In clinical trials, it has been found to enhance mental performance and reduce fatigue. Its anti-diabetic, anti-aging, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties are highly prized in the medical community. Most studies and clinical trials involve doses of to milligrams daily. The recommended dosage depends on the condition that is being treated. For example, fertility supplements contain up to 1 gram of ginseng extract per serving, which must be taken three times a day.
Brain support formulas, by comparison, provide only milligrams per serving. Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may take up to 6 grams of Korean ginseng daily.
This herb should not be used for more than three months. If you're not sure how much to take, consult your doctor. Despite its therapeutic properties, Korean ginseng carries potential side effects and may interact with certain medications.
Insomnia, hot flushes, headaches, dry mouth and high blood pressure are common adverse reactions. However, these symptoms are usually mild to moderate and go away within days. Beware that aspirin may inhibit the immune-boosting effects of ginseng. When combined with caffeine, this plant may cause arrhythmia and hypertension. It can also interact with the diuretic furosemide as well as with antidepressants, insulin, diabetes medications, anticoagulants and immunosuppressants.
Lab tests indicate that it may be damaging to the embryo and fetus, so it's not recommended for use during pregnancy. Also, ginseng can be toxic for children and babies. In a study of 75 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis who were treated with antibiotics or antibiotics plus ginseng, those in the ginseng group showed faster bacterial clearance.
The effects of Panax ginseng, given in a dosage of or mg per day for eight weeks, were studied in 36 patients with newly diagnosed non—insulin-dependent diabetes. The mg dose also resulted in improved hemoglobin A 1C values. In 45 patients with erectile dysfunction, use of ginseng improved erectile function, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction.
Panax ginseng also appears to have anti-cancer effects. In a prospective cohort study 23 of 4, persons older than 40 years, the risk of cancer was shown to be lower in those who used ginseng relative risk: 0.
Interpretation of documented adverse effects and drug interactions can be difficult because of the variety of available ginseng formulations, and because the exact amount of ginseng in these products may not be identified.
Panax ginseng generally is well tolerated, and its adverse effects are mild and reversible. Panax ginseng may interact with caffeine to cause hypertension, and it may lower blood alcohol concentrations.
It also may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin Coumadin. Concomitant use of Panax ginseng and the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine Nardil may result in manic-like symptoms. Contraindications to the use of Panax ginseng include high blood pressure, acute asthma, acute infections, and nose bleeds or excessive menstruation.
These effects appear to occur primarily with high dosages or prolonged use. Ginseng also causes hypoglycemic activity, and caution should be exercised in using ginseng products in patients with diabetes because of possible interactions with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin.
One source 2 recommends avoiding the use of ginseng products in children and in women who are pregnant or lactating, until more rigorous studies prove safety in these groups. Most published research studies have used a standardized Panax ginseng extract in a dosage of mg per day. Other sources 2 , 23 , 27 recommend 0. Capsule formulas are generally given in a dosage of to mg per day, usually in divided doses.
Standardization is to the ginsenoside content, which is usually recommended to be 1. Ginseng is commonly taken for long periods. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. Kiefer received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, and completed a family practice residency at Swedish Family Medicine, Seattle. Address correspondence to David Kiefer, M. Box , Tucson, AZ e-mail: dskseat aol.
The authors indicate that they do not have any conflicts of interests. Sources of funding: none reported. Tyler's Herbs of choice: the therapeutic use of phytomedicinals. New York, N. Ginsengs: a review of safety and efficacy. Nutr Clin Care. World Health Organization.
WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Geneva: World Health Organization, The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol.
Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise.
Clin Ther. Physiol Behav. Sorensen H, Sonne J. A double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functions. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of a standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. Ellis JM, Reddy P. Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life. Ann Pharmacother. While studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive Summary Ginsenosides in ginseng seem to regulate inflammation, provide antioxidant protection and maintain the health of cells, which could help decrease the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Nevertheless, more research is needed. Various animal studies have linked some components in ginseng, like polysaccharides and oligopeptides, with lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells, which could help fight fatigue 38 , 39 , One four-week study explored the effects of giving 1 or 2 grams of Panax ginseng or a placebo to 90 people with chronic fatigue.
Those given Panax ginseng experienced less physical and mental fatigue, as well as reductions in oxidative stress, than those taking the placebo Another study gave cancer survivors experiencing fatigue 2, mg of American ginseng or a placebo.
After eight weeks, those in the ginseng group had significantly lower fatigue levels than those in the placebo group Furthermore, a review of over studies suggested that ginseng supplements may not only help reduce fatigue but also enhance physical activity Summary Ginseng may help fight fatigue and enhance physical activity by lowering oxidative damage and increasing energy production in cells. Ginseng seems to be beneficial in the control of blood glucose in people both with and without diabetes 44 , American and Asian ginseng have been shown to improve pancreatic cell function, boost insulin production and enhance the uptake of blood sugar in tissues Moreover, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection that reduce free radicals in the cells of those with diabetes One study assessed the effects of 6 grams of Korean red ginseng, along with the usual anti-diabetic medication or diet, in 19 people with type 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, they were able to maintain good blood sugar control throughout the week study. Another study showed that American ginseng helped improve blood sugar levels in 10 healthy people after they performed a sugary drink test It seems that fermented red ginseng could be even more effective at blood sugar control.
Fermented ginseng is produced with the help of live bacteria that transform the ginsenosides into a more easily absorbed and potent form In fact, a study demonstrated that taking 2. Summary Ginseng, particularly fermented red ginseng, may help increase insulin production, enhance blood sugar uptake in cells and provide antioxidant protection. Ginseng root can be consumed in many ways. It can be eaten raw or you can lightly steam it to soften it.
It can also be stewed in water to make a tea. To do this, just add hot water to freshly sliced ginseng and let it steep for several minutes. Ginseng can be added to various recipes like soups and stir-frys, too. And the extract can be found in powder, tablet, capsule and oil forms. How much you should take depends on the condition you want to improve. Overall, daily doses of 1—2 grams of raw ginseng root or — mg of extract are suggested. Summary Ginseng can be eaten raw, made into tea or added to various dishes.
It can also be consumed as a powder, capsule or oil. According to research, ginseng appears to be safe and should not produce any serious adverse effects. However, people taking diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when using ginseng to ensure these levels do not go too low.
Note that due to the lack of safety studies, ginseng is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lastly, there is evidence suggesting that the extended use of ginseng could decrease its effectiveness in the body.
To maximize its benefits, you should take ginseng in 2—3-week cycles with a one or two week break in between Summary While ginseng appears to be safe, people taking certain medications should pay attention to possible drug interactions.
Ginseng is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. It is commonly touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It could also help regulate blood sugar levels and have benefits for some cancers. Ginseng can be consumed raw or lightly steamed.
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