041), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·022), IL-10 (P = 0·048), fasting insulin (P = 0·012) and total protein (P = 0·010). Supplementation duration was positively associated with malondialdehyde levels (P = 0·008). Ginseng supplementation was associated with improvements in inflammatory markers, liver function and oxidative stress parameters. No significant effects were observed on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glycaemic profile, lipid profile, adipokines or heart rate.

Key Findings

No significant effects were observed on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glycaemic profile, lipid profile, adipokines or heart rate.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • diastolic blood pressure
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 4506
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Panax
  • Humans
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Female
  • Middle Aged

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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