Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effect of ginseng as an adjuvant to treatment and rehabilitation of geriatric patients in a double blind, controlled clinical trial. The treatment group (N=24) received two capsules of Gericomplex (ginseng, vitamins, minerals and trace elements) daily for 8 weeks, while the control group (N=25) had identical-looking placebo capsules. Participants consisted of 60 geriatric patients, mean age 77.9 years. The principal study variables were length of stay in hospital, and activities of daily living according to the Barthel ADL Index. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks, using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Kendrick Object Learning test, and the Trail Making test. Somatic symptoms, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were scored on a 23-question version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Length of stay in hospital did not differ in the two groups, which also improved to the same degree on the various functional outcome measures, except for the Kendrick Object Learning test, where the placebo group improved more markedly. In conclusion, no identifiable effect of ginseng as an adjuvant to treatment and rehabilitation of geriatric patients was observed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cui J., Garle M., Eneroth P., Bjørkheim I.: What do commercial ginseng preparations contain? Lancet 344: 134, 1994.
Liu Chang-Xiao: Recent advances on ginseng research in China. J. Ethnopharmacol. 36: 27–38, 1992.
Pieralisi G., Ripari P., Vecchiet L.: Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitatrate, vitamins, minerals and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin. Ther. 13: 373–382, 1991.
Tesch P.A., Johansson H., Kaiser P.: The effect of ginseng, vitamins and minerals on the physical work capacity in middle-aged men. Läkartidn. 84: 4326–4328, 1987.
Forgo I., Kirchdorfer A.M.: The effect of different ginsenoside concentrations on physical work capacity. Notabene Med. 12: 721–727, 1982.
D’Angelo L., Grimaldi R., Caravaggi M., Marcoli M., Perucca E., Lecchini S.: A double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study on the effect of a standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. J. Ethnopharmacol. 16: 15–22, 1986.
Dörling E., Kirchdorfer A.M.: Action of a preparation containing a standardized ginseng extract on physical and mental performance. Aerztliche Praxis 41 (50): 1867–1869, 1989.
Petkov V.: Effect of ginseng on the brain biogenic monoamines and 3,5-AMP system. Arzneimittelforschung 28: 388–393, 1978.
Wiklund I., Karlberg J., Lund B.: A double-blind comparison of the effect on quality of life of a combination of vital substances including standardized ginseng G115 and placebo. Curr. Ther. Res. 55: 32–42, 1994.
Moksnes K.M.: Treatment of depression in the elderly. Norsk Tidsskr. Geriatri. 2: 28–30, 1991.
Mahoney F.I., Barthel D.W.: Functional evaluation: The Barthel Index. Md State Med. J. 14: 61–65, 1965.
Folstein M.F., Folstein S.E., McHugh P.R.: “Mini-Mental State”. A practical method for grading cognitive state in patients for the clinician. J. Psychiatr. Res. 12: 189–198, 1975.
Rai G.S., Phongsathorn V., Scott L.C.: Assessment of Kendrick cognitive test for the elderly. Int. J. Geriatr. Psychiatr. 6: 177–181, 1991.
Lezak M.D.: Neuropsychological Assessment, ed. 2. Oxford University Press, New York, 1983.
Ranhoff A.H., Laake K.: Health and functioning among elderly recipients of home help in Norway. Health Social Care 3: 115–123, 1995.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Thommessen, B., Laake, K. No identifiable effect of ginseng (Gericomplex) as an adjuvant in the treatment of geriatric patients. Aging Clin Exp Res 8, 417–420 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339604
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339604