The effect of ginseng supplementation and health outcomes: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ginseng, a widely used herbal remedy, has been proposed to possess cardiometabolic benefits. However, the findings regarding its effects on health outcomes remain inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess ginseng supplementation's impact on health outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify RCTs evaluating the effect of ginseng supplementation. Forty-four RCTs encompassing 56 intervention arms were included. Ginseng supplementation significantly reduced IL-6 levels (WMD = −2.03 pg/mL; 95 % CI: −3.12 to −0.93; p < 0.001). No significant effects were observed on body weight (WMD = −0.52 kg; 95 % CI: −1.47 to 0.44), BMI (WMD = −0.035 kg/m 2 ; 95 % CI: −0.148 to 0.079), waist circumference, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or lipid profiles including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C. The beneficial effects of ginseng supplementation on SBP and DBP were shown after sensitivity analysis. Ginseng supplementation may improve inflammatory profiles by lowering IL-6 and enhancing adiponectin, but it does not appear to significantly influence anthropometric measures, and lipid profiles. Further well-designed, long-term trials are warranted. • Forty-four RCTs encompassing 56 intervention arms were included. • Ginseng supplementation significantly affected IL-6. • The beneficial effects of ginseng supplementation on SBP and DBP were shown after sensitivity analysis.