The effect of ginsenosides on depression in preclinical studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This 2021 review examined a selection of studies concerning the antidepressant effects of ginsenosides on major depressive disorder animal models. The systematic review looked at trials that tested the impact of ginsenoside on whole, living organisms or cells (in vivo models). A meta-analysis was then conducted to assess behavioral changes induced by ginsenoside Rg1 since this was the most commonly studied ginsenoside. Of the twenty-three studies included in the final analysis, twelve of these analyzed ginsenoside Rg1. The majority of these 12 studies reported significant differences in 2 of the measures when compared with the vehicle treatment. The risk of bias of each study was moderate, but there was significant heterogeneity (variation) across studies. The results nonetheless suggest that ginsenosides represent promising antidepressants. Ginsenosides, and the Rg1 subtype in particular, seemed to reduce symptoms of depression in animal models. [NPID: ginsenosides, herbs, herbal, alternative, medicines, depression, major depressive disorder, MDD, animal, antidepressants]

Year: 2021

Reference: Kim, Y., & Cho, S. H. (2021). The effect of ginsenosides on depression in preclinical studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of ginseng research, 45(3), 420–432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2020.08.006

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