It is estimated that 4.5 million South Africans have hypercholesterolaemia. Atherosclerosis and stroke-related conditions have been identified by the South African Department of Health as priority diseases (South African Department of Health, 1998). Hypercholesterolaemia was estimated to have caused 4.6% of all deaths in South Africa in 2000 and is therefore an important cardiovascular risk factor in all population groups in South Africa (Norman et al, 2007). Panax ginseng is the botanical name for the plant commonly known as Korean ginseng. It is part of the Araliaceae botanical family. Korean ginseng has pharmacological actions including lowering serum cholesterol, improved functioning of the pituitary adrenal axis, enhanced protein synthesis and protection of the liver from hepatotoxins (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng 1X on the total plasma cholesterol level of adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years. A sample group of thirty participants was recruited. Interested participants attended an initial interview where they were screened using a questionnaire and physical examinations and were instructed to have a blood test done to determine whether they qualified to take part in the study. Inclusion criteria comprised: adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, total plasma cholesterol level between 4.0 and 6.19 mmol/l and not more than one major cardiovascular risk factor as classified by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). Participation in the study was voluntary and participants were free to refuse treatment or withdraw from the study at any time. Since standardised Panax ginseng in normal therapeutic doses is rarely associated with side-effects, the anticipated risk for participants in the study was minimal (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The total plasma cholesterol levels were measured by Lancet Laboratories. Body weight was measured and a clinical cardiovascular examination was performed by the researcher. Reliability and validity of clinical investigations was ensured by adherence to procedural documentation. The study was performed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled manner. Participants were divided into two groups of fifteen. For the first four weeks of the trial no treatment was given to either group. After the first four weeks the participants attended a follow-up visit and the total plasma cholesterol level of each participant was retested. The experimental group then received Panax ginseng 1X and the control group received a placebo. Sufficient treatment for a period of eight weeks was issued to both groups. Participants were instructed to take 1.5 ml three times daily in 100 ml of water fifteen minutes before meals and were informed not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle that could affect plasma cholesterol levels. Such lifestyle changes included alterations of diet, amount of exercise, alcohol or tobacco consumption, sleep pattern and stress levels. Patients attended a follow-up visit after taking the treatment for four weeks and the total plasma cholesterol levels were determined again at the end of the study. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The total plasma cholesterol level of the experimental group was compared to the total plasma cholesterol level of the placebo group as obtained at the initial consultation, after four weeks and at the conclusion of the study. Groups were compared using independent samples t-tests within each sample group. Differences over time were analysed using dependent samples t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Panax ginseng 1X did not provide a statistically significant change in the total plasma cholesterol levels. The use of Panax ginseng is rarely associated with side-effects and in this particular study none were experienced by the participants.