Effects of white ginseng on reducing stress and tension by enhancing default mode network connectivity: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

초록

Background: Recent research has increasingly focused on the potential role of white ginseng (Panax ginsengMeyer, PGC) in alleviating psychological conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PGC inreducing stress and tension over a 12-week period, employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlledtrial design. Methods: A total of 86 participants reporting stress-related symptoms were randomized to receive either PGC (n= 42) or a placebo (n = 44). Stress levels were assessed using a composite stress index, which was derived fromself-reported measures, skin conductance response, and heart rate variability, at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Additionally, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted at the same time points. Results: PGC treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the composite stress index compared toplacebo (P for interaction = 0.006). Furthermore, the PGC group demonstrated a more pronounced decrease indefault mode network (DMN) functional connectivity than the placebo group (P for interaction = 0.002). Asignificant positive correlation was observed between the degree of reduction in DMN functional connectivityand a lower composite stress index at week 12 within the PGC group (r = 0.410, P = 0.025). PGC was welltolerated, with no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events (P = 0.308) or in dropout rates (P =0.511) between the two groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PGC has the potential to mitigate stress and tension, potentiallythrough the modulation of DMN functional connectivity.

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