• Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in children with ADHD: an updated narrative review
  • Farzaneh Kashi,1 Mahmoud Mohammadi-Sadr,2,* Faezeh Kashi,3
    1. Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
    2. Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
    3. Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stands out as one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 5% of children and adolescents worldwide. It is characterized by signs of inattention, excessive activity, and impulsive actions, which can disrupt educational, social, and family dynamics. The prevalence of ADHD differs across regions and is more commonly found in boys, low-income families, and white communities, influenced by various genetic environmental and cultural factors. Although stimulant medications and behavioral therapies are typical approaches to treatment, concerns about side effects and long-term efficacies have sparked interest in alternative therapies such as Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), a traditional and herbal remedy. KRG and its active components, known as Ginsenosides, may alleviate ADHD symptoms and improve cognitive function in pediatric patients. This study was conducted to provide an updated narrative review of the efficacy of KRG on ADHD in pediatric population.
  • Methods: This narrative review aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords: ADHD, Korean Red Ginseng, and Cognitive. A total of 12 relevant studies were selected based on their focus on the efficacy of KRG in reducing ADHD symptoms in the pediatric population. The review included both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to provide a broader perspective on the potential cognitive and behavioral benefits of KRG.
  • Results: The findings of this study suggest that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) may be effective in alleviating symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and could be considered as a complementary or alternative therapeutic option alongside conventional pharmacological treatments. Given KRG’s potential effects on improving attention, reducing hyperactivity, and enhancing cognitive performance, it may represent an emerging approach in the management of ADHD in pediatric populations. However, current evidence remains limited, and more rigorous clinical trials with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and robust study designs are needed to draw definitive conclusions. Future research should also address the potential side effects and aim to determine the optimal dosage and safety profile of KRG in children.
  • Conclusion: Although initial findings suggests that KRG may provide therapeutic benefits for ADHD symptoms in children, more comprehensive studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety. Considering the significant financial strain linked to ADHD, investigating alternative therapies such as KRG could provide solace to families affected by this condition. However, healthcare professionals should approach the use of KRG with caution until more through clinical trials are conducted.
  • Keywords: ADHD, Korean Red Ginseng, Cognitive.