A Prospective Study on Ginseng Intake and Cancer for Population -Preliminary Report-

인삼복용과 암에 관한 전향성 역학적 연구 - 1차 보고 -

  • Yun, Taik-Koo (Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Choi, Soo-Yong (Laboratory of Clivical Research, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Yun-Sil (Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital)
  • Published : 1995.08.01

Abstract

We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the preventive effect of ginseng on the development of cancer in the population over 40 years old residing in Kangwha-eup from August 1987 to December 1992. Alnong 4, 634 persons (2, 362 men, 2, 272 women), 335 (7.6%) persons had died. Cancer accounted for 79 (22.8%) of the total death. Of 4, 634 persons eligible for analysis, 70.475 (3, 263) were ginseng intakes. Ginseng intakes had a decreased risk (RR=0.48, 95% Cl : 0.34~0.67) compared with non-intakes. The relative risk of cancer according to the kind of ginseng was 0.23 (95% Cl : 0.08~ 0.63) for fresh ginseng extract intakes. There was a decrease in risk with rising the frequency of ginseng intake, showing statistically significant dose-response relationship. The longer the duration of ginseng intake or the greater the total number of ginseng consumed, the lower the risk. Newly diagnosed cancer cases have been identified: 42 stomach, 24 lung, 14 liver and 57 at other sites. The relative risks of ginseng intakes were 0.34 (95% Cl 0.19~0.60) in gastric cancer and 0.27 (95% Cl : 0.12-0.60) in lung cancer. Among ginseng preparations, fresh ginseng intakes were significantly associated with the decreased risk of gastric cancer (RR: 0.19, 95% Cl : 0.04~0.98). These results strongly revealed that Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean ginseng) has preventive effect against cancer.

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