Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults

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Title: Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults
Author(s): Reay, Jonathon L.; Scholey, Andrew B.; Kennedy, David O.
Abstract: There is a lack of research into the cognitive and mood effects of repeated ginseng ingestion. The present study assessed the effects of Panax ginseng (G115) on subjective mood and aspects of 'working' memory processes, following a single dose and following subchronic (7 days) ingestion, in healthy volunteers. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised, crossover was utilised. Thirty volunteers (mean age 22.87 years; SD 4.01) received each treatment (200 mg; 400 mg; placebo) for 8 days, in a counter balanced order, with a 6-day wash-out period. Testing was on days 1 and 8 of each treatment period, at pre-dose, 1, 2.5 and 4 h post-dose. Results revealed dose-related treatment effects (p < 0.05). Two hundred milligrams slowed a fall in mood at 2.5 and 4 h on day 1 and at 1 and 4 h on day 8, but slowed responding on a mental arithmetic task across day 1 and at 1 and 2.5 h on day 8. The 400 mg dose also improved calmness (restricted 2.5 and 4 h on day 1) and improved mental arithmetic across days 1 and 8. We found no evidence of additional benefits, nor attenuation of acute effects following repeated ingestion of Panax ginseng (G115).
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. Brain Sciences Institute
Source: Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, Vol. 25, no. 6 (Aug 2010), pp. 462-471
Publication year: 2010
FOR Code(s): 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences; 1701 Psychology; 1702 Cognitive Sciences
Keyword(s): Acute effects; G115; Panax ginseng; Sub-chronic effects; Working memory
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISSN: 0885-6222
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.1138
Peer reviewed