This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb Panax ginseng—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Panax ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Panax ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng.
Common Names—Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng
Latin Name—Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng is a plant. People use the root to make medicine. Do not confuse Panax ginseng with American ginseng, Siberian ginseng, or Panax pseudoginseng.
Panax ginseng is used for improving thinking, concentration, memory and work efficiency, physical stamina, and athletic endurance.
Some people use Panax ginseng to help them cope with stress and as a general tonic for improving well-being. They sometimes call Panax ginseng an “adaptogen” when it’s used in this way.
Panax ginseng is also used for depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), for boosting the immune system, and for fighting particular infections in a lung disease called cystic fibrosis. These infections are caused by a bacterium named Pseudomonas.
Some people use Panax ginseng to treat breast cancer and prevent ovarian cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer.
Other uses include treatment of anemia, diabetes, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), fever and asthma.
Panax ginseng is also used for bleeding disorders, loss of appetite, vomiting, fibromyalgia, sleeping problems (insomnia), nerve pain, joint pain, dizziness, headache, convulsions, disorders of pregnancy and childbirth, hot flashes due to menopause, and to slow the aging process.
In manufacturing, Panax ginseng is used to make soaps and as a flavoring in beverages.
Ginseng has been used as a medicine for over two thousand years. Today, approximately 6 million Americans use it regularly.
Some people consider the age of the ginseng roots important.
In Western medicine, Panax ginseng is used as a stimulant to make people more active. But, in contrast, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Panax ginseng is used to make people feel calmer. It is also widely used in China for the heart and blood vessels. Higher doses are generally used in TCM than in Western medicine.
Be aware that Panax ginseng products are not always what they claim. The contents of products labeled as containing Panax ginseng can vary greatly. Many contain little or no Panax ginseng.
Panax ginseng interacts with many prescription drugs. If you take medications, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Panax ginseng.
Treatment claims for Panax ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:
Improving the health of people recovering from illness
Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
Treating hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
The effectiveness ratings for GINSENG, PANAX are as follows:
Thinking and memory. Taking Panax ginseng by mouth might improve abstract thinking, mental arithmetic skills, and reaction times in healthy, middle-aged people. Panax ginseng alone does not seem to improve memory, but there is some evidence that a combination of Panax ginseng and ginkgo leaf extract can improve memory in otherwise healthy people between the ages of 38 and 66.
Diabetes. There is some evidence that Panax ginseng might lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Improving athletic performance.
Improving mood and sense of well-being.
Hot flashes associated with menopause. Taking Panax ginseng by mouth doesn’t seem to help hot flashes but it might improve other menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
Breast cancer. Some studies conducted in China suggest that some people with breast cancer treated with any form of ginseng (American or Panax) do better and feel better. But this may not be a result of taking the ginseng, because the people in the study were also more likely to be treated with the prescription cancer drug tamoxifen. It is difficult to know how much of the benefit to attribute to ginseng.
Infection of the airways in the lung (bronchitis). Panax ginseng, combined with treatment with antibiotics, might be more effective in killing bacteria than antibiotic treatment alone.
Common cold. There is some evidence that taking a specific Panax ginseng extract (G115) by mouth can decrease the chance of catching a cold.
Influenza. There is some evidence that taking a specific Panax ginseng extract (G115) by mouth four weeks before a flu shot and continued for eight more weeks can decrease the risk of getting the flu.
Cancer (stomach, lung, liver, ovarian, skin). Population studies suggest that taking ginseng by mouth might decrease the occurrence of cancer, specifically stomach cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and skin cancer.
Depression.
Anemia.
Fluid retention.
Stomach inflammation and other digestive problems.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Fibromyalgia.
Fever.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Panax ginseng for these uses.
The root of Panax ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb’s medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.
Some studies have shown that Panax ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
Although Panax ginseng has been widely studied for a variety of uses, research results to date do not conclusively support health claims associated with the herb. Only a few large, high-quality clinical trials have been conducted. Most evidence is preliminary—i.e., based on laboratory research or small clinical trials.
NCCAM supports studies to better understand the use of Panax ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include the herb’s potential role in treating insulin resistance, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Short-term use of ginseng at recommended doses appears to be safe for most people. Some sources suggest that prolonged use might cause side effects.
The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
Panax ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with Panax ginseng products, but these products’ components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
Panax ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Panax ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
The common adaptogen ginsengs (P. ginseng and P. quinquefolia) are generally considered to be relatively safe even in large amounts. One of the most common and characteristic symptoms of acute overdose of Panax ginseng is bleeding. Symptoms of mild overdose with Panax ginseng may include dry mouth and lips, excitation, fidgeting, irritability, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, headache, insomnia, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, edema, decreased appetite, dizziness, itching, eczema, early morning diarrhea, bleeding, and fatigue.
