Abstract
In this study, the clinical safety and toxicology of oral ingestion of supplement capsules containing ginseng radix was investigated in healthy young volunteers. This study was a pilot randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. The healthy volunteers were divided into 6 groups of 20 each (10 males and 10 females). They took the ginseng powder for 35 days (3g/day) for safety evaluation. There were measured general healthy levels such as hematological, biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters. After the first week, besides Korean white ginseng the other treatments led to an significant increase of white blood cells. Korean red ginseng increased UREA (blood urea nitrogen) in healthy volunteers, but it didn't exceed the range of normal values, and in the subsequent process of treatment there is no effect of elevating UREA. After the three weeks, Korean white ginseng showed relatively low the content of blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. After the five weeks, compared with the other treatments, Korean red ginseng increased white blood cells, platelet distribution width and average volume of platelet. Korean white ginseng decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. American ginseng decreased blood creatinine in healthy volunteers. In conclusion, through test the blood routine, urine routine, liver function, renal function, blood glucose, blood lipid and electrocardiogram, the healthy volunteers continuous taking ginseng for 35 days (3 g/day) is safe and reliable, and have no obvious adverse reactions and side effects.
