Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Ginseng supplementation and vascular function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

  • 2025-07-11
  • BMC complementary medicine and therapies 25(1)
    • Ayda Esmaeili
    • Naser Khalili
    • Nastaran Najafi
    • Fatemeh Hajizadeh-Sharafabad

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 328
Population
subjects aged ≥ 15 years
Methods
systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
BACKGROUND: Ginseng is a source of pharmacologically active compounds with cardioprotective properties. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of ginseng on vascular function. METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using relevant keywords from inception until February 2025. The eligibility criteria for a full-text review of papers consisted of clinical trials involving subjects aged ≥ 15 years who consumed ginseng and evaluated at least one of the cardiac function markers: flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and circulating biomarkers of vascular function. RESULTS: From a total of 328 initial search records, 13 randomized controlled trials were included in the study. Pooled analysis showed a significant increase in FMD level (effect size: 5, SMD: 0.571%, 95% CI: 0.198, 0.943, P = 0.003), and endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels (effect size: 4, SMD: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.59, P = 0.045) as well as a significant decrease in PWV (effect size: 7, SMD: ‒0.29 cm/s, 95% CI: ‒0.51, ‒0.06, P = 0.014). No significant effect was observed in AIx (effect size: 9, SMD: ‒0.53%, 95% CI: ‒1.08, 0.03, P = 0.063) following ginseng intake. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results revealed beneficial effects of ginseng on endothelial function and arterial stiffness, as measured by PWV, while it did not change AIx. Further studies are recommended to investigate the effects of ginseng on vascular function.

Research Insights

  • Ginseng→Improved Flow-Mediated Dilation

    Pooled analysis showed a significant increase in FMD level (effect size: 5, SMD: 0.571%, 95% CI: 0.198, 0.943, P = 0.003)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Ginseng→Increased Nitric Oxide Level

    and endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels (effect size: 4, SMD: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.59, P = 0.045)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
  • Ginseng→Reduced Augmentation Index

    No significant effect was observed in AIx (effect size: 9, SMD: ‒0.53%, 95% CI: ‒1.08, 0.03, P = 0.063) following ginseng intake.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Ginseng→Reduced Pulse Wave Velocity

    as well as a significant decrease in PWV (effect size: 7, SMD: ‒0.29 cm/s, 95% CI: ‒0.51, ‒0.06, P = 0.014)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
Back to top