American Ginseng to Improve HIV-Associated Fatigue: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Design, Multiple-Dose Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether American ginseng is effective in the treatment of HIV-associated fatigue.

STUDY DESIGN Chronic fatigue is a major problem for HIV-infected patients and contributes to decreased quality of life and physical functioning, higher levels of psychological distress, and antiretroviral non-adherence. The etiology of fatigue in HIV-infected patients is unknown, but changes in systemic inflammation may play a contributing role. The mechanism of action of ginseng in the treatment of fatigue is also not clear, but in its role as a purported "adaptogen," it may decrease fatigue by altering systemic inflammation. Ginseng is one of the most popular botanical products in the US and is marketed to improve fatigue and vitality. Our preliminary data suggested that American ginseng at 1000-2000 mg/day may decrease fatigue in cancer patients. HIV-infected patients frequently use ginseng, in part because they perceive these therapies to be safer than more conventional therapies.

We hypothesized that a standardized American ginseng formulation will improved HIV-related fatigue. To test this hypothesis we propose a 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, parallel study of four weeks of treatment involving two doses of American ginseng or placebo (1000mg/day or 3000 mg/day) in 120 HIV-infected patients with clinically significant fatigue, as defined by their scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale. Patients will be treated with American ginseng or placebo every morning for a total of two doses of 1000 mg/day or 3000 mg/day. A smaller cohort of 12 out of 120 subjects will be enrolled initially to monitor closely for confirmed virologic failure, If confirmed virologic failure is not observed, enrollment will continue to the proposed 120 subjects. Virologic failure is defined as two consecutive plasma viral loads \>200 cells according to the 2012 Department of Health Humans Services Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-1 infected adults and adolescents

The proposed doses of American ginseng are the same as those used in our previous trials. American ginseng 1000 mg/day showed efficacy in ameliorating fatigue in cancer patients. The highest dose of American ginseng (3000 mg/day) selected for this study was derived from our previous American ginseng trial.

Change on scores of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) between American ginseng and placebo groups at baseline, and treatment weeks 2, 4, and 6 (the last safety visit two weeks after completing the 4-week treatment period with American ginseng or placebo) will be calculated. The primary comparison of interest will involve the primary endpoint of the average change in the FSS scale score from baseline to the end of treatment. Other instruments to supplement the FSS and further assess fatigue will be a modified version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV), the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) of Change Scale, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) fatigue. To further elucidate the mechanism of HIV-related fatigue, we will evaluate the effects of American ginseng and placebo on markers of systemic inflammation such as IL-6 and soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell counts, plasma HIV RNA levels, and adverse events (AEs) will also be assessed for safety purposes.

DURATION:

The total duration of this study is 6 weeks. Participants will receive American ginseng or placebo during the first 4 weeks of the study. On week 6 participants will complete their final post treatment safety study visit.

POPULATION AND SAMPLE SIZE:

120 HIV-infected subjects (40 in the American ginseng 1000 mg/day arm, 40 in the American ginseng 3000 mg/day arm, 20 in the placebo 1000 mg/day arm, and 20 in the placebo 3000 mg/day arm).

REGIMEN:

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, longitudinal, parallel study with two doses of American ginseng. As shown in the study schematic figure, two doses of American ginseng or placebo (1000 or 3000 mg/day) will be given to 120 HIV-infected patients (40 in the American ginseng 1000 mg/day arm, 40 in the American ginseng 3000 mg/day arm, 20 in the placebo 1000 mg/day arm, and 20 in the placebo 3000 mg/day arm) with clinically significant fatigue. Participants will receive American ginseng or placebo for a total of 4 weeks and will be followed for a total of 6 weeks (week 6 is the last safety visit 2 weeks after completing the 4-week treatment period with American ginseng or placebo).

American ginseng will be continued for Grades 1 and 2 toxicities at the discretion of the investigator. Treatment will be discontinued for subjects experiencing any grade ≥3 study drug toxicity. Evaluations for the early termination visit will be completed for these subjects. Participants who discontinue treatment secondary to toxicity will be followed until resolution, return to baseline values, or an adequate explanation can be given for their condition. Subjects requiring dose modifications/reductions/interruptions of American ginseng/placebo to manage toxicities will be followed off study drugs. The total number of patients accrued hence will be 120 patients (40 in the American ginseng 1000 mg/day arm, 40 in the American ginseng 3000 mg/day arm, 20 in the placebo 1000 mg/day arm, and 20 in the placebo American ginseng 3000 mg/day arm).

STUDY DURATION The total duration of this study is six weeks. Participants will receive American ginseng or placebo during the first 4 weeks of the study. On week 6 participants will complete their final post treatment safety study visit.

