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Nutrients Aug 2020Black ginseng has various pharmacological activities, but only few studies have compared its pharmacological effects with those of red ginseng. We conducted an... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Black ginseng has various pharmacological activities, but only few studies have compared its pharmacological effects with those of red ginseng. We conducted an integrative systematic literature evaluation and developed a non-inferiority test based on the multivariate modeling approach to compare the pharmacological effects of red ginseng and black ginseng. We searched reported studies on the pharmaceutical effects and composition of ginsenosides and assigned numeric scores using nonlinear principal component analysis, based on discretization measures for the included publications. Downstream weighted linear regression models were constructed to study the eight major biological activities that are generally known to be exhibited by red ginseng. Our statistical model, based on available ordinal information gathered from previous literature, helped in comparing the overlapping effects of black ginseng. Black ginseng showed antioxidant effects comparable to those of red ginseng; however, this variant was inferior to red ginseng in enhancing immunity, relieving fatigue, alleviating depression/anxiety, decreasing body fat, and reducing blood pressure. We have showed a cost-efficient method to indirectly evaluate the biological effects of ginseng products using data from published articles. This method can also be used to compare the nutritional and medicinal value of herbal medicines that share similar compositions of bioactive compounds.
Topics: Ginsenosides; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Panax; Plants, Medicinal; Principal Component Analysis; Research
PubMed: 32858896
DOI: 10.3390/nu12092590 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2020Fatigue, as a complex, multidimensional symptom, is associated with many physical illnesses. C. A. Mey (PG) is an important herbal drug which has been used for...
BACKGROUND
Fatigue, as a complex, multidimensional symptom, is associated with many physical illnesses. C. A. Mey (PG) is an important herbal drug which has been used for benefiting Qi for thousand years. C. A. Mey and its compounds (PGC) possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-fatigue. Here, we conducted a systematic review of both randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and preclinical animal studies to investigate the efficacy and safety of PGC for fatigue.
METHODS
Electronic searches were performed in 7 databases from the time of each database's inception to August 2019. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using 7-item checklist recommended by Cochrane Collaboration or by the CAMARADES 10-item quality checklist. All the data were analyzed using Rev-Man 5.3 and Stata SE software.
RESULTS
Eight eligible RCTs and 30 animal studies were identified. The risk of bias scores in RCTs ranged from 4/7 to 7/7, and of animal studies varied from 4/10 to 7/10. Meta-analyses showed that PGC was superior to placebo according to their respective fatigue scales, heart rate recovery, and clinical effect (P < 0.05). There were a similar number of adverse effects between PGC and placebo group (P > 0.05). Meta-analyses showed that PGC can significantly decrease level of blood lactate, blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, malondialdehyde, and lactic dehydrogenase in serum, level of malondialdehyde in liver and level of gamma-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine in brain tissue, and increase swimming time, level of glutathione peroxidase, glucose, superoxide dismutase in serum, level of glycogen and activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in skeletal muscle, level of hepatic glycogen in liver and level of dopamine, acetylcholine in brain tissue, compared with control (P < 0.05). Meta-analyses showed no significant difference in animal body weight between PGC and control (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The present findings supported, to a certain degree, that PGC can be recommended for routine use in fatigue. The possible mechanism of PGC resists fatigue, mainly through antioxidant stress, regulating carbohydrate metabolism, delaying the accumulation of metabolites, promoting mitochondrial function, neuroprotection, antiapoptosis, and regulating neurotransmitter disorder in central nervous system.
PubMed: 32765262
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01031 -
Nutrition and Cancer 2021The data on the effect of ginseng on general fatigue were previously reviewed. However, there is limited data on the effect of various types of ginseng on cancer-related...
PURPOSE
The data on the effect of ginseng on general fatigue were previously reviewed. However, there is limited data on the effect of various types of ginseng on cancer-related fatigue (CRF). CRF is one of the most pervasive symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. The primary objective of the current study was to systematically review trials investigating the safety and efficacy of three different types of ginseng separately used in the treatment protocol for patients with CRF.
METHODS
We searched the available online databases for relevant publications up to October 2019. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager (RevMan, version 5.3) and reported the results in a narrative summary.
RESULTS
A total of 210 studies were identified by the initial search, from which seven clinical trials and one retrospective study were included in this systematic review. A total of two clinical trials and one retrospective review examined the impact of on CRF symptoms, three studies tested , and two trials were conducted using . The quality of the selected studies varied greatly. All three types of ginseng were tolerated well with few low-grade adverse events. , containing more than 5% ginsenosides, consumed at the dosage of 2000 mg/day for up to eight weeks significantly reduced fatigue. , containing ≥ 7% ginsenosides, relieved symptoms of fatigue at the dosage of 400 mg/day in the majority of patients with CRF. , consumed at the dosage of 3000 mg/day for 12 weeks, decreased symptoms of CRF.
