Panax Ginseng

Findings:

After 6 months of administration, the Panax ginseng group showed statistically significant improvements in visual memory function, specifically on the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) immediate recall and 20-min delayed recall, compared to the placebo group. No significant differences were found between groups for K-MMSE, K-IADL, or Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) scores. No serious adverse events related to ginseng administration were reported.

Participants:

A total of 90 Korean volunteers aged 50 to 75 years with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI diagnosed according to Petersen criteria, K-MMSE score required to be over 26 points.

Dosage:

3g of Panax ginseng powder per day (administered as capsules, 300mg/capsule) for 6 months (24 weeks).

Study Quality Assessment:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial; N=90 enrolled (n=45 ginseng, n=45 placebo), N=82 completed; Duration: 6 months (24 weeks); Assessments used: Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL), Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB including RCFT and SVLT); Statistical analysis: Per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, two-sample t-test, Repeated measures ANOVA; Safety evaluation included vital signs, laboratory tests, adverse event monitoring; Study protocol approved by Institutional Review Board; Conducted according to Good Clinical Practice and Declaration of Helsinki; Funding source mentioned (Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea); Potential ceiling effects on K-MMSE and verbal memory tests noted as a limitation.

All Effects:

Authors:

Coon JT, Ernst E

Findings:

Korean ginseng extract can modulate working memory performance and subjective ratings of quality.

Authors:

Zhong, et al.