Ginseng extract reduced fatigue scores in gastrointestinal cancer survivors
A short placebo-controlled trial found lower fatigue scores and improvements in reported daily functioning among survivors with moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this trial, survivors taking the standardized ginseng extract had lower fatigue scores than those taking placebo by the end of treatment, after accounting for baseline fatigue. Several aspects of daily functioning also improved. The findings support a short-term effect in this selected survivor group, while longer-lasting benefits and safety remain uncertain.
This abstract-based summary covers a small, short trial. The abstract gives no extended follow-up, and the absence of reported treatment-related adverse events does not rule out uncommon or delayed harms.
What researchers found
Adjusted mean difference in Brief Fatigue Inventory total score
Ginseng versus placebo after 4 weeks; 95% confidence interval -1.90 to -0.86. Adjusted for starting scores.
What the score shows
Fatigue severity was measured with the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Lower scores meant less fatigue. The findings concern symptoms and daily functioning; the supplied abstract does not report cancer recurrence or survival outcomes.
Function and tolerability
The ginseng group also showed improvements in general activity, walking ability, mood and enjoyment of life. The abstract reports no treatment-related adverse events, offering only a short-term tolerability picture.
The original publication
The effect of ginseng extract on fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Rahmani A, Sanaat Z, H HN et al.
Support Care Cancer · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41838185
- Record checked
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