Effectiveness and safety of SGL 121(ginsenoside F2-enhanced mixture) in hepatic dysfunction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

This trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SGL 121(ginsenoside F2-enhanced mixture) in ameliorating human liver dysfunction. A total of 120 participants (46 <= alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <= 135 IU/L) were randomly distributed into two groups, the SGL 121 and placebo (crystalline cellulose) groups, which received 500 mg and 0 mg SGL 121 per day, respectively. After 12 weeks of intervention, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels in the SGL 121 group were significantly decreased compared to the placebo group (p = 0.022). Similarly, ALT levels showed a tendency to decrease (p = 0.080). Regarding fatigue, the subscale scores (interference in daily living activities) and the total multidimensional fatigue scale (MFS) scores were lower in the SGL 121 group than in the placebo group (p = 0.009 andp = 0.046, respectively). No significant differences in adverse events were apparent between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that SGL 121 exerted beneficial effects on liver dysfunction by improving liver enzyme levels and fatigue.