The effect of standardized ginseng extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets: a preliminary study in young health adults.

The present study was undertaken in twenty young, healthy Thai males to investigate the effects of prolonged administration of standardized ginseng extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets. The subjects were divided into two equal groups as ginseng and placebo groups. The first group received two capsules daily of standardized ginseng extract 150 mg per capsule for 8 weeks. The second group received placebo and served as control. Circulatory levels of total and differential leukocyte counts and percentage of lymphocyte subsets were determined prior to and at the 4th and 8th week of the experimental period. There were no significant differences in the total and differential leukocyte counts as well as the lymphocyte subpopulations: CD3 (T cells), CD 19 (B cells), CD4 (T-helper cells), CD8 (T-suppression cells), CD4/CD8 ratio, and CD25 (Interleukin-2-receptor cells) between the two subject groups throughout the experimental period. We concluded that oral administration of standardized ginseng extract, 300 mg/day for 8 weeks caused no significant changes in peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets in young, healthy Thai males.

Hematologic parameters in Thai subjects over 50 years old.

Advancing age is associated with the decline of hemoglobin, red blood cell count and other parameters. The conventional normal values of hematologic parameters established by all age populations may not be suitable for the elderly. This study determined the hematologic parameters of Thai subjects aged over 50 years by using a fully automated cell counter. No significant age-related variations of all parameters were found. The MCV of both sexes showed an upward trend at age over 70. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels in males were higher than females. These, however; were not significant alterations. These hematologic values should be useful for screening and clinical investigation of the elderly.