Investigating the Effects of Oral Ginseng on the Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Non-Metastatic Cancer

Abstract

Background: Cancer affects the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the patients’ life. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and severe condition among cancer patients. Ginseng has long been used as an efficient treatment for CRF and improvement of quality of life (QOL). The present study aims to assess the efficacy of Panax Ginseng (PG) in reducing CRF in patients with non-metastatic cancer. In addition, the safety of the medication is evaluated. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective clinical trial conducted on the patients (n=113) suffering from non-metastatic colon cancer (age range: 20-70 years old) referring to the Shafa Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran for chemotherapy treatment. After the chemotherapy sessions, the patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received daily dose of 100 mg PG for 30 days and the second group received placebo medication. The demographic information and clinical parameters of the patients including age, sex, weight, symptoms of fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, and pain were measured pre and post intervention. Afterwards, the variables were compared in each group and between the groups. Results: Results of study showed that the ginseng improved the quality of life and mood in the subjects. (P<0.0001) and no difference was observed in the placebo group (P=0.887). Conclusion: The use of ginseng may can effective on reducing CRF and the associated symptoms in the patients with cancer, but further studies should be conducted for the evaluation of comprehensive therapeutic efficacy.

Ginseng for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Integrative Review

“…A majority of participants were reported to be on active cancer treatment either in the form of systemic therapy or radiation, although Yennurajalingam and colleagues (2017) did not report this data. Duration of treatment with ginseng ranged from 29 to 56 days ( Barton et al, 2010 , 2013 ; Chang et al, 2018 ; Pourmohamadi et al, 2018 ; Yennurajalingam et al, 2017 ).…”

Recent Advances in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer as a Herb for Anti-Fatigue: An Effects and Mechanisms Review

“…Although there was no significant improvement of CRF in advanced cancer patients, the symptoms of CRF (pain, appetite and quality of life) can be markedly improved in the patients suffering from nonmetastatic colon cancer after ingesting P. ginseng for 30 days [ 104 ]. Particularly, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were major factors that can develop severe fatigue [ 118 , 119 ].…”

“…For example, red ginseng can significantly improve mood, relations with others, walking ability and enjoyment of life in colorectal cancer patients with chemotherapy [ 105 ]. Oral ginseng also can improve quality of life, such as muscular pain, degree of happiness, appetite and sleep quality, as well as mood condition in nonmetastatic cancer patients [ 104 ]. In general, P. ginseng treatment can improve the quality of life in patients with various diseases, which was better in long-term treatment.…”

Novel ginsenoside-based multifunctional liposomal delivery system for combination therapy of gastric cancer

“…Among the various herbs proposed to improve cancer treatment, ginseng has attracted the most interest worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that ginseng is able to treat cancer-related symptoms and has the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer 10-12. Among the various components of ginseng, ginsenosides have been identified as the main active components and have been investigated extensively 13.…”