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HOME > Korean J Prev Med > Volume 33(4); 2000 > Article
Original Article The Cancer-preventive Potential of Panax ginseng: A Review of Human and Experimental Evidence.
Hai Rim Shin, Joon Youn Kim, Duk Hee Lee, Taik Koo Yun, Gareth Morgan, Harri Vainio
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2000;33(4):383-392
DOI: https://doi.org/
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1Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University.
2Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University.
3Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Cancer Center Hospital.
4Unit of Chemoprevention, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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OBJECTIVE
We have reviewed the potential cancer preventive and other relevant properties of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which has been traditionally used as a natural tonic in oriental countries. DATA IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY SELECTION: Publications on Panax ginseng and its relation to cancer were obtained from the Medline database (1983-2000) and by checking reference lists to find earlier reports. The reports cover experimental models and human studies on cancer-preventive activity, carcinogenicity and other beneficial or adverse effects. In addition, possible mechanisms of chemoprevention by ginseng were also considered. RESULTS: Published results from a cohort and two case-control studies in Korea suggest that the intake of ginseng may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. When ginseng was tested in animal models, a reduction in cancer incidence and multiplicity at various sites was noted. Panax ginseng and its chemical constituents have been tested for their inhibiting effect on putative carcinogenesis mechanisms (e.g., cell proliferation and apoptosis, immunosurveillance, angiogenesis); in most experiments inhibitory effects were found. CONCLUSION: While Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer has shown cancer preventive effects both in experimental models and in epidemiological studies, the evidence is currently not conclusive as to its cancer-preventive activity in humans. The available evidence warrants further research into the possible role of ginseng in the prevention of human cancer and carcinogenesis.


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