Effects of Korean red ginseng on mitochondria and steroidogenesis in male patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: It has been observed that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. There is growing evidence that hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hormone (testosterone and growth hormone) deficiency may lead to metabolic syndrome. Recent studies have reported that ginseng treatment improves mitochondrial and HPA-axis function and increases anabolic hormone secretion. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on metabolic syndrome, hormones, and mitochondrial function using leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number in men with metabolic syndrome. Methods: We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 62 subjects who were not taking drugs that could affect their metabolic function. A total of 62 men with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to either an KRG group (3.0 g/d) or a placebo group for 4 weeks. We analysed changes in metabolic syndrome components, leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number, hormones (total testosterone, IGF-1, cortisol, and DHEAS) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, ferritin) from baseline to 4 weeks. Results: Significant improvement in mitochondrial function (P=0.024) and an increase in total testosterone and IGF-1 levels (P=0.032, P=0.013) were observed in the KRG group compared with the placebo group. Diastolic blood pressure (P=0.004) and serum cortisol (P=0.005) were significantly decreased in the KRG group. Conclusions: We found evidence that KRG had a favourable effect on mitochondrial function and hormones in men with metabolic syndrome.