Research results have shown that consistently consuming red ginseng can improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Professor Jeong Dong-hyuk's team from the Department of Family Medicine at Yonsei University Yongin Severance Hospital stated, "People who consumed red ginseng extract showed significant improvements in chronic fatigue and anxiety due to long COVID, and inflammation levels decreased." This study was published in the international journal <<JGR (Journal of Ginseng Research, IF: 5.6)>>.
Chronic Fatigue Disrupting Daily Life: Surge After the COVID Pandemic
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by severe fatigue lasting more than six months without a specific cause, even with sufficient rest. It is often accompanied by brain fog, leading to decreased cognitive functions such as concentration and memory, as well as sleep disorders and muscle pain.
The number of people experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome surged due to the COVID pandemic. Chronic fatigue is one of the representative symptoms of 'long COVID,' where symptoms persist for an extended period after COVID infection. In fact, according to a study published in <<The Journal of the Korean Medical Association (JKMS)>>, over 55% of COVID patients experienced long COVID, with the incidence of 'chronic fatigue' being the highest at about 32%.
Study on the Intake of Red Ginseng Extract Powder… Experiment on Adults Diagnosed with COVID
Professor Jeong Dong-hyuk's team conducted a randomized, double-blind study involving 216 adult patients aged 35 to 60 who were diagnosed with COVID-19. They performed blood tests to confirm changes in long COVID symptoms, chronic inflammation, and immune cell changes over a 12-week period.
The research team divided the participants into a red ginseng intake group (108 people) and a placebo group (108 people). Each group was instructed to consume 2g of red ginseng extract powder or placebo once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a CFS-COVID19 (COVID-19 related chronic fatigue syndrome) questionnaire assessment and blood tests to check chronic inflammation levels.
The CFS-COVID19 questionnaire consisted of eight items, including headaches, unrefreshing sleep, concentration and memory impairment, and anxiety. Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed when four or more criteria are met for more than 12 weeks.
Improvement in Chronic Fatigue and Anxiety in the Red Ginseng Intake Group
Analysis results showed that chronic fatigue and anxiety due to long COVID significantly improved in the red ginseng intake group. Additionally, inflammation levels decreased, and immune cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system, were maintained in a healthier state.
In the red ginseng intake group, the symptom score improved from an initial 2.78 to 0.62 after 12 weeks, showing a 68% improvement. In contrast, the placebo group showed no significant changes.
Furthermore, the ratio of helper T cells (CD4) and suppressor T cells (CD8) showed no significant changes in the control group, but increased by 35% in the red ginseng intake group. T cells, which play an important role in inhibiting inflammatory responses, decreased in the control group but were maintained in the red ginseng intake group.
Professor Jeong stated, "This study confirmed that continuous consumption of red ginseng effectively alleviates the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, a representative symptom of long COVID," and added, "We expect that red ginseng will help alleviate aftereffects of COVID as well as assist patients with other viral aftereffects and existing chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms."
