scholarly journals Gametocyte carriage of Plasmodium falciparum (pfs25) and Plasmodium vivax (pvs25) during mass screening and treatment in West Timor, Indonesia: a longitudinal prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayleen Kosasih ◽  
Cristian Koepfli ◽  
M. Sopiyudin Dahlan ◽  
William A. Hawley ◽  
J. Kevin Baird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Mass Screening ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Insignificant Difference

Abstract Background A goal of malaria epidemiological interventions is the detection and treatment of parasite reservoirs in endemic areas—an activity that is expected to reduce local transmission. Since the gametocyte is the only transmissible stage from human host to mosquito vector, this study evaluated the pre and post presence of gametocytes during a mass screening and treatment (MST) intervention conducted during 2013 in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methods RT-qPCR targeting pfs25 and pvs25 transcripts—gametocyte molecular markers for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, respectively, was performed to detect and quantify gametocytes in blood samples of P. falciparum and P. vivax-infected subjects over the course of the MST study. The presence of both asexual and sexual parasites in microscopic and submicroscopic infections was compared from the start and end of the MST, using proportion tests as well as parametric and non-parametric tests. Results Parasite prevalence remained unchanged for P. falciparum (6% = 52/811 versus 7% = 50/740, p = 0.838), and decreased slightly for P. vivax (24% = 192/811 versus 19% = 142/740, p = 0.035) between the MST baseline and endpoint. No significant difference was observed in gametocyte prevalence for either P. falciparum (2% = 19/803 versus 3% = 23/729, p = 0.353, OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 0.69–2.63), or P. vivax (7% = 49/744 versus 5% = 39/704, p = 0.442, OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.52–1.31). Even though there was an insignificant difference between the two time points, the majority of parasite positive subjects at the endpoint had been negative at baseline (P. falciparum: 66% = 29/44, P. vivax: 60% = 80/134). This was similarly demonstrated for the transmissible stage—where the majority of gametocyte positive subjects at the endpoint were negative at baseline (P. falciparum: 95% = 20/21, P. vivax: 94% = 30/32). These results were independent of treatment provided during MST activities. No difference was demonstrated in parasite and gametocyte density between both time points either in P. falciparum or P. vivax. Conclusion In this study area, similar prevalence rates of P. falciparum and P. vivax parasites and gametocytes before and after MST, although in different individuals, points to a negligible impact on the parasite reservoir. Treatment administration based on parasite positivity as implemented in the MST should be reevaluated for the elimination strategy in the community. Trial registration Clinical trials registration NCT01878357. Registered 14 June 2013, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01878357.

scholarly journals Correlation between Psychosocial Distress and Quality of Life in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma following Radiotherapy

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolan Wang ◽  
Yue Lv ◽  
Wen Li ◽  
Chen Gan ◽  
Haijun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Psychosocial Distress ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychosocial distress and quality of life (QOL) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. Fifty-three patients with an initial diagnosis of NPC were enrolled in this study. The psychological Distress Thermometer (DT) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head & Neck (FACT-H&N) were conducted before and after radiotherapy in NPC patients. We compared the differences in psychological distress and QOL before and after radiotherapy and analyzed the correlation between psychological distress and QOL after radiotherapy. The performance on the DT was 6.60 ± 1.42 and 2.81 ± 1.43 before and after chemotherapy, respectively, with a significant difference between the time points (t = -13.73,P< 0.01). The performance on the FACT-H&N was 68.30 ± 6.14 and 39.84 ± 6.14 before and after chemotherapy, respectively, with a significant difference between the time points (t = -19.9,P< 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the DT score and the FACT-H&N score (r = -3.64,P< 0.01). Patients with NPC experience different degrees of psychological distress, an important factor that affects quality of life, after radiotherapy.

scholarly journals Comparison of Sharia Stock Prices and Trading Volumes Before and During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Yana Ameliana Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Stock Prices ◽  
Trading Volume ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Optimal Portfolio ◽  
Stock Trading ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Insignificant Difference ◽  
Trading Volumes ◽  
Rights Issue

