04/18/2023
3g ginseng can help bones grow!
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Panax ginseng is one of the most valued and expensive medicinal plants. The name Panax is derived from the Greek word for panacea, and according to Chinese sages, ginseng replenished the vital energy and promoted health and longevity. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications and has been extensively researched for a broad range of uses from stress adaption and cognitive performance, through to male fertility and type 2 diabetes. A recent study investigated the effect of ginseng extract for improving outcomes in women with osteopenia, which would represent a new insight into the therapeutic reach of this important medicinal plant.
The study was conducted as a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and involved 90 postmenopausal women with osteopenia who were randomly divided into three groups; a Korean ginseng extract (GE) low dose group, a GE high dose group, and a placebo group. The GE low group took 1 g of ginseng extract per day for 12 weeks. The GE high group took 3 g of ginseng extract per day for 12 weeks. According to the paper, the 3 g dose of Korean ginseng corresponded to about 33 g of fresh root and rhizome. However, the extract only contained ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 at 8.61 mg/g, suggesting that 3 to 4 g/day of good quality dried root and rhizome might achieve a similar result (still a relatively high dose).
In all groups the daily dose was split between breakfast and dinner. All the subjects were instructed to maintain their regular physical activity and food habits and asked not to consume any other functional foods or dietary supplements during the study period.
The results of the study showed that participants in the GE high dose group (3 g/day) showed a significant increase in bone formation indicators, serum OC (osteocalcin), and blood calcium levels compared to those who took a placebo. Similarly, the GE high dose group showed a significant decrease in the deoxypyridinoline (DPD)/OC ratio, which indicates improved bone formation versus bone resorption. There was a small improvement in the GE low group, but it was not significant compared to placebo. In addition, participants in the GE high dose group also experienced improved arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness. No harmful effects or changes were observed during the study.
The author’s noted that although the study shows ginseng extract has a beneficial effect on bone metabolism, further long-term studies are needed to better understand the implications of these results.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/10/3352
