Electronic letters to:

Research:
Gerald N. Predy, Vinti Goel, Ray Lovlin, Allan Donner, Larry Stitt, and Tapan K. Basu
Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial
CMAJ 2005; 173: 1043-1048 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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Electronic letters published:

[Read eLetter] Ginseng and health
Jian Yan   (19 June 2006)
[Read eLetter] ginseng enhances the effectiveness of DHEA
James M. Howard   (25 October 2005)

Ginseng and health 19 June 2006
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Jian Yan
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

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Re: Ginseng and health

jyan1{at}utmem.edu Jian Yan

Jian Yan, Yan Jiao, Weikuan Gu (University of Tennessee Health Science Center) Email:jyan1@utmem.edu

Ginseng is the most popular and widely respected tonic medical herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Despite its growing popularity all over the world, debate remains over its scientific validity. A meta analysis of randomized clinical trials of ginseng indicates that no evidence exists favoring its application for any studied indications (1). Is it true? Not really. In fact, many studies have ignored a basic point that ginseng has been prescribed only for the treatment of some, not all, medical problems due to damaged homeostasis by TCM practitioners. With this in mind, there will be no surprise for us to read a negative trial report about ginseng application in a healthy study group. Similarly, ginseng is only suitable for those with specific type of dysfunctions (Qi deficiency). Therefore, I will say the results obtained by Predy et al (2)are exactly what we can expect because the trial participants, who are cold susceptible individuals, have intrinsic Qi deficiency based on TCM theory.

TCM, including acupuncture, is a practically well-proven personalized medical system. Much more effort needs to be made to better understand the scientific basis of TCM therapy. A proper study design based on TCM theory seems to play a critical role in the validation of these remedies.

References 1.Vogler BK, Pittler MH, Ernst E. The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1999 Oct;55(8):567-75.

2.Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, Donner A, Stitt L, Basu TK. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl- saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2005 Oct 25; 173(9):1043-8.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared
ginseng enhances the effectiveness of DHEA 25 October 2005
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James M. Howard
independent biologist

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Re: ginseng enhances the effectiveness of DHEA

jmhoward{at}anthropogeny.com James M. Howard

DHEA is known to exert anti-viral effects along with other anti- infectious agent effects. According to my work, 1985, cortisol evolved as the natural antagonist of DHEA activity. Ginseng has been found to reduce the cortisol to DHEA ratio (Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1999 Dec;67(3):169-74). By reducing the amount of cortisol, therefore the cortisol to DHEA ratio, ginseng increases the effectiveness of the DHEA levels available to stimulate the immune response. Ginseng only lowers the incidence of URIs because it does not actually increase DHEA levels.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared