Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Ginseng has been reported to improve cognitive function in animals and in healthy and cognitively impaired individuals. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a heat-processed form of ginseng that contains more potent ginsenosides than raw ginseng in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Forty patients with AD were randomized into one of three different dose groups or the control group as follows: 1.5 g/day (n = 10), 3 g/day (n = 10), and 4.5 g/day (n = 10) groups, or control (n = 10). The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive function for 24 weeks. RESULTS: The treatment groups showed significant improvement on the MMSE and ADAS. Patients with higher dose group (4.5 g/day) showed improvements in ADAS cognitive, ADAS non-cognitive, and MMSE score as early as at 12 weeks, which sustained for 24-week follow-up. DISCUSSION: These results demonstrate the potential efficacy of a heat-processed form of ginseng on cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in patients with moderately severe AD.
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Authors | Jae-Hyeok Heo, Soon-Tae Lee, Kon Chu, Min Jung Oh, Hyun-Jung Park, Ji-Young Shim, Manho Kim |
Journal | Nutritional neuroscience
(Nutr Neurosci)
Vol. 15
Issue 6
Pg. 278-82
(Nov 2012)
ISSN: 1476-8305 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 22780999
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alzheimer Disease
(drug therapy)
- Cognition
(drug effects)
- Cognition Disorders
(drug therapy)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Panax
(chemistry)
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Preparations
(administration & dosage)
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