Oestrogen-like effect of ginseng

Abstract

Ginseng has been known for thousands of years in the Far East as a stimulant. In recent years it has attracted interest in western countries. Its primary action, however, remains uncertain. We report an oestrogen-like effect of ginseng on the vaginal epithelium and competition by ginseng saponines with 17-oestradiol and R5020 for binding to human myometrial receptor proteins. © 1980, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.