STUDY AGENT/INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION Two doses of American ginseng or placebo (1000 mg/day or 3000 mg/day) every morning by mouth for a 4-week period.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this study is to determine the effect of American ginseng on fatigue in HIV-infected subjects. HIV-infected subjects with fatigue will be randomized to receive two doses (1000 mg/day or 3000 mg/day) of standardized American ginseng or placebo, and their levels of fatigue and quality of life will be assessed. We will also quantify proinflammatory cytokines in the placebo and American ginseng-treated groups to further elucidate the mechanism of HIV-related fatigue, and the effects of American ginseng on these markers.

ENDPOINTS

Primary Endpoint: Change in FSS total score from baseline to end of four weeks of treatment.

Secondary Endpoints: Change from baseline and values observed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-baseline for the following measures: BFI-global assessment score ESS score PHQ-9 total score ISI score MOS-HIV scale total score, Gene Importance Calculator (GIC) score PROMIS fatigue scale score Serum cytokines (IL-6, sTNFR1, sTNFR2) CD4 cell counts, proportion with detectable plasma HIV RNA, AEs will be measured using the Division of AIDS Table for Grading the Severity of Adults Adverse events.

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA

1. HIV-infected men and women, ≥18 years of age
2. HIV-1 infection documented by a rapid HIV test or any licensed ELISA test kit and confirmed by a repeat ELISA, Western blot at any time prior to study entry; or documentation of ongoing HIV/AIDS care, or treatment for AIDS, or previous positive HIV serology at any time prior to study entry
3. On stable antiretroviral therapy for at least three months
4. Undetectable plasma HIV RNA using conventional assays with lower limits of quantification (20-75 copies/ml) obtained within 30 days prior to entry
5. The following laboratory values obtained within 30 prior to study entry:

   Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥750/mm3 Hematocrit ≥30 Platelet count ≥40,000/mm3 Calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥50 mL/min, as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation\* aspartate amino transferase (AST) serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), amino alanine transferase (ALT) serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase \<3 x upper limit of normal (ULN) total bilirubin ≤2.5 x ULN

   NOTE: If the potential subject is taking an atazanavir-containing regimen at the time of screening, total bilirubin ≤5 x ULN is acceptable

   \* Calculation for the Cockcroft-Gault equation is available at https://www.fstrf.org/common/utilities/calculators/ccc.html
6. Clinically significant fatigue (≥4.5 on the FSS)
7. PHQ-9 Questionnaire score \<10
8. ISI Questionnaire \<14
9. On stable psychiatric medications for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment.
10. Ability and willingness of subject to provide a signed informed consent and comply with all study requirements
11. Laboratory values and physical examination as judged by the principal investigator to be safe to participate
12. Females of reproductive potential (women who have not been post-menopausal for at least 24 consecutive months, i.e., who have had menses within the preceding 24 months, or women who have not undergone surgical sterilization, specifically hysterectomy, or bilateral oophorectomy or tubal ligation) will need a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 30 days prior to entry.

    NOTE: Acceptable documentation of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, tubal ligation, tubal micro-inserts, and menopause is self-reported history.
13. All potential subjects must agree not to participate in the conception process (e.g., active attempt to become pregnant or to impregnate, sperm donation, in vitro fertilization), and if participating in sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy, the subject/ partner must reliable methods of contraception (condoms, with or without a spermicidal agent; a diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicide; an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD); or hormone-based contraceptive) while receiving study treatment. Subjects will be encourage to use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) along with hormonal contraceptives during administration of American ginseng.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

1. Untreated hypothyroidism (TSH \>4.5 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L))
2. Untreated or undertreated hypogonadism (calculated free testosterone below The lower limit of normal)
3. Untreated or under-treated major depressive disorder
4. No change in testosterone therapy within 6 weeks prior to screening
5. As determined by the investigator, history of chronic or acute medical condition that in the opinion of the investigator would jeopardize safety of subjects participating in this study
6. Hospitalization or therapy for serious illness within 30 days prior to study entry as judged by the investigator
7. Known allergy/sensitivity or any hypersensitivity to components of American ginseng
8. Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence or subject compliance with study requirements (stable methadone treatment allowed)
9. Current use or requirement for any medications prohibited with study treatment including warfarin. (Lists of prohibited medications are contained in the Prohibited Medications Section of the protocol)
10. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
11. Use of any immunomodulator (e.g., interferons, interleukins, systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine), vaccine, or investigational therapy within 30 days prior to study entry
12. Treatment with investigational study drugs/vaccines
13. Co-enrolment in observational trials is allowed if the blood volume requirement does not exceed the Red Cross limits specified for this clinical trial