Ginseng Shows Promising Results in Treating ADHD: Korean Researchers Provide Scientific Validation

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A groundbreaking study by Korean medical researchers has provided compelling scientific evidence that Korean ginseng and its active compounds, ginsenosides, can significantly improve symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This conclusion follows a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research, bridging the gap between traditional herbal medicine and modern psychiatric care.

The study was conducted by Professors Seong-Hun Cho and Yoon-Na Kim of the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, along with Professor Ik-Hyun Cho of the Convergence Medical Science Department at Kyung Hee University. The findings were published in the Journal of Ginseng Research (Impact Factor: 6.8), a top-tier journal ranked in the top 5% of integrative and complementary medicine publications indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis: 9 Studies Selected from Over 7,000

The research team screened 7,329 articles published up to June 2023, finally selecting 9 studies that met strict eligibility criteria. Among these, 6 were clinical trials, and 3 were preclinical animal studies. The goal was to assess ginseng’s impact on cognitive function, attention span, and behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD.

Key Findings from Clinical Studies

Across all 6 human clinical studies, participants who consumed Korean ginseng showed notable improvements in ADHD symptom scales and neuropsychological performance tests, particularly in the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Most importantly, inattentiveness — one of the core symptoms of ADHD — was significantly reduced.

This affirms traditional Korean medicine’s long-standing use of ginseng as a “bo-gi-yak” (a tonic herb for energy and focus) and offers measurable outcomes that support its effectiveness in a clinical setting.

Preclinical Findings: Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rg3 as Key Agents

Animal studies highlighted the role of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rg3, key bioactive constituents of ginseng. These compounds were found to enhance the release of dopamine and norepinephrine—critical neurotransmitters involved in attention, mood regulation, and executive function. Additionally, ginsenosides demonstrated antioxidant properties, effectively reducing oxidative stress in brain tissues—an emerging contributor to ADHD pathophysiology.

The Connection with Vitamin E: Enhancing Antioxidant Synergy

Interestingly, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant known for protecting neural cell membranes, may act synergistically with ginseng. While this study focused on ginseng, vitamin E is often included in herbal nootropic formulations due to its role in reducing neuroinflammation and preventing cellular damage.

Scientific literature supports that oxidative stress is a shared target for both vitamin E and ginseng. Combining the two may amplify neuroprotective effects, which is particularly valuable for individuals with ADHD, where free radical damage and neurotransmitter imbalance are observed.

Clinical Implications and Future Perspectives

According to Professor Kim, “This study scientifically confirms the effectiveness of ginseng, traditionally used for improving concentration and cognitive performance. We expect it will serve as a foundation for developing herbal-based treatments for ADHD.”

Furthermore, the study’s high-impact publication has earned the research team the Outstanding Paper Award at Kyung Hee Medical Center for Q4 2024. The results not only validate centuries of traditional practice but also open the door to personalized integrative ADHD therapies, combining ginseng, nutritional antioxidants like vitamin E, and behavioral interventions.

As the global ADHD prevalence continues to rise, with increasing demand for natural and side-effect-free alternatives, ginseng’s growing evidence base may play a crucial role in reshaping treatment strategies for both children and adults.

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