01/05/2019 / By Edsel Cook
Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) has traditionally been used as a longevity supplement. Now, researchers are reporting that it can extend the lives of people who have been infected by the deadly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The HIV targets the immune system. It causes the steady loss of T helper cells – which are also called CD4+ cells – that perform vital immune functions against infectious diseases.
As the T helper cell count drops, the immune system weakens and goes out of control. The HIV patient becomes increasingly vulnerable to various diseases and immunodeficient complications.
Highly-active antiretroviral therapy is the primary means of treating HIV patients. However, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is highly persistent and cannot be eradicated from the host.
Over time, the virus becomes resistant to the antiretroviral agents, thus decreasing the effectiveness of the therapy. This drove researchers to look for new treatments that can support existing therapies, especially as the patients grow older. (Related: Surprising new research concludes that baking soda can prevent autoimmune disease on a cellular level.)
Traditional medicinal systems prescribe Korean red ginseng for improving longevity. Modern research has shown it increases physical performance and modulates immune activity.
The herb displays anti-inflammatory activity and helps manage the immune system. It also contains saponins that exert adjuvant actions against inflammatory disease.
The University of Ulsan (UoU) has been studying ginseng, both by itself and when taken alongside antiretroviral agents for treating HIV-1 infection. They decided to evaluate the benefits of ginseng on people who are afflicted with a specific disease.
They retroactively analyzed 252 patients with HIV-