Before making an investment, entrepreneurs or investors must consider the benefits and financial risks obtained. So, investors need to take action in investing, meaning that investors need to form a portfolio by selecting several assets so that financial risk can be minimized without reducing the expected. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the economy, especially investors, informing an optimal portfolio. This study aims to determine the optimal portfolio formation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study measurement, we used variables in the form of stock prices and stock trading volumes before and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows a comparison, but not so significant, between stock prices before and during the pandemic. Based on the survey conducted, the following results were found, i.e., first, shows an insignificant difference between prices before and after the rights issue announcement. The stock trading volume indicates a significant difference between the stock trading volume before and after the rights issue; trading volume increases after the information of the rights issue. By implementing companies affected by COVID-19 pandemic, we can watch the prices that occur around the announcement date. Investors can make a reason about their investments in shares of issuers affected by COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Utility of ultra-sensitive qPCR to detect Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections under different transmission intensities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gruenberg ◽  
Clara Antunes Moniz ◽  
Natalie E. Hofmann ◽  
Cristian Koepfli ◽  
Leanne J. Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Subsequent Risk

Abstract Background The use of molecular diagnostics has revealed an unexpectedly large number of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections in many malaria endemic areas. This study compared the gains in parasite prevalence obtained by the use of ultra-sensitive (us)-qPCR as compared to standard qPCR in cross sectional surveys conducted in Thailand, Brazil and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The compared assays differed in the copy number of qPCR targets in the parasite genome. Methods Plasmodium falciparum ( Pf ) and Plasmodium vivax ( Pv ) parasites were quantified by qPCR amplifying the low-copy Pf_ and Pv _18S rRNA genes or the multi-copy targets Pf _varATS and Pv _mtCOX1. Cross-sectional surveys at the three study sites included 2252 participants of all ages and represented different transmission intensities. Results In the two low-transmission areas, P. falciparum positivity was 1.3% (10/773) (Thailand) and 0.8% (5/651) (Brazil) using standard Pf _18S rRNA qPCR. In these two countries, P. falciparum positivity by Pf_ varATS us-qPCR increased to 1.9% (15/773) and 1.7% (11/651). In PNG, an area with moderate transmission intensity, P. falciparum positivity significantly increased from 8.6% (71/828) by standard qPCR to 12.2% (101/828) by us-qPCR. The proportions of P. falciparum infections not detected by standard qPCR were 33%, 55% and 30% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Plasmodium vivax was the predominating species in Thailand and Brazil, with 3.9% (30/773) and 4.9% (32/651) positivity by Pv _18S rRNA qPCR. In PNG, P. vivax positivity was similar to P. falciparum , at 8.0% (66/828). Use of Pv _mtCOX1 us-qPCR led to a significant increase in positivity to 5.1% (39/773), 6.4% (42/651) and 11.5% (95/828) in Thailand, Brazil, and PNG. The proportions of P. vivax infections missed by standard qPCR were similar at all three sites, with 23%, 24% and 31% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Conclusion The proportional gains in the detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections by ultra-sensitive diagnostic assays were substantial at all three study sites. Thus, us-qPCR yields more precise prevalence estimates for both P. falciparum and P. vivax at all studied levels of endemicity and represents a significant diagnostic improvement. Improving sensitivity in P. vivax surveillance by us-qPCR is of particular benefit, because the additionally detected P. vivax infections signal the potential presence of hypnozoites and subsequent risk of relapse and further transmission.

scholarly journals Clinical efficacy of single intraoperative 500 mg methylprednisolone management therapy for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyang Huo ◽  
Jiaming Zhou ◽  
Shiwei Liu ◽  
Xing Guo ◽  
Yuan Xue
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Thoracic Myelopathy ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Frankel Grade

