Panax ginseng, a type of ginseng commonly used in herbal medicine,has been touted for several health benefits, including in cholesterol, inflammation, diabetes, and other uses. However, there is not enough high-quality research to confirm the benefits of this herb.
The ginseng plant grows in the mountains of East Asia, where its roots are harvested into ginseng that is consumed—often in teas and supplements.
This article takes a closer look at Panax ginseng’s benefits, its researched uses, potential side effects, and what to look for when buying supplements.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredient(s): Ginsenosides
- Alternate name(s): Panax ginseng, Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, red ginseng, white ginseng (not to be confused with Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, pseudoginseng, or black ginseng, all of which come from a different plant)
- Suggested dose: No standard dose suggested
- Safety considerations: Relatively safe for short-term use but not recommended in certain groups—it also interacts with several medications
Purported Uses of Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is often promoted as a general tonic to improve well-being or cholesterol health. It’s also sometimes taken for inflammatory conditions or to help lower blood sugar in those with diabetes.
Though touted to help with several health conditions, there is not enough high-quality research to provide clear recommendations for Panax ginseng’s use.
Diabetes
Panax ginseng may have a glucose-lowering effect and has been studied as an add-on therapy in people with diabetes. Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews have evaluated studies conducted on the use of ginseng in diabetes.
One meta-analysis found that supplementing ginseng did not lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng did improve fasting glucose and postprandial insulin but not postprandial glucose and fasting insulin.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLOS One found that ginseng, compared with a placebo, significantly reduced fasting blood glucose.
However, the overall clinical effect was modest. Blood glucose levels dropped by about 5 milligrams/deciliter and most of the individuals already had well-controlled glucose levels. This is important because a modest change may result in statistical significance, but the actual clinical significance is questionable.
In this same review, ginseng did not affect fasting plasma insulin, insulin resistance scores, or HbA1C levels.
Getting convincing evidence from a meta-analysis is challenging because study designs vary widely, including different types or forms of ginseng, doses, and study lengths.
More well-designed studies are necessary before recommending ginseng for blood sugar management.
What Is Hemoglobin A1C?
Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test for people with diabetes that tells healthcare providers how well they managed their glucose levels over the previous three months.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. Some studies have shown that Panax ginseng may have a cholesterol-lowering effect.
One meta-analysis of the effects of ginseng on lipid profiles found that there was no significant overall improvement in cholesterol, triglyceride, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. But a small subgroup had some significant changes when ginseng was taken at higher doses or for longer periods.
A separate meta-analysis found that Panax ginseng reduced total and LDL-cholesterol levels but did not improve HDL-cholesterol.
A systematic review of research in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes showed that Panax ginseng lowered total and LDL-cholesterol when the dose was at least 2 grams daily.
In another meta-analysis from Korea, Panax ginseng reduced blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels when compared with a placebo.
Again, further high-quality research is necessary to determine what dosage will achieve the desired effect on cholesterol levels.
Dietary supplements should only be taken in addition to (not instead of) medical standard care. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your healthcare provider about an appropriate plan that includes diet modification, physical activity, and medications.
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Inflammation
Low-grade inflammation is thought to lead to several diseases and conditions. As a result, there is a major focus on products that have anti-inflammatory effects, which may include ginseng.
A systematic review of the effects of ginseng on inflammatory markers found that ginseng may lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (alpha TNF-α) but not C-reactive protein (CRP).
The researchers also mentioned some of the studies were biased. Further research is necessary to determine the dosage that will result in significant reductions of these markers.
A separate meta-analysis found that ginseng did significantly reduce CRP levels but only in individuals who already had an elevated CRP.
More clinical studies are necessary to confirm whether ginseng is an appropriate additional therapy for addressing inflammation.
Other Conditions
Although supplements can help, they are never a “cure-all” option. It is important to be wary of any supplement that claims to treat or cure a medical condition. In some cases, supplements may be touted for a health condition for which they have no benefit.
For instance, studies have found that Panax ginseng:
- May help relieve hot flashes
- Doesn’t boost athletic endurance
- Has not been proven to fight cancer
- Does not appear to prevent or treat upper respiratory infections
What Are the Side Effects of Panax Ginseng?
Ginseng use is common. It is even found in beverages, which may lead you to believe it’s completely safe. But like any herbal supplement or medication, taking it can result in unwanted effects.
The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia. Additional reported side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Blood pressure changes
- Mastalgia (breast pain)
- vagin*l bleeding
Allergic reactions, severe rash, and liver damage are less common side effects but can be serious.
Precautions
Children and pregnant or nursing people should avoid taking Panax ginseng.
If you are considering taking Panax ginseng, talk to your healthcare provider if you have:
- High blood pressure: Panax ginseng may affect blood pressure.
- Diabetes: Panax ginseng may lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications.
- Blood clotting disorders: Panax ginseng can interfere with blood clotting and interact with some anticoagulant drugs.
Dosage: How Much Panax Ginseng Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
The dosage of Panax ginseng depends on the type of ginseng, the reason for using it, and the amount of ginsenosides in the supplement.
There is no recommended standard dose of Panax ginseng. It is often taken in doses of 200 milligrams (mg) per day in studies. Some have recommended 500–2,000 mg per day if taken from the dry root.
Because dosages can vary, make sure to read the product label for instructions on how to take it. Before starting Panax ginseng, talk to a healthcare provider to determine a safe and appropriate dosage.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Panax Ginseng?
There isn’t much data on the toxicity of Panax ginseng. Toxicity isn’t likely to occur when taken in the appropriate amounts for a short time. Side effects are more likely if you take too much.
Interactions
Panax ginseng interacts with several types of medications. It is important to tell your healthcare provider all the prescription and OTC medication, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. They can help determine if it is safe to take Panax ginseng.
Potential interactions include:
- Caffeine or stimulant drugs: The combination with ginseng may increase heart rate or blood pressure.
- Blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin): Ginseng may slow blood clotting and decrease the effectiveness of certain blood thinners. If you take blood thinners, discuss Panax ginseng with your healthcare provider before starting it. They may be able to check your blood levels and adjust dosage accordingly.
- Insulin or oral diabetes medications: Using these with ginseng may result in hypoglycemia because they help lower blood sugar levels.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI): Ginseng may increase the risk of side effects associated with MAOIs, including manic-like symptoms.
- Diuretic Lasix (furosemide): Ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of furosemide.
- Ginseng can increase the risk of liver toxicity if taken with certain medications, including Gleevec (imatinib) and Isentress (raltegravir).
- Zelapar (selegiline): Panax ginseng may affect the levels of selegiline.
- Panax ginseng can interfere with drugs processed by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
More interactions may occur with other drugs or supplements. Before taking Panax ginseng, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information on potential interactions.
Recap
Ginseng has the potential to interact with several different types of medications. Before taking herbal supplements, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if ginseng is safe for you based on your current health status and medications.
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How to Store Panax Ginseng
Follow manufacturer directions for the best way to store Panax ginseng. Always keep out of reach of children and pets.
Similar Supplements
There are several different types of ginseng. Some derive from different plants and may not have the same effect as Panax ginseng. Supplements can also come from root extract or root powder.
Additionally, ginseng may be classified by the following:
- Fresh (less than 4 years old)
- White (4–6 years old, peeled and then dried)
- Red (more than 6 years old, steamed and then dried)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Panax ginseng help with erectile dysfunction (ED)?
A review by the Cochrane Collaboration found that ginseng “may only have trivial effects” on erectile dysfunction (ED). The authors also noted that no study has compared ginseng to common ED medications. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about ED treatment options.
Can Panax ginseng enhance cognitive function or help older adults with dementia?
A 2014 review noted that the evidence to date suggested that while ginseng may have potential benefits, the evidence wasn't sufficient to prove benefits. The studies were short-term and had very different methodologies, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Nor is there high-quality research to support its use for people with dementia.
Sources of Panax Ginseng and What to Look For
Panax ginseng comes from the root of the plant in the genus Panax. It is an herbal remedy made from the plant’s root and isn’t something you typically get in your diet.
When looking for a ginseng supplement, consider the following:
- The type of ginseng
- Which part of the plant the ginseng came from (e.g., root)
- Which form of ginseng is included (e.g., powder or extract)
- The amount of ginsenosides in the supplement (the standard recommended amount of ginsenoside content in supplements is 1.5–7%)
For any supplement or herbal product, look for one that has been third-party tested. This provides some quality assurance in that the supplement contains what the label says it does and is free of harmful contaminants. Look for labels from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), or ConsumerLab.
Summary
Herbal remedies and alternative medicines are popular, but don’t forget that just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. The FDA regulates dietary supplements as food items, which means they aren’t regulated as strictly as drugs are.
Ginseng is often found in herbal supplements and drinks. It is touted to help manage many health conditions, but there is not enough research to prove the efficacy of its use. When searching for products, look for supplements certified for quality by an independent third party, like the NSF, or ask your healthcare provider for a reputable brand recommendation.
Ginseng supplementation may result in some mild effects. It also interacts with several different medications. It is important to discuss herbal remedies with your healthcare provider to understand their risks versus their benefits.
