Serum IgE Immune Response on the Exposure of Korean Ginseng

Recently, it was reported that Pfaffia paniculata, known as Brazil ginseng, caused occupational asthma. To assess a potential relationship between Korean ginseng and allergic reactions, total IgE in serum, allergologic parameter, was investigated. Serum total IgE were measured in 8 takers of ginseng for more than 5 yr, 4 subjects of weak constitution, 10 workers participated in the washing of fresh ginseng in factory and 7 control subjects, Blood samples were taken before and after the scheduled exposure to Korean ginseng, sera were kept frozen until assay. Total IgE levels after the scheduled exposure to Korean ginseng were not significantly different in each group and total IgE levels were not significantly different in the control subjects compared with those of other groups at the start of experiment and at the end of experiment. These results suggest that the exposure to Korean ginseng dose not affect significantly the IgE immune response in volunteers. No changes of levels of IgE on the exposure of Korean ginseng may represent additional evidence of the lack of antigenic potential of Korean ginseng.