Abstract Background: The objective of our study was to compare clinical outcome and postoperative complications between patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) treated with and without intraoperative methylprednisolone (MP).Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 101 patients who underwent posterior approach surgery for OLF and were followed up at least 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to MP use in the operation: MP group (n=47) and non-MP group (n=54). Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated before and after operation and at the last follow-up. Results: Significant differences were found in modified Japanese Orthopedics Association (mJOA) scores and proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups immediately after surgery and at 2-week follow-up. No significant differences were found between the two groups in mJOA score before operation and at the final follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in recovery rate according to mJOA score at any time points, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups at final follow-up. There were 13 documented infections: 10 in the MP group and 3 in the non-MP group (P=0.034).Conclusion: Management therapy with intraoperative 500 mg MP showed better recovery of nerve function within 2 weeks in patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF compared with those did not receive MP. However, long-term follow-up results showed that there was no significant difference in neurological recovery between patients with intraoperative MP or not. Moreover, intraoperative MP increased the rate of wound infection.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Joint 3+1 Malaria Strategy Along China-Myanmar Cross Border Areas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zu-rui Lin ◽  
Shi-gang Li ◽  
Xiao-dong Sun ◽  
Xiang-rui Guo ◽  
Zhi Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
P Value ◽  
Buffer Area ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Border Malaria ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Cross-border malaria in Laiza City of Myanmar seriously affected Yingjiang County of China and compromised the national malaria elimination goal. A pilot project on 3+1 strategy of joint cross-border malaria prevention and control was carried out in building border malaria buffer area in the both sides since 2017; Here, 3 was the three preventive lines in Yingjiang County to strengthen targeted measures of elimination malaria in China and +1 was a defined border area in Laiza City to adopt the integrated measures of malaria control in Myanmar.Methods: A retrospective analysis from 2015 to 2019 was conducted that included case detection, parasite prevalence and vector surveillance. Descriptive statistics was used and the incidence or rates were compared. The annual parasite incidence in +1 area of Myanmar, the annual importation rate in Yingjiang County of China and the density of An.Minimus were statistically significant indictors to assess the effect of the joint interventions.Results: In +1 area of Myanmar from 2015 to 2019, the average of annual parasite incidence was (59.11±40.73) / 1000 and plasmodium vivax accounted for 96.27 % of total confirmed cases. After the pilot project, the annual parasite incidence, microscopic parasite prevalence rate and density of An. Minimus reduced by 89%,100% and 93.93% respectively, but the submicroscopic parasite prevalence rate was no significant difference between the two surveys (p =0.084). In Yingjiang County of China, neither indigenous nor introduced case was reported and 100% cases were imported from Myanmar since 2017. The average of annual importation rate from 2015 to 2019 was (0.47±0.15)/1000. After the pilot project, it reduced by 53% of whole county, 67% of the first preventive line, 52% of the second preventive line and 36% of the third preventive line respectively. The density of An. Minimus in the first preventive line reduced by 94.51% and did not have significant difference between that of+1 area of Myanmar (Z value=-1.18，p value=0.24). Conclusion: The pilot project on 3+1 strategy has made remarkable effectiveness and a buffer area of border malaria was successfully established between Laiza City of Myanmar and Yingjiang County of China. The combined use and expanded coverage of indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) was more effective than only use of LLINs in reducing the transmission of plasmodium vivax caused by An. Minimus. It is necessary to adopt submicroscopic infection interventions to eliminate potential sources of infection in Laiza City of Myanmar.

scholarly journals The Influence of Overnight Orthokeratology on Ocular Surface and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Teenagers with Myopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Xiu Wang ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Na Li ◽  
Yi Pang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Tear Film ◽  
Meibomian Gland ◽  
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction ◽  
Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Meniscus Height ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of overnight orthokeratology (OOK) on ocular surface and meibomian gland dysfunction in teenagers with myopia. Methods. A total of 59 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. The following tests were performed before and after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of OOK lens wear, including ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit-lamp examination, and Keratograph 5M. Results. No infectious keratitis occurred during the study. OSDI scores increased gradually and reached the maximum at 6 months of OOK wear (P<0.001). The meniscus height was significantly increased at 1 and 3 months after the initiation of OOK (P=0.006, P=0.035). The corneal fluorescein staining at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after wearing OOK were all increased than the prewearing level with significant difference (P=0.014, P=0.036, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.008, respectively). The first and the average tear film NIKBUT were all higher than the prewearing level, but there was no significant difference between every follow-up time points (P>0.05). The lid margin abnormalities were significantly increased (P=0.003, P=0.038, and P=0.015) at 6, 12, and 24 months after the initiation of OOK. There was no significant difference in the meibomian gland orifice scores at each follow-up time points compared to the prewearing level (P>0.05). The meibomian gland lipid secretion scores after wearing OOK were higher than those of the prewearing level, however, without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). No significant differences of the degree of difficulty of lipid excretions were detected after the initiation of OOK (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in meibomian gland dropout scores between all follow-up time points and the prewearing level (P=1.000). Conclusion. OOK increased the symptoms of dry eye and decreased the function of tear film by affecting the meniscus height and BUT. OOK did not affect the function of meibomian glands.Clinical Study registration number: ChiCTR18000185708.

