Ginseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

Objective Ginseng is a popular, commercially available dietary supplement that is purported to have a number of psychological benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine these claims, with specific reference to ginseng's effects on affect and mood. Design Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, Participants/setting Eighty-three adults (40 women, 43 men) participated in this study (mean age=25.7 year). Participants were recruited from within a university community and at area health clubs. Intervention Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: placebo (lactose), 200 mg ginseng, or 400 mg ginseng. The ginseng preparation used in this study consisted of the Panax ginseng C A Meyer concentrate G115 in capsular format. Each participant was given a 60-day allotment of their respective supplement along with written instructions about the proper intake and storage of the capsules during the 8-week study period. Main outcome measures Positive affect, negative affect, and total mood disturbance. Measures were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analyses performed Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used. Because there were three dependent variables, and in an effort to minimize the experimentwise-error rate, a was adjusted using the Bonferroni technique (ie, P < .05/3=P < .016). Results Ginseng supplementation had no effect on positive affect, negative affect, or total mood disturbance (all P > .016). Conclusion The present findings do not support claims that chronic ginseng supplementation-at either its clinically recommended level or at twice that level-enhances affect or mood in healthy young adults.