Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.

Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. D. Gross, Z. Shenkman, B. Bleiberg, M. Dayan, M. Gittelson, R. Efrat. Ginseng is a root that has been used to treat patients with various illnesses for the last 2000 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ginseng extract (G115) on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO 2 max) in patients with moderately-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ninety-two adults were randomly divided into the ex- perimental (n=49, G115 100mg bid for three months) and placebo-control (n=43) groups. PFTs, MVV and MIP were studied before treatment and every two weeks for the 3-month-study period. Exercise test and VO 2 max mea- surements were performed before the beginning and after six weeks and three months. P lower than 0.05 was con- sidered significant. Baseline demographics and pulmonary parameters were similar between the groups. In the experimental, but not in the control group, all parameters significantly in- creased above baseline and compared with the placebo group. Maximum increase, compared with baseline was FVC-32.5%, FEV 1.0 -27.0%, PEF-27.5%, FEF50-45.4%, FEF75-56.9%, MVV-40.4%, MIP-47.0% and VO 2 max- 37.5%. No side effects were observed. G115 100mg bid for three months, but not placebo, improved PFTs, MVV, MIP and VO 2 max in patients with moderately-severe COPD with no side effects. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2002; 57: 5-6, 242-246.