scholarly journals Differential transcriptomic response of Anopheles arabiensis to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majoline Tchioffo Tsapi ◽  
Etienne Kornobis ◽  
Nicolas Puchot ◽  
Solomon English ◽  
Caroline Proux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Anopheles Arabiensis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Transcriptomic Response ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Molecular Responses ◽  
Mosquito Midgut ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Plasmodium vivax malaria is now recognized as the second most dangerous parasitic threat to human health with the regular decrease of Plasmodium falciparum worldwide over recent decades. A very limited numbers of studies address the interaction of P. vivax with its Anopheles mosquito vectors. Those studies were conducted in P. vivax endemic countries with P.vivax local major vectors for which limited genomic and genetic tools are available. Despite the presence of P. vivax in several African countries and increasing reports on its occurrence in many others, there is virtually no data on the molecular responses of Anopheles arabiensis, a major African mosquito vector, to P. vivax, which limits the development of further mosquito-targeted interventions aimed at reducing P. vivax transmission. Taking advantage of the situation of Madagascar where P. falciparum, P. vivax and An. arabiensis are present, we explore the molecular responses of An. arabiensis towards these two human malaria parasites. RNA sequencing on RNAs isolated from mosquito midguts dissected at the early stage of infection (24 hours) was performed using mosquitoes fed on the blood of P. vivax and P. falciparum gametocyte carriers in a field station. From a de novo assembly of An. arabiensis midgut total RNA transcriptome, the comparative analysis revealed that a greater number of genes were differentially expressed in the mosquito midgut in response to P. vivax (209) than to P. falciparum (81). Among these, 15 common genes were identified to be significantly expressed in mosquito midgut 24 hours after ingesting P. vivax and P. falciparum gametocytes, including immune responsive genes and genes involved in amino-acid detoxification pathways. Importantly, working with both wild mosquitoes and field circulating parasites, our analysis revealed a strong mosquito genotype by parasite genotype interaction. Our study also identified 51 putative long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in An. arabiensis mosquito infected midgut. Among these, several mapped to the published An. arabiensis genome at genes coding immune responsive genes such as gambicin 1, leucine-rich repeat containing genes, either on sense or antisense strands. This study constitutes the first comparison of An. arabiensis molecular interaction with P. vivax and P. falciparum, investigating both coding and long non-coding RNAs for the identification of potential transcripts, that could lead to the development of novel approaches to simultaneously block the transmission of vivax and falciparum malaria.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Joint 3+1 Malaria Strategy Along China-Myanmar Cross Border Areas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zu-rui Lin ◽  
Shi-gang Li ◽  
Xiao-dong Sun ◽  
Xiang-rui Guo ◽  
Zhi Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Buffer Area ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Border Malaria ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Cross-border malaria in Laiza City of Myanmar seriously compromised the achieving goal of malaria elimination in Yingjiang County of China. A pilot project on 3+1 strategy of joint cross-border malaria prevention and control was carried out in building border malaria buffer area in the both sides since 2017; Here, 3 was the three preventive lines in Yingjiang County to strengthen targeted measures of elimination malaria in China and +1 was a defined border area in Laiza City to adopt the integrated measures of malaria control in Myanmar. Methods: A retrospective analysis from 2015 to 2019 was conducted and the descriptive statistics was used to analyze and compare the data of malaria case detection, parasite prevalence and vector surveillance. Results: In +1 area of Myanmar from 2015 to 2019, the average of annual parasite incidence was (59.11±40.73) / 1000 and plasmodium vivax accounted for 96.27 % of total confirmed cases. After the pilot project, the annual parasite incidence, microscopic parasite prevalence rate and density of An. Minimus reduced by 89%,100% and 93.93% respectively, but the submicroscopic parasite prevalence rate was no significant difference between the two surveys (p =0.084). In Yingjiang County of China, neither indigenous nor introduced case was reported and 100% cases were imported from Myanmar since 2017. The average of annual importation rate from 2015 to 2019 was (0.47±0.15)/1000. After the pilot project, it reduced by 53% of whole county, 67% of the first preventive line, 52% of the second preventive line and 36% of the third preventive line respectively. Conclusion: The pilot project on 3+1 strategy has made remarkable effectiveness and a buffer area of border malaria was successfully established between Laiza City of Myanmar and Yingjiang County of China. The combined use and expanded coverage of indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) was more effective than only use of LLINs in reducing the transmission of plasmodium vivax caused by An. Minimus. It is necessary to adopt submicroscopic infection interventions to eliminate potential sources of infection in Laiza City of Myanmar.