CONCLUSIONS
Although our findings support the safety and effectiveness of ginseng in the treatment of CRF, the number of high-quality studies is not adequate to adopt ginseng as a standard treatment option for CRF.
Topics: Fatigue; Humans; Neoplasms; Panax; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32691627
DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1795691 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... May 2020Existing evidence on the possible effects of ginseng on liver function has not been fully established. Therefore, the present review was undertaken to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Existing evidence on the possible effects of ginseng on liver function has not been fully established. Therefore, the present review was undertaken to evaluate the overall effects of ginseng supplementation on liver enzymes in adults.
METHODS
A systematic computerized literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google scholar databases was conducted up to May 2019. All RCTs using ginseng supplements in adults were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, 14 randomized trials (with 20 arms) including 992 subjects were identified. Pooled analysis did not illustrate any significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin (ALB) levels, however, it showed a minor significant increase in bilirubin (BIL) levels. Subgroup analysis by dosage and study population revealed significant increase of bilirubin after ginseng supplementation ≥3 g/day or in unhealthy individuals.
CONCLUSION
Ginseng appears to have neither hepatoprotective nor hepatotoxic effects in conventional doses and duration. It is noteworthy that this seems applicable only for individuals with healthy liver function. Further largescale studies are warranted to confirm present findings.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bilirubin; Complementary Therapies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Male; Middle Aged; Panax; Plant Exudates; gamma-Glutamyltransferase
PubMed: 32379697
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101173 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jan 2020We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng supplementation on plasma lipid concentration. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng supplementation on plasma lipid concentration.
METHODS
The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar (up to April 2019) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of ginseng supplementation on serum lipid parameters. To estimate the overall summary effect, we used random-effects model.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies comprising 35 treatment arms comprising 1245 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results showed that consumption of ginseng did not significantly change the concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). However, subgroup analyses showed a significant lowering effect in high dose ginseng supplementation on TC, LDL-C and TG. Also, the impact of ginseng on TC and TG was significant in long-term interventions.
CONCLUSION
Further RCTs with longer supplementation durations in subjects with dyslipidemia are necessitated for a more robust assessment of the lipid-modulating properties of this plant.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Lipids; Panax; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31987252
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102239 -
preparations as adjuvant therapy for diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2020(Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) preparations (PNP) are traditional Chinese medicines used as adjuvant therapeutics for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). To systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
(Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) preparations (PNP) are traditional Chinese medicines used as adjuvant therapeutics for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). To systematically review the efficacy of PNP as adjunct DKD therapy, including their effects on kidney function, serum lipid levels and fasting blood glucose levels. The databases PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, Wanfang, VIP and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched from the date of their inception until May 2019. , saponins, Lulutong, Xueshuantong and Xuesaitong were the key terms searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the combined use of PNP and conventional medicines (CM) versus CM for DKD were included. Data were pooled using random or fixed effect models depending on heterogeneity. In total, 24 RCTs involving 1918 participants were analysed. Adjunct PNP with CM was associated with reduction of albuminuria (MD -26.89 mg, 95% CI: -33.35 to -20.42), proteinuria (MD -0.32 g/24 h, 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.27), serum creatinine (MD -4.52 μmol/L, 95% CI: -8.71 to -0.32), total cholesterol (MD -1.56 mmol/L, 95% CI: -2.33 to -0.78), triglycerides (TG) (MD -0.56 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.31) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -0.94 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.40) compared with CM. This is the first meta-analysis investigating adjuvant PNP therapy for DKD. PNP apparently exerted beneficial effects on kidney function and improved the metabolism of serum lipids by CM. Further, well-conducted, high-quality trials on DKD patients are needed to provide high-quality evidence.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Diabetic Nephropathies; Humans; Lipids; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Panax notoginseng; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31967924
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2020.1711782 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Oct 2019To assess the effectiveness and safety of Xueshuantong Injection in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris. Literatures were retrieved in PubMed,the Cochrane... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To assess the effectiveness and safety of Xueshuantong Injection in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris. Literatures were retrieved in PubMed,the Cochrane Library,EMbase,the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database( CNKI),the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science Database( VIP),the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database( Sino Med) and Wanfang Data. The time limitation ranged from the commencement of each database to April 28,2019. The assessment of ethodological quality was based on the Cochrane Handbook 5.1,and the data were analyzed by using Rev Man 5.3 software. A total of 38 RCTs involving 4 074 patients were included. The included trials were all of low quality. Xueshuantong Injection combined with routine basic treatment( RBT) was superior to RBT alone in alleviating clinical symptoms,with statistically significant differences between the groups( RR = 1. 19,95% CI[1. 15,1. 24]). Xueshuantong Injection combined with RBT was better than RBT alone in the efficiency of anginal symptom( RR = 1.23,95%CI[1.18,1.29]). Xueshuantong Injection combined with RBT reduced the consumption of nitroglycerin,which was more effectively than RBT alone,with statistically significant differences between the groups( RR = 1.64,95%CI[1.23,2.19]). Xueshuantong Injection combined with RBT decreased hs-CRP levels,which was more effectively than RBT alone,with statistically significant differences between the groups( MD =-0.48,95%CI[-0.57,-0.40]). However,there was no statistical difference between groups in the incidence of myocardial infarction. The reported adverse effects of Xueshuantong Injection were mainly dizziness,headache,itchy skin and gastrointestinal symptoms. Xueshuantong Injection combined with RBT can alleviate unstable angina pectoris. However,due to the low quality of included studies,further well-designed multicenter and large-scale RCTs are still needed to evaluate the efficacy of Xueshuantong Injection.
