Barton, D.L., Liu, H., Dakhil, S.R., Linquist, B., Sloan, J.A., Nichols, C.R., . . . Loprinzi, C.L. (2013). Wisconsin ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue: A randomized, double-blind trial, N07C2. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 105, 1230–1238.
To evaluate the efficacy of Wisconsin ginseng on cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
2,000 mg of Wisconsin ginseng or placebo BID (breakfast and lunch) over eight weeks. The assessment conducted at baseline and at four and eight weeks.
Statistically significant changes in scores for MFSI-SF between ginseng and placebo groups at four and eight weeks was in favor of ginseng, but only among those in active treatment. No differences in BFI scores were noted. Greater benefit reported among patients receiving active cancer treatment versus those who had completed treatment.
The ginseng group had improvements in fatigue scores over four- and eight-week periods without significant toxicities. However, data lacking on selected drug-ginseng interactions.
Supports use of (controlled, manufactured) Wisconsin ginseng to modify CRF; however, more research is needed to determine how to maximize positive effects. It appears that ginseng effects may only be seen during active treatment.