Ginseng Efficacy in the Clinical Improvement of Brucellosis

Abstract

Background and Aim: Brucellosis, which is considered as one of the most prevalent zoonoses worldwide, is a major public health problem in several developing countries. The aim of the present study was to conduct an objective evaluation of ginseng’s potential to improve the symptoms of brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled single-blind study, 62 patients with acute brucellosis after taking informed consent were randomly categorized into two therapeutic groups, namely the ginseng group and the control group. All the patients were examined to check their clinical response at the days 0, 3, 7, 14. The patients were followed for recurrence until 9 month after the initiation of treatment. The required data were collected and analyzed with SPSS software (ver. 18). Results: Sixty-two patients participated in the study. The most prevalent findings were fever (90.2%), sweating (77.2%), fatigue and malaise symptoms (73.9%), arthritis and arthralgia (70.79%). The efficacy of ginseng compared to the control group to improve symptoms after one week was as follows: fever (P value = 0.083), sweating (P value = 0.19), fatigue and malaise (P value = 0.021), arthritis, and arthralgia (P value = 0.013). The relapse rate did not differ significantly between the two groups in nine-month follow up (P value = 0.693). Conclusion: Ginseng might be efficient in the improvement of clinical signs and symptoms in patients and also in the rise of patients’ compliance with treatment. Moreover, it has no serious side effects.

Keywords

• brucellosis
• efficacy
• ginseng
• supplement