effects of panax ginseng on lipid profile, pro-oxidant: antioxidant status and high-sensitivity C reactive protein levels in hyperlipidemic patients in Iran

ABSTRACT

Because of the conflicting results from previous studies regarding the efficacy of ginseng on lipid profile and anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of its components, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Panax ginseng on lipid profile, pro-oxidant - anti-oxidant status and high-sensitivity C reactive protein [hs-CRP] levels. Forty Iranian hyperlipidemic patients were randomly assigned to placebo [n = 20] or control [n = 20] groups in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. The ginseng or placebo was taken two capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. Total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine and hs-CRP levels and pro-oxidant - anti-oxidant balance [PAB] were estimated before and after intervention. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in serum TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C levels. Nor were there significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in hs-CRP level and PAB from baseline to week 8. Our study demonstrates that ginseng does not have significant effects on lipid profile, Hs-CRP level and PAB. Further clinical studies, with a larger sample size, more prolonged period of therapy are needed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginseng