Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes the
closely related American ginseng
(Panax quinquefolius) and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus), also known as eleuthero.
Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually harvested in the fall. The root
is used, preferably from plants older than six years of age.
Asian ginseng has been
used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the
individual health concern for complete information):
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference
to the use of Asian ginseng dates to the 1st century A.D. Ginseng is commonly used by elderly
people in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality.
Active constituents
Ginseng’s actions in the body are thought to be due to a complex interplay of
constituents. The primary group are the ginsenosides, which are believed to counter the
effects of stress and enhance intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen ginsenosides
have been identified in Asian ginseng. Two of them, ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1, have been
closely studied.1 Other constituents include the panaxans, which may help lower
blood sugar, and the polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules), which are thought to support
immune function.23
Long-term intake of Asian ginseng may be linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer.45 A double-blind trial
found that 200 mg of Asian ginseng per day improved blood sugar levels in people with type 2
(non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.6
Human trials have mostly failed to confirm the purported benefit of Asian ginseng for the
enhancement of athletic
performance.78 One preliminary trial suggests it may help those in
poor physical condition to tolerate exercise better.9 In combination with some
vitamins and minerals, 80 mg of ginseng per day was found to effectively reduce fatigue in a
double-blind trial.10 Another double-blind trial also found it helpful for relief
of fatigue and, possibly, stress.11 Although there are no human clinical trials,
adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng may be useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This may be because these
herbs are thought to have an immuno-modulating effect and also help support the normal
function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the
body.12
Asian ginseng may also prove useful for male
infertility. A double-blind trial with a large group of infertile men found that 4 grams
of Asian ginseng per day for three months led to an improvement in sperm count and sperm
motility.13
Asian ginseng may also help men with erectile
dysfunction. A double-blind trial in Korea found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng
extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men
with erectile dysfunction.14 This finding was confirmed in another double-blind
study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks.15
How much is usually taken?
The most researched form of ginseng, standardized herbal extracts, supply approximately
5–7% ginsenosides.16 Ginseng root extracts are sometimes recommended at
200–500 mg per day. Non-standardized extracts require a higher intake, generally
1–4 grams per day for tablets or 2–3 ml for dried root tincture three times per
day. Ginseng is traditionally used for two to three weeks continuously, followed by a one- to
two-week “rest” period before resuming.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Used in the recommended amounts, ginseng is generally safe. In rare instances, it may cause
over-stimulation and possibly
insomnia.17 Consuming caffeine
with ginseng increases the risk of over-stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. People with
uncontrolled high blood pressure should use
ginseng cautiously. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast
tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with Asian ginseng. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Shibata S, Tanaka O, Shoji J, Saito H. Chemistry and pharmacology of
Panax. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, Wagner H, Hikino H,
Farnsworth NR (eds). London: Academic Press, 1985, 217–84.
2. Tomoda M, Hirabayashi K, Shimizu N, et al. Characterization of two
novel polysaccharides having immunological activities from the root of Panax ginseng. Biol
Pharm Bull 1993;16:1087–90.
3. See DM, Broumand N, Sahi L, et al. In vitro effects of echinacea and
ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and
chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.
Immunopharmacol 1997;35:229–35.
4. Yun TK, Choi Y. Non-organ specific cancer prevention of ginseng: A
prospective study in Korea. Int J Epidemiol 1998;27:359–64.
5. Shin HR, Kim JY, Yun TK, et al. The cancer-preventive potential of
Panax ginseng: a review of human and experimental evidence. Cancer Causes Control
2000;11:565–76 [review].
6. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in
non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1373–5.
7. Teves MA, Wright JE, Welch MJ, et al. Effects of ginseng on repeated
bouts of exhaustive exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1983;15:162.
8. Allen JD, McLung J, Nelson AG, Welsch M. Ginseng supplementation does
not enhance healthy young adults’ peak aerobic exercise performance. J Am Coll
Nutr 1998;17:462–6.
9. Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng
extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals and trace elements
on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther 1991;13:373–82.
10. Le Gal M, Cathebras P, Struby K. Pharmaton capsules in the treatment
of functional fatigue: A double-blind study versus placebo evaluated by a new methodology.
Phytother Res 1996;10:49–53.
11. Caso Mardsco A, Vargas Ruiz R, Salas Villagomez A, Begona Infante C.
Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp
Clin Res 1996;22:323–9.
12. Brown D. Licorice root - potential early intervention for chronic
fatigue syndrome. Quart Rev Natural Med 1996;Summer:95–7.
13. Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al. Effects of Panax
ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panmineva Med
1996;38:249–54.
14. Choi HK, Seong DH, Rha KH. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng
for erectile dysfunction. Int J Impotence Res 1995;7:181–6.
15. Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A double-blind crossover study
evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a
preliminary report. J Urol 2002;168:2070–3.
16. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin,
CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 129–38.
17. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide
for Healthcare Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 145–50.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
