Study reveals ginseng helps support heart health and maintain cholesterol levels

26 Nov 2019 --- The supplementation of Farlong Pharmaceutical’s NotoGinseng is well tolerated by most people, as well as having a positive influence on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing blood pressure and selectively increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This is according to the clinical trial results from a nearly three-year-long study on 100 healthy adults to determine the effect of the NotoGinseng on cholesterol and blood pressure. The study’s findings present a means to help US adults prevent cardiovascular disease.

The study results showed a significant decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the Farlong NotoGinseng group from baseline to Week 8. There was a slight increase in serum HDL-C following 12 weeks of supplementation with Farlong NotoGinseng. There were also within-group decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The placebo group had increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and a decrease in serum HDL-C. Clinicians suggest that if left unaddressed, these participants may progress to a disease state. Even a small reduction in blood pressure is clinically meaningful in populations at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Potency of ginseng
Ginseng is a perennial root plant that grows in the mountains of Eastern Asia and is widely used in Eastern Medicine to maintain a healthy heart function and cardiovascular system. In its supplementation form, NotoGinseng can help cleanse blood, promote blood circulation and oxygen supply to the heart and support cardiovascular system health in general. It also purportedly improves physical endurance during exercise and helps fight obesity.

Small particle LDL has been associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and blockage the artery lumen, because it can carry cholesterol into smaller vessels.Like Farlong, Botalys, a Panax ginseng cultivating company, has also joined industry’s push for ginseng in nutraceuticals. The former company’s flagship ingredient is HRG80, a bioactive Panax ginseng powder touted for its stress-reducing and cognitive health-supporting properties. The company grows ginseng itself in its indoor, vertical farm located in Ath, Belgium. Rather than extracting ginseng, Botalys steamcooks the ginseng roots before grinding them to obtain rare ginsenosides. This innovative process responds to industry's hunger for adaptogens with claims of boosting the body’s ability to combat physical, chemical and biological stressors, in addition to elevating cognitive functions, mood and energy levels.

While these potent botanicals have sustained a long-held acclaim in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal practices, the West is notably catching on, with adaptogens emerging as a staple on the supplements aisle.

Research methodology
Conducted by Canadian contract research organization KGK Science from December 2016 to June 2019, the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study sought to discover the difference in serum LDL-C from baseline to Week 12 between Farlong NotoGinseng and placebos. Over 12 weeks, the participants were given two capsules of the investigational product or placebo to take orally at the same time every day, 30 minutes before a meal for 84 days.

As high LDL levels can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in people’s arteries, LDL-C is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol, with its counterpart, HDL-C being the “good” cholesterol. Despite this, LDL is an essential transport system for lipids in the human body, including cholesterol. The risk to health lies within the fact that LDL delivers fat molecules to cells, thus can can contribute to atherosclerosis if oxidized within the walls of arteries.

Edited by Anni Schleicher