Work

Effect of red ginseng beverage on menopausal symptoms in Chinese women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Menopause involves both physical and psychological changes, notably vasomotor and mood symptoms. Menopausal symptoms adversely affect women's quality of life and work. This study evaluates the effects of red ginseng beverage (RGB) on menopausal symptoms in Chinese women. This 90-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 112 eligible women assigned to either an RGB or placebo group. Primary outcomes were the Kupperman Index. Secondary outcomes included vasomotor markers, psychological assessments, lipid profiles, exercise-induced fatigue test indicators and safety indicators. Safety assessments included fire-heat symptom scale, female hormone levels, endometrial thickness, breast ultrasound, and standard laboratory tests. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and upon study completion. RGB group primary outcomes compared to placebo: (1) the Kupperman Index (KI) scores were significantly improved after test ( p < 0.001), (2) the levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) increased significantly ( p < 0.01), the content of and endothelin-1 (ET-1) decreased significantly ( p < 0.01); the results of the secondary outcomes in RGB group: (1) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores decreased significantly ( p < 0.001), (2) Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly ( p < 0.05), (3) Creatine kinase and blood lactate decreased significantly ( p < 0.05), subjective physical strength rating scale scores decreased significantly ( p < 0.01). No intergroup differences were observed in hormonal levels, endometrial thickness, urinalysis, hematology, or biochemistry. RGB administration showed no significant effect on fire-heat symptom scores . These findings demonstrate RGB's efficacy and safety for menopausal symptom management.

Source: Journal of Ginseng Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2025.12.004