Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2002; 7: 95
Evidence indicates that Panax ginseng has immuno-modulatory properties that may be beneficial to humans. We compared the effects of P. ginseng and placebo on (1) IgA, IgM and IgG antibody titres and (2) quality of life, after influenza vaccination.
A total of 175 subjects participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (58 men and 117 women, age range 21–94 years); subjects received ginseng 200 mg or a similar-appearing placebo daily for 4 months. Influenza vaccination was administered after the first month. Antigen-specific IgM, IgG and IgA antibody responses were determined in a blinded assay using standard influenza antigen, optimally titred sera, and use of known positive and negative reference standards, measured at 4-week intervals. Quality of life was measured using an abbreviated SF (short form)-36 questionnaire.
Subjects that received P. ginseng developed higher levels of IgM and IgA antibodies compared with placebo (P < 0.0037 and P < 0.0384, respectively at 4 weeks). IgG titres were similar in both groups. No differences were noted in the quality of life.
Panax ginseng enhances IgM and IgA antibody responses to influenza vaccination. Whether previous vaccination affected the IgG results is unclear. The IgA response is noteworthy since it is the first line of defence against influenza. Since few individuals became ill during the study, our ability to compare quality of life was minimised. Further studies of Panax ginseng, including definition of the mechanisms of action, the scope of immune modulation, and effects on clinical outcome should be performed.
