Scientist Sang-Moo Kang discovered ginseng helps prevent and treat influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at Georgia State’s Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS), according to a university press release published on April 21.
Kang partnered with a university and research institute in South Korea, and the institute awarded research funds to Georgia State, according to Kang. He also said the university and research institute established research models for influenza and vaccine studies.
Kang orally administered ginseng to mice infected with the virus. After a period of time, the immune systems of the animals improved, the press release states.
“Ginseng (Korean red ginseng extract) has been being used as nutrient supplement products in humans. However, mechanisms for their beneficial effects on improving human health have not been well known. We wanted to study the action mechanisms in detail,” Kang said
Kang discovered the herbal root to enhance human epithelial lung cells in the influenza virus.
“This is a cell line that is originally derived from human lung epithelial cells. Study using this cell line may provide informative insights into possible cellular mechanisms of ginseng effects,” Kang said.
He also said oral intake of red ginseng extracts may improve the immune system against inflammatory infectious diseases.