Topics: Angina, Unstable; China; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31872621
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20190724.501 -
Die Pharmazie Nov 2019Notoginsenoside R1 is one of major bioactive compounds extracted from (Burk.) dry roots and rhizomes of F.H. Chen, which has been increasingly used for enhancing...
Notoginsenoside R1 is one of major bioactive compounds extracted from (Burk.) dry roots and rhizomes of F.H. Chen, which has been increasingly used for enhancing cognition and physical health worldwide. The objective of this study was to review the pharmacological effects of notoginsenoside R1 in a systematic manner. We performed searches on databases including MEDLINE (Pubmed), Google Scholar and Web of Science, the System for Information on to select the original research publications reporting the biological and pharmacological effects of notoginsenoside R1 from and studies regardless of publication language and study design. Notoginsenoside R1 exhibited potent characteristics of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury properties etc. The cytotoxic effects of notoginsenoside R1 were dependent on different types of cell lines. Other pharmacological effects including accumulation of lipopolysac chaired-induced microcirculation, endothelial injury, hypoxia-reoxygenation injury effects have been mentioned, but the results were considerably diverged. A higher quality of evidence on clinical trial studies is highly recommended to confirm the efficacy of notoginsenoside R1.
Topics: Animals; Cognition; Ginsenosides; Humans; Panax notoginseng; Plant Roots; Rhizome
PubMed: 31739829
DOI: 10.1691/ph.2019.9534 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Aug 2019The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess effects of ginseng supplementation on CRP/hs-CRP levels in clinical trial studies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess effects of ginseng supplementation on CRP/hs-CRP levels in clinical trial studies.
DESIGN
A systematic literature search was carried out for clinical trials published in ISI web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from the beginning to 16th February 2018. Of 83 articles found in the first step of the systematic search, seven studies with nine arms included in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Results of pooled random-effect size analysis of nine trials showed non-significant decreasing effects of ginseng supplementation on CRP level (WMD: -0.1 mg/l, 95% CI, -0.26, 0.1; P = 0.27) with significant heterogeneity shown within the studies. The subgroup analysis showed that ginseng supplementation could significantly reduce CRP level by 0.51 (95% CI: -0.68, -0.34; P < 0001, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.44, I = 0.0%) in patients with a baseline serum CRP level of greater than 3 mg/dl. Trial duration and dose of ginseng supplementation included no significant effects on CRP level in this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
Results of the current meta-analysis study have shown that ginseng supplementation can decrease significantly serum CRP/hsCRP levels in patients with elevated serum level of this inflammatory marker.
Topics: Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Clinical Trials as Topic; Complementary Therapies; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Inflammation; Panax; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 31331589
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.021 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Oct 2019Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional formulations have shown protective effects against atherosclerosis, suggesting that ginseng may be useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To evaluate whether the supplementation with Panax ginseng (PG) has an effect on blood lipid profile in humans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A meta-analysis and a systematic review were conducted to evaluate the effects of PG on blood lipid profile.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 10 studies were performed in volunteers with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, 3 in postmenopausal women, 2 in healthy volunteers and 3 with other types of inclusion criteria. The doses employed ranged from 0.2 to 20 g/day (median 3 g/day, 95% CI 1.7, 5.8), while the treatment time ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median 8 weeks, 95% CI 6, 9). Few studies reported the composition of the PG extract employed. The main ginsenosides reported were Rb1 and Rg1 (content ranging from Rb1 0.023-6.44 mg/g and Rg1 0.028-3.21 mg/g). Significant modification in blood profile was described in 7 studies, in which 5 studies observed a reduction in total cholesterol, 4 in LDL-cholesterol, and 2 in triacylglycerides. The meta-analysis of 10 studies in volunteers with parameters related with metabolic syndrome describes that PG may induce a mean difference compared to a placebo of -2.30 (95% CI -3.79,-0.80) and -1.47 (95% CI -1.90,-1.05) mg/dL per g/day of PG in the levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no significant effects in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerides.
CONCLUSIONS
PG extract may induce an improvement in blood lipid profile mainly by a reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Lipids; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31315027
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112090