Effects and safety of Korean red ginseng on the clinical course of uterine leiomyoma: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Hyewon Hur, Yunjeong Park, Heesoo Chung et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-center, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial assessed Korean red ginseng (KRG) in premenopausal women with uterine leiomyoma managed expectantly. Participants received KRG 3 g/d or placebo for 6 months. Among 61 participants completing assessment, leiomyoma diameter increased modestly in both groups, with no significant between-group difference in change (mean difference -0.11 cm; 95% confidence interval: -0.33 to 0.12; P = .34). Laboratory indices and reproductive hormone measures also showed no significant between-group differences. The findings do not establish KRG safety or address nonserious adverse effects.
Key findings
- Leiomyoma diameter change did not differ significantly between groups: mean difference -0.11 cm; 95% confidence interval: -0.33 to 0.12; P = .34.
- No significant between-group differences were found in routine laboratory changes or reproductive hormone measures.
- No treatment-related serious adverse event or discontinuation for intolerance was documented; adverse events were ascertained passively.
Why it matters
KRG is used as a dietary supplement, but its effects on leiomyoma growth and reproductive hormones have been uncertain. In this trial, supplementation did not meaningfully alter these measured outcomes over 6 months compared with placebo. The results inform expectations about short-term effects in women managed expectantly, while the limited safety ascertainment means they cannot establish safety or rule out nonserious adverse effects.
What to keep in mind
The trial had a modest sample size, incomplete characterization of the study product, and passive adverse-event ascertainment; follow-up was limited to 6 months.