Five factor consisting of Metabolic syndrome is closely linked by insulin resistance. Until now, several studies have been performed about effects of Korea red ginseng on hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, but not metabolic syndrome.

The investigators hypothesize that Korean red ginseng could improve each constituents of metabolic syndrome, arterial stiffness, and inflammatory markers.

The aim of this study is to determine effects of Korean red ginseng on cardiovascular risks in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

The details of study objective are followed by these:

• comparison of blood pressure before and after Korean red ginseng administration
• comparison of metabolic indicator before and after Korean red ginseng administration
• comparison of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers before and after Korean red ginseng administration
• comparison of arterial stiffness before and after Korean red ginseng administration

Inclusion Criteria:(three or more of following five factors)

• waist circumference(male: more than 90cm, female: more than 80cm)
• blood pressure(systolic: more than 130mmHg, diastolic: more than 85mmHg)
• fasting plasma glucose: more than 100mg/dL
• fasting triglycerides: more than 150mg/dL
• High-density lipoprotein(HDL)-cholesterol(male: less than 40mg/dL, female: less than 50mg/dL)

Exclusion Criteria: (any one of following factors)

• uncontrolled blood pressure(systolic: more than 160mmHg, diastolic: more than 100mmHg) or subjects taking blood pressure lowering drug
• Type 2 diabetes patients or fasting plasma glucose more than 126mg/dL
• triglyceride more than 400mg/dL, total cholesterol more than 250mg/dL
• subjects taking antilipidemic drug
• past history of coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease

First, we could not fully control participants' lifestyle such as exercise and diet.Second, the relationship between Korean red ginseng dosage and its effect on cardiovascular disease risks was not evaluated.