Ginseng for the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

Abstract

Background Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and often disabling chronic condition emerging worldwide, with no curative or definitive therapy yet identified. Ginseng has been widely used to treat fatigue in other patient groups and conditions; however, a systematic review focusing solely on the impact of ginseng on fatigue in patients with CFS has not been performed. Objective This study aimed to assess the current state of evidence regarding ginseng for CFS. Methods Multiple databases were searched from inception to October 2020. All data was extracted independently and in duplicates. Outcomes of interest included the effectiveness and safety of ginseng in patients with CFS. Results 2 studies enrolling 68 patients were deemed eligible, including one randomized clinical trial and one prospective observational study. The certainty of evidence in the effectiveness outcome was low and moderate from both studies, while the safety evidence was very low as reported from one study. Conclusion Study findings highlight a potential benefit of ginseng therapy in the treatment of CFS. However, we are not able to draw firm conclusions due to limited clinical studies. The paucity of data warrants limited confidence. There is a need for future rigorous studies to provide further evidence.

Ginsenoside Rg1 can reverse fatigue behavior in CFS rats by regulating EGFR and affecting Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate metabolism

“…Current treatment guidelines for CFS mainly include cognitive behavioral therapy, graded exercise program and symptomatic therapy ( Sapra and Bhandari, 2022 ), with limited clinical efficacy ( Fang et al, 2022 ). In China, herbal medicine is widely used to treat CFS ( Joung et al, 2019 ; Shin et al, 2021 ), with a previous meta-analysis showing TCM is safe and effective for CFS treatment ( Zhang et al, 2022 ), which has sparked interest in its application ( Wang et al, 2014 ; Dai et al, 2019 ; Zhang et al, 2020 ; Yang et al, 2022 ).…”

Is there a role for traditional and complementary medicines in managing chronic fatigue? a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…Mey .) ( Reay et al, 2006 ; Hsiao et al, 2018 ; Yang et al, 2022 ) and Cordyceps militaris ( Song et al, 2015 ) have specific anti-fatigue effects. Astragali Radix was also found to promote the recovery of fatigue by regulating glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism ( Li et al, 2014 ).…”

Anti-fatigue effect from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma: a suggestive and promising treatment for long COVID

“…Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma has been used to treat both non-disease-specific and disease-induced fatigue [14] , especially chronic fatigue syndrome [15] , psychological stress [16] , cancer [17][18][19] and menopause [20] . Both clinical practice and animal-based experiments have verified the various biological activities of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, such as anti-virus, anti-inflammation, the boosting of immune responses, and the reprogramming of one's metabolism [21] .…”