Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Stress Responses and beta-Adrenergic Receptor Function in a Normal Population / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: There have been few studies to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. METHODS: Thirty four healthy normal subjects who were 20-40 years old were recruited for the study. They were randomized into the two groups ; red-ginseng group (n=19) and placebo group (n=15). Three gram of red-ginseng or placebo per day was administered to the study subjects for 3 weeks. Before and after the medications, we measured the lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor function (Bmax, cAMP, and Kd), and psychological scales such as the Stress Response Inventory (SRI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, comparative study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the changes of beta-adrenergic receptor density (Bmax) and sensitivity (cAMP) and psychological assessments between the two groups according to the medications. However, we found significant (group x time) effects for Kd, and beta-adrenergic receptor affinity (1/Kd) was increased significantly in the Korean red-ginseng group. CONCLUSION: In a normal population, Korean red-ginseng showed a potential effects on the beta-adrenergic receptor function, which may play an important role in the regulation of stress responses