# Effect of red ginseng beverage on menopausal symptoms in Chinese women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

## TL;DR

A clinical trial found that a red ginseng beverage significantly improved menopausal symptoms in Chinese women without adverse effects.

## Contribution

This study provides clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of red ginseng beverage in managing menopausal symptoms.

## Key findings

- Red ginseng beverage significantly reduced Kupperman Index scores and improved vasomotor and psychological symptoms.
- The beverage also improved lipid profiles and reduced markers of exercise-induced fatigue.
- No significant changes in hormonal levels or safety indicators were observed.

## Abstract

Menopause involves both physical and psychological changes, notably vasomotor and mood symptoms. Menopausal symptoms adversely affect women's quality of life and work. This study evaluates the effects of red ginseng beverage (RGB) on menopausal symptoms in Chinese women.

This 90-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 112 eligible women assigned to either an RGB or placebo group. Primary outcomes were the Kupperman Index. Secondary outcomes included vasomotor markers, psychological assessments, lipid profiles, exercise-induced fatigue test indicators and safety indicators. Safety assessments included fire-heat symptom scale, female hormone levels, endometrial thickness, breast ultrasound, and standard laboratory tests. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and upon study completion.

RGB group primary outcomes compared to placebo: (1) the Kupperman Index (KI) scores were significantly improved after test (p < 0.001), (2) the levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) increased significantly (p < 0.01), the content of and endothelin-1 (ET-1) decreased significantly (p < 0.01); the results of the secondary outcomes in RGB group: (1) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores decreased significantly (p < 0.001), (2) Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (p < 0.05), (3) Creatine kinase and blood lactate decreased significantly (p < 0.05), subjective physical strength rating scale scores decreased significantly (p < 0.01). No intergroup differences were observed in hormonal levels, endometrial thickness, urinalysis, hematology, or biochemistry. RGB administration showed no significant effect on fire-heat symptom scores.

These findings demonstrate RGB's efficacy and safety for menopausal symptom management.

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