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. China Ginseng Extract
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.
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.
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/deciliters 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.
An earlier systematic review concluded that, based on the available research, the effect of Panax ginseng on blood sugar management for people with diabetes is not convincing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Allergic reactions, severe rash, and liver damage are less common side effects but can be serious.
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:
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. When taken in capsules, dosages can range from 100–600 mg per day in divided doses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Follow manufacturer directions for the best way to store Panax ginseng. Always keep out of reach of children and pets.
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:
There is evidence to suggest that Panax ginseng may improve erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms. However, authors of recent systematic reviews also stated that the quality of the studies didn't allow them to make definitive conclusions.
Another review found that ginseng may have a trivial effect on 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.
A review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that there is not enough evidence to say that Panax ginseng enhances cognition in healthy people. Nor is there high-quality research to support its use for people with dementia.
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:
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.
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.
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By Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N, CNSC, FAND Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N-AP, CNSC, FAND is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and writer with over 20 years of experience in clinical nutrition. Her experience ranges from counseling cardiac rehabilitation clients to managing the nutrition needs of complex surgical patients.
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