Ginseng improves Fatigue?

#MSBlog: Ginseng for MS-related fatigue. Will these results be reproduced? 

Epub: Etemadifar et al. Ginseng in the Treatment of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Pilot Study. Int J Neurosci. 2013 Jan.

Background: Fatigue is one of the common complaints of MSers and its treatment is relatively unclear. Ginseng is one of the herbal medicines possessing anti-fatigue properties and its administration in MS for such a purpose has been scarcely evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ginseng in the treatment of fatigue and the quality of life of MS patients.

Methods: Eligible female MSers were randomized in a double-blind manner, to receive 250mg ginseng or placebo twice daily over three months. Outcome measures included the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Iranian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality Of Life Questionnaire (MSQOL-54). The questionnaires were used after randomization; and again at the end of the study.

Results: Of 60 MSers who were enrolled in the study, 52 (86%) subjects completed the trial with good drug tolerance. Statistical analysis showed better effects for ginseng than the placebo as regards MFIS (p = 0.046) and MSQOL (p ≤ 0.0001) after three months. No serious adverse events were observed during follow-up. 


Conclusions: This study indicates that three months' ginseng treatment can reduce fatigue and has a significant positive effect on quality of life. Ginseng is probably a good candidate for the relief of MS-related fatigue. Further studies are needed to shed light on the efficacy of ginseng in this field.

"Interesting? More studies are needed! Do any of you take Ginseng?"

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