GINSENG DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT BLOOD PRESSURE, RENAL FUNCTION.

Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in 40 hypertensive individuals to determine the impact of 12 weeks of North American ginseng supplementation on 24-hour blood pressure and overall renal function. The 12-week ginseng treatment had a neutral effect on all blood pressure parameters compared to placebo. In addition, ginseng did not affect serum cystatin C levels, a marker of renal function. The researchers concluded, despite observational evidence suggesting a link between ginseng intake and hypertension, this trial showed no such association. (Natural Products Insider, April 6, 2006)