Asian ginseng

Overview
Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of
years. The name "ginseng" refers to both American (Panax
quinquefolius) and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which
are made up of similar chemicals. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero
(Eleutherococcus senticosus), on the other hand, is a completely
different plant and does not have the same active ingredients. Both
Asian and American ginseng have ginsenosides, which researchers
think are the active ingredients.
Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is a gnarled root that looks
like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. Long ago,
herbalists thought that because of the way ginseng looks it could
treat many problems, from fatigue and stress to asthma and
cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng was often
combined with other herbs. It was often used to bring long life,
strength, and wisdom to those who took it.
Today, ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," a substance
that is supposed to help the body better cope with mental or
physical stress. Scientists haven't found any evidence that
adaptogens exist. