Glowing ginseng root cradling irritated skin, symbolizing healing for atopic dermatitis.

Red Ginseng: Your Natural Shield Against Atopic Dermatitis?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Korean red ginseng extract can soothe irritated skin and alleviate the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, offering a beacon of hope for sufferers."

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition characterized by relentless itching, redness, swelling, and dryness, affects millions worldwide. The persistent discomfort and visible symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, driving many to seek effective, long-term solutions. While conventional treatments offer relief, the allure of natural remedies continues to grow, prompting investigations into alternative approaches.

Traditional medicine has long celebrated the therapeutic properties of Panax ginseng, or Korean red ginseng. Revered for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, this ancient root has found its way into various wellness practices. Now, scientific research is beginning to uncover its potential in managing atopic dermatitis, offering a glimmer of hope for those seeking gentler, more natural relief.

A recent study published in Laboratory Animal Research explores the inhibitory effects of Korean red ginseng extract on atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice, a commonly used animal model for the condition. The findings suggest that this natural extract could indeed play a significant role in alleviating the symptoms and severity of AD, paving the way for future research and potential therapeutic applications.

The Science Behind the Soothing: How Red Ginseng Calms Irritated Skin

Glowing ginseng root cradling irritated skin, symbolizing healing for atopic dermatitis.

The study divided NC/Nga mice into four groups: a normal control, a PC control (induced with atopic dermatitis), and two PC-RG groups receiving Korean red ginseng extract at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Over six weeks, the researchers monitored several key indicators of atopic dermatitis, including the severity of skin lesions, scratching behavior, levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and histological changes in the skin.

The results were promising. Mice treated with red ginseng extract showed significant improvement in several areas:

Reduced Skin Lesions: Analysis using a modified SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) index revealed that both the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg RG groups experienced a notable suppression in the development of AD-like symptoms.
Less Scratching: The administration of red ginseng led to a decrease in scratching behavior, indicating a reduction in itchiness and discomfort.
Balanced Immune Response: While PC stimulation increased levels of serum IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ (all markers of inflammation), the 100 mg/kg RG treatment suppressed the increment of these markers, suggesting a regulation of the immune response.
Improved Skin Structure: Histological examination showed that RG inhibited the hallmark signs of dermatitis, such as hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epidermis and dermis.

These findings suggest that Korean red ginseng extract possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which may contribute to its ability to alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms. By reducing inflammation, controlling the immune response, and restoring skin barrier function, red ginseng offers a multi-pronged approach to managing this challenging condition.

A Promising Future for Red Ginseng in Dermatology?

While these results are encouraging, it's important to remember that this study was conducted on mice. Further research, including human clinical trials, is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Korean red ginseng extract for treating atopic dermatitis in people. However, the existing evidence suggests that this natural remedy holds considerable promise as a complementary or alternative treatment option for those seeking relief from AD.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5625/lar.2010.26.3.265, Alternate LINK

Title: Inhibitory Effects Of Korean Red Ginseng Extract On Atopic Dermatitis In Nc/Nga Mice

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Laboratory Animal Research

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Hyo-Sang Kim, Tae-Ho Oh, Jae-Chan Song, Dae-Ik Kim, Ae-Kyung Lim, Deok-Chun Yang, Jun-Gyo In, Young-Chul Kim, Kil-Soo Kim

Published: 2010-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is atopic dermatitis, and how might Korean red ginseng extract offer a solution?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and dryness. It significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected, leading them to seek long-term solutions to alleviate these persistent symptoms. The study suggests that Korean red ginseng extract could play a role in alleviating the symptoms and severity of atopic dermatitis.

How did the researchers test the effects of Korean red ginseng extract on atopic dermatitis?

The study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng extract on NC/Nga mice with induced atopic dermatitis. The mice were divided into groups receiving different doses of the extract, and researchers monitored skin lesions, scratching behavior, and levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and histological changes. Improvements were observed in mice treated with red ginseng extract, indicating its potential to alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms.

What specific improvements were observed in the mice treated with Korean red ginseng extract?

The research indicated that Korean red ginseng extract has several beneficial effects. These include a reduction in skin lesions as measured by the SCORAD index, decreased scratching behavior suggesting reduced itchiness, regulation of the immune response by suppressing markers of inflammation like serum IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ, and improved skin structure with reduced hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. These effects suggest that red ginseng has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Are these findings conclusive for treating human atopic dermatitis, or are further studies needed?

While the results are promising, it's important to consider that the study was conducted on NC/Nga mice. To determine the efficacy and safety of Korean red ginseng extract for treating atopic dermatitis in humans, further research, including human clinical trials, is necessary. The evidence does suggest that this natural remedy could be a beneficial complementary or alternative treatment option for atopic dermatitis.

Based on the study, how does Korean red ginseng extract work to alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

The study suggests that Korean red ginseng extract works through several mechanisms. It appears to possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, it modulates the immune response, which can prevent the overreaction that leads to many of the symptoms. Furthermore, red ginseng seems to aid in restoring the skin barrier function, addressing the underlying issues that contribute to atopic dermatitis. These multi-pronged effects make it a potential option for managing the condition.