Symptoms of gross overdose with Panax ginseng may include nausea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness, urinary and bowel incontinence, fever, increased blood pressure, increased respiration, decreased sensitivity and reaction to light, decreased heart rate, cyanotic facial complexion, red face, seizures, convulsions, and delirium.
It is possible to treat an overdose with an herbal decoction of 120 grams of gan cao (Radix glycrrhizae). However, patients experiencing any of the above symptoms are advised to discontinue the herbs and seek any necessary symptomatic treatment.
Panax ginseng is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for most adults when used for less than 3 months. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken long-term. Researchers think it may have some hormone-like effects that could be harmful with prolonged use.
The most common side effect is trouble sleeping (insomnia). Less commonly, people experience menstrual problems, breast pain, increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, itching, rash, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal bleeding, and other side effects.
Uncommon side effects that have been reported include severe rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, liver damage, and severe allergic reactions.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Panax ginseng if you are pregnant. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. One of the chemicals in Panax ginseng has been found to cause birth defects in animals. Not enough is known about the safety of Panax ginseng during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and don’t use it.
Infants and children: Panax ginseng is LIKELY UNSAFE in infants and children. Using Panax ginseng in babies has been linked to poisoning that can be fatal. The safety of Panax ginseng in older children is not known. Until more is known, don’t use Panax ginseng even in older children.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Panax ginseng seems to increase the activity of the immune system. It might make auto-immune diseases worse. Don’t use Panax ginseng if you have any auto-immune condition.
Bleeding conditions: Ginseng seems to interfere with blood clotting. Don’t use Panax ginseng if you have a bleeding condition.
Heart conditions: Panax ginseng can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure slightly on the first day it is used. However, there are usually no changes with continued use. Nevertheless, Panax ginseng has not been studied in people with cardiovascular disease. Use Panax ginseng with caution if you have heart disease.
Diabetes: Panax ginseng might lower blood sugar. In people with diabetes who are taking medications to lower blood sugar, adding Panax ginseng might lower it too much. Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and use Panax ginseng.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Panax ginseng contains chemicals (ginsenosides) that can act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use Panax ginseng.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia): High doses of Panax ginseng have been linked with insomnia. If you have trouble sleeping, use Panax ginseng with caution.
Schizophrenia (a mental disorder): High doses of Panax ginseng have been linked with sleep problems and agitation in people with schizophrenia. Be careful when using Panax ginseng if you have schizophrenia.
Organ transplant: Panax ginseng might make the immune system more active. This could interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are given after an organ transplant to reduce the chance that the organ will be rejected. If you have received an organ transplant, don’t use Panax ginseng.
Be cautious with this combination.
Alcohol
The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Taking Panax ginseng might increase how fast your body gets rid of alcohol.
Caffeine
Caffeine can speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, caffeine can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with caffeine might cause serious problems, including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking caffeine along with Panax ginseng.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Some scientists think that Panax ginseng might decrease how well furosemide (Lasix) works. But there isn't enough information to know if this is a big concern.
Insulin
Panax ginseng might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Panax ginseng might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Panax ginseng along with some medications that are changed by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking Panax ginseng, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.
Medications for depression (MAOIs)
Panax ginseng might stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. Taking Panax ginseng with these medications used for depression might cause too much stimulation. This might cause side effects such as anxiousness, headache, restlessness, and insomnia.
Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Panax ginseng might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng along with diabetes medications could add to the effects of diabetic medications and lower blood sugar too much. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Panax ginseng increases the immune system. By increasing the immune system, Panax ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Panax ginseng might slow blood clotting. Taking Panax ginseng along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking stimulant drugs along with Panax ginseng.
Some stimulant drugs include diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. There is some concern that Panax ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). But it's not clear if this interaction is a big problem. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Bitter orange
Taking Panax ginseng along with bitter orange might increase the risk of the type of irregular heart rhythm that can be life-threatening.
Country mallow
Country mallow contains ephedra. Ephedra can make the heart beat irregularly. Taking Panax ginseng along with country mallow might increase the risk of irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening.
Ephedra
Ephedra can make the heart beat irregularly. Taking Panax ginseng along with ephedra might increase the risk of irregular heart beats that can be life-threatening.
Herbs and supplements that lower blood sugar
Panax ginseng might lower blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng along with other herbs and supplements that lower blood sugar might make the blood sugar too low. Some of these products include bitter melon, ginger, goat's rue, fenugreek, kudzu, willow bark, and others.
Alcohol
The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Taking Panax ginseng might increase how fast your body gets rid of alcohol.
Coffee, tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine. Caffeine can speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, caffeine can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with caffeine might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking caffeine along with Panax ginseng.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For treating type 2 diabetes: 200 mg daily.
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Ginseng may benefit people who are feeling fatigued and over stressed and those recovering from a long illness. The herb has been shown to balance the release of stress hormones in the body and support the organs that produce these hormones, namely the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain and the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. Ginseng may also enhance the production of endorphins, "feel-good" chemicals produced by the brain.
Many long-distance runners and body-builders take ginseng to heighten physical endurance. Herbalist believe that ginseng can delay fatigue by enabling the exercising muscles to use energy more efficiently. Some research, however, contradicts this hypothesis.
Panax ginseng herb is considered "adaptogen" because of its unique ability to normalize whatever is out of balance in the body.
Panax ginseng works to stimulate and improve the working of the brain with it's oxygenation properties. It is therefore beneficial in promoting physical and mental alertness.
Panax ginseng is believed to increase women's level of hormones therefore recommended for menopausal symptoms.
Panax ginseng not only inhibits the production of cancer cells but actually converts the abnormal cells into normal ones.
Panax ginseng helps lower the blood alcohol content by reducing absorption from the stomach.
Panax ginseng decreases harmful LDL cholesterol and increases beneficial cholesterol HDL levels.
Panax ginseng stimulates weight and tissue growth and thereby enhances the body's resistance to disease.
5.0 out of 5 stars By Books are Friends "Happy" (TX), September 26, 2009
... 1). it is effective and makes me feel great/energized all day long; 2). it tastes great ... 3). it is strong/concentrated and energizing, but it does not give me the jitters like caffeine based dietary supplements or other ginseng products; 4). it is made of 15 year old ginseng roots while ... is based on 6 year old roots - the older, the more effective it is in preventing cancer!! 5). it is the best price for this value on the market!!! Will only buy from this source.
5.0 out of 5 stars By rivahgal, August 5, 2011
... This is not the strongest strength of Red Panax Ginseng, at 4500 mg, but it is the strongest strength I myself can tolerate, because the higher milligram ones taste too horrible to drink. This seems to give me a nice energy boost, without the crash I get from caffeine. I plan to order another shipment in the near future, and hope it will arrive intact, too.
5.0 out of 5 stars Healthy, Wisconsin, November 27, 2007
I started to use Panax Ginseng because when you do the research it's the herb you would want to be on to prevent flu. The additional benefits are many. Improved energy, thinking ability, and stamina. It's had clinical studies that show it's benefits.
1.0 out of 5 stars Vladimir from Israel May 23, 2011
From Israel
Both my wife and I experience feeling of unpleasant fatigue and sleepiness which is quite discouraging after taking two of the peels. Don't know what to say except that it is really opposite to what we expected.
5.0 out of 5 stars Diane Van Pelt From Maryland, September 05, 2008
I have been taking ginseng for years, so I can compare this product to a number of others. I would highly recommend it! The purity level is impressive. When you compare the cost of this product to your typical drug store fare you will be even more blown away. See if you can even find a 520 mg product at your retailers!
5.0 out of 5 stars July 02, 2008
From Canada
excellent product! have been taking it for two weeks and have noticed a huge difference in my stamina
5.0 out of 5 stars September 11, 2008
From Massachusetts
Happy with quality of product, but it gave me a slight headache. I've had this problem with ginseng before.
5.0 out of 5 stars March 14, 2009
From South Carolina
I can tell the difference of feeling less stamina on the days I don't take the ginseng.
4.0 out of 5 stars July 05, 2006
From Washington
After several months, this product seems consistent in quality, increases energy and seems to be a mood elevator.
1.0 out of 5 stars March 18, 2009
From California
I took one of these and it had no effect on my energy. I will continue taking it to see if it does anything at all. But for the time being I do not recommend this.
5.0 out of 5 stars January 18, 2010
By Martin Moore From Minnesota
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE QUALITY OF THIS GINSENG AND ITS PRICE YOU WOULD BE WASTING YOUR TIME LOOKING FOR A BETTER VALUE.
5.0 out of 5 stars March 03, 2010
From France
good product - well received
4.0 out of 5 stars March 02, 2011
From Indiana
Since I have been taking this regularly for over a year, I have not caught any colds, even when my kids have been sick. I recently also escaped a flu virus two of my kids had that mimicked the influenze. I am healthier than I have been in a long time.