Therapeutic Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng in Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
10.4168/aair.2011.3.2.103
- Author:
Jae Woo JUNG
1
;
Hye Ryun KANG
;
Geun Eog JI
;
Myeong Soo PARK
;
Woo Jung SONG
;
Min Hye KIM
;
Jae Woo KWON
;
Tae Whan KIM
;
Heung Woo PARK
;
Sang Heon CHO
;
Kyung Up MIN
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. helenmed@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis;
alternative medicine;
fermented ginseng;
ginsenoside
- MeSH:
Allergens;
Complementary Therapies;
Estrogens, Conjugated (USP);
Humans;
Immunoglobulin E;
Inflammation;
Nasal Mucosa;
Nose;
Panax;
Quality of Life;
Rhinitis;
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial;
Skin;
Sneezing;
Tablets
- From:Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
2011;3(2):103-110
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis. METHODS: In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