scholarly journals Gametocyte Carriages of Plasmodium falciparum (pfs25) and Plasmodium vivax (pvs25) during Mass Screening and Treatment in West Timor, Indonesia a Longitudinal Prospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayleen Alicia Kosasih ◽  
Cristian Koepfli ◽  
M. Sopiyudin Dahlan ◽  
William A. Hawley ◽  
J. Kevin Baird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Mass Screening ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Gametocyte Carriage ◽  
Significance Threshold ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
West Timor ◽  
Pcr Diagnostics

Abstract Background: Three rounds of mass screening and treatment (MST) demonstrated no effect on Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax incidence in West Timor, Indonesia. This study nested within that trial evaluated the effect of MST on gametocyte carriage.Methods: Microscopy and PCR diagnostics were applied to study subjects through 3 months of MST involving dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) and primaquine based on infecting Plasmodium species. RT-qPCR targeting the pfs25 and pvs25 sequences was conducted to detect and quantify gametocytes in blood samples of P. falciparum and P. vivax- infected subjects. Data from the baseline and endpoint were compared (p<=0.05 as the significance threshold).Results:Between baseline and endpoint, prevalence remained unchanged for P. falciparum (6%=52/811 versus 7%=50/740, p=0.838) and decreased slightly for P. vivax (24%=192/811 versus 19%=142/740, p=0.035). No significant difference was observed in gametocyte carriage rates for either P. falciparum (43%=19/44 versus 59%=23/39, OR & 95%CI=1.89, 0.72-4.97) or P. vivax (39%=49/125 versus 37%=39/106, OR & 95%CI=0.90, 0.51-1.59). Despite the insignificant differences between the two time points, the majority of positive subjects at the endpoint were newly parasitemic individuals (new infections) (Pf:92%=46/50, Pv: 65%=93/142). This result was similarly demonstrated for the transmissible stage - where new gametocyte carriers dominated endpoint positive subjects (Pf: 96%=22/23, Pv: 95%=37/39). Conclusion:Although three rounds of MST decreased individual parasitemia and gametocytemia based on diagnosis and treatment, this failed to impact malaria prevalence at a population level due to the development of new infected individuals that can sustain transmission. These observations in part explains why MST failed to impact transmission of malaria in this transmission context.

scholarly journals Effects of Ginseng Ingestion on Salivary Testosterone and DHEA Levels in Healthy Females: An Exploratory Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1582
Author(s):  
Emad A. S. Al-Dujaili ◽  
Maha N. Abu Hajleh ◽  
Ruth Chalmers
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Far East ◽  
Food Diary ◽  
Ginseng Extract ◽  
Salivary Testosterone ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Androgen Levels

Ginseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting “multi-receptor systems”, both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20–32 and B = 38–50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p < 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.

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