2014-09-10 11:25:37
A newly published study examined the efficacy of Korean red ginseng against bisphenol A (BPA), focusing on female quality of life [1]. Korean red ginseng is a processed ginseng that is believed to be safer, better preserved, and more effective than raw ginseng. It has known estrogen like effects. BPA is known as an endocrine disrupting chemical. In the study, the researchers performed a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Twenty-two young women consumed 2.7g of ginseng or placebo per day for 2 weeks and filled out questionnaires related to gynecologic complaints over 4 time points. The researchers analyzed urinary total BPA and an oxidative stress marker. The results of the study showed that ginseng consumption reduced urinary BPA and oxidative stress markers. Ginseng also alleviated menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, and constipation. No one experienced side effects as a result of the ginseng. The study concludes that ginseng is efficient at protecting female quality of life and related oxidative stress in relation to BPA exposure.
References
(1) Yang M, Lee HS, Hwang MW, Jin M. Effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax Ginseng Meyer) on bisphenol a exposure and gynecologic complaints:single blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14(1):265.