Red ginseng benefits
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Health Benefits of Red Ginseng: A Comprehensive Overview
Immunity Enhancement and Antioxidant Properties
Red ginseng has been extensively studied for its potential to enhance immunity. A systematic review identified thirteen studies that support its role in boosting immune function, potentially through its antioxidant effects 1. Additionally, red ginseng has been shown to reduce lymphocyte DNA damage and increase antioxidant enzyme activity, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which help mitigate oxidative stress 5.
Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Management
Red ginseng has demonstrated promising effects in managing metabolic syndrome and diabetes. It has been found to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels, which is crucial for diabetes management 1. In a study involving type 2 diabetes patients, a combination of Korean Red Ginseng and American ginseng improved blood pressure and central hemodynamics, suggesting benefits for cardiovascular health in diabetic individuals 4. Furthermore, red ginseng has shown potential in ameliorating type 1 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and preserving pancreatic tissue 9.
Cardiovascular Health and Blood Circulation
The benefits of red ginseng extend to cardiovascular health. It has been associated with improved blood circulation and the prevention of hypertension 1. In a clinical trial, red ginseng supplementation led to a reduction in central systolic blood pressure and other related markers, indicating its potential utility in managing hypertension 4.
Cognitive Function and Alzheimer's Disease
Red ginseng has been studied for its effects on cognitive function, particularly in Alzheimer's disease patients. Long-term treatment with red ginseng has shown sustained cognitive improvements over a two-year period, as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and the Mini Mental Status Examination 6. Additionally, short-term studies have indicated that red ginseng can improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals, as evidenced by decreased latency in event-related potential tests 8.
Menopausal Symptom Relief and Sexual Health
Red ginseng has been found to alleviate menopausal symptoms, including sexual dysfunction. A systematic review identified five studies supporting its role in relieving menopausal symptoms 1. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, red ginseng significantly improved sexual arousal in menopausal women, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for sexual dysfunction during menopause 10.
Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
In patients with epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy, red ginseng has been shown to reduce genotoxicity and improve health-related quality of life (HRQL). It was associated with improved emotional functioning and reduced symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and anxiety, although it did not affect overall survival 2.
Gut Health and Ulcerative Colitis
Red ginseng has also been studied for its effects on gut health. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and has shown efficacy in relieving symptoms of ulcerative colitis by improving the structure of gut microbiota 7.
Erectile Dysfunction
Red ginseng has been evaluated for its effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials indicated a significant therapeutic effect of red ginseng compared to placebo, particularly in cases of psychogenic erectile dysfunction 3.
Conclusion
Red ginseng exhibits a wide range of health benefits, from enhancing immunity and managing diabetes to improving cognitive function and alleviating menopausal symptoms. While the evidence is promising, further rigorous studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish standardized guidelines for its use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Health Promoting Effects of Red Ginseng Intake: A Systematic Review (P23-008-19).
Red ginseng intake may have potential health promoting effects, including immunity enhancement, prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, blood circulation improvement, and menopausal symptom relief.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalEffect of Red Ginseng on Genotoxicity and Health-Related Quality of Life after Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Red ginseng may be safe and effective in reducing genotoxicity and improving health-related quality of life after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, but has no effect on survival rates.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalRed ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review.
Red ginseng shows suggestive evidence for treating erectile dysfunction, but more rigorous studies are needed for definitive conclusions.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedVascular effects of combined enriched Korean Red ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius) administration in individuals with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.
Co-administration of Korean Red and American ginseng improves central systolic blood pressure and pulse waveform in individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension without affecting endothelial function.
RCTBeneficial effects of Korean red ginseng on lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, and LDL oxidation in healthy participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Korean red ginseng supplementation may reduce lymphocyte DNA damage and LDL oxidation by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity in healthy individuals.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedImprovement of Cognitive Deficit in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients by Long Term Treatment with Korean Red Ginseng
Long-term treatment with Korean red ginseng (KRG) shows sustained cognitive benefits in Alzheimer's disease patients, with maximum improvement around week 24.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedRed Ginseng and Semen Coicis can improve the structure of gut microbiota and relieve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Red Ginseng promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria and relieves symptoms of ulcerative colitis in a rat model, with Red Ginseng being more effective than Semen Coicis.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedEffects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cognitive and Motor Function: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Korean red ginseng may improve cognitive function by decreasing event-related potential latency in healthy young males.
RCTKorean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) ameliorates type 1 diabetes and restores immune cell compartments.
Korean red ginseng extract can prevent type 1 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and restoring immune cell compartments, potentially benefiting patients not only for its hypoglycemic but also for its immunomodulatory effects.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedEffects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study.
Korean red ginseng extracts can improve sexual arousal in menopausal women, potentially offering an alternative medicine for improving their sexual life.
RCTHighly Cited