Panax Ginseng for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This study aims to evaluate Panax ginseng's benefit on Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.<br><br>Methods: PRISMA guidelines served as the foundation for this systemic review. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Cochrane Library until March 2022. Lung function tests; FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, frequency and duration of COPD exacerbations were the main outcomes evaluated. Secondary outcomes were the quality of life, the number of use relief medications, the occurrence of related adverse events (e.g. insomnia, epistaxis), and blood parameter (e.g. white blood cells). Mean differences (MDs) between the Panax ginseng and placebo groups were calculated using a random-effects model, along with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).<br><br>Results: Four trials, involving 469 participants were included. Panax ginseng did not have a beneficial effect on COPD as it did not reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations (p = 0.08) or improve FEV1 (liters) (p = 0.22), FEV1 (percentage) (p = 0.28), FVC (liters) (p =0.20), FVC (percentage) (p = 0.79) and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.06). No effects were observed on the mental-related quality of life (p =0.94), physical-related quality of life (p =0.92), and respiratory-related quality of life (p =0.29). The severity of COPD (p =0.64) also not affected. The adverse effects documented by Panax ginseng such as insomnia (p =0.15), epistaxis (p =0.69), respiratory tract infection (p =0.83), and white blood cells (p = 0.33) were not significant.<br><br>ConclusionsThis study found Panax ginseng has no benefit in people with COPD.