The safety, immunological benefits, and efficacy of ginseng in organ transplantation

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2020Source: Journal of Ginseng ResearchAuthor(s): Sun Woo Lim, Kang Luo, Yi Quan, Sheng Cui, Yoo Jin Shin, Eun Jeong Ko, Byung Ha Chung, Chul Woo YangAbstractKorean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is associated with a variety of therapeutic effects, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxative, antiallergic, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Accordingly, the use of ginseng has reached an all-time high among members of the general public. However, the safety and efficacy of ginseng in transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressant drugs has not yet been elucidated. Transplantation is the most challenging and complex of surgical procedures and may require causation for the use of ginseng. In this regard, we have previously examined the safety, immunological benefits, and protective mechanisms of ginseng with respect to calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression, which is the most widely used regimen in organ transplantation. Using an experimental model of calcineurin inhibitor-induced organ injury, we found that ginseng does not affect drug levels in the peripheral blood and tissue, favorably regulates immune response, and protects against calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity and pancreatic islet injury. On the basis of our experimental studies and a review of the related literature, we propose that ginseng may provide benefits in organ transplant recipients administered calcineurin inhibitors. Through the pr...
Source: Journal of Ginseng Research - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research