Effect of Korean Red Ginseng intake on the survival duration of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 patients

Abstract

BackgroundLong-term ginseng intake can increase longevity in healthy individuals. Here, we examined if long-term treatment with Panax ginseng Meyer (Korean Red Ginseng, KRG) can also enhance survival duration (SD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 252 HIV-1 patients diagnosed from 1986 to 2013 prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 162 patients were treated with KRG (3,947±4,943 g) for 86±63 mo. The effects of KRG on SD were analyzed according to the KRG intake level and the length of the follow-up period. ResultsThere were significant correlations between the total amount of KRG and SD in the KRG intake group (r=0.64, p<0.0001) as well as between total amount of KRG and mean annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell count in all 252 patients (r=−0.17, p<0.01). The annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell count (change in cells/μL) was significantly slower in KRG-treated patients than in patients receiving no KRG (48±40 vs. 106±162; p<0.001). The SD (in months) was also significantly longer in the KRG group than in the no-KRG group (101±64 vs. 59±40, p<0.01). ConclusionKRG prolongs survival in HIV-1 patients, possibly by slowing the decrease in CD4+ T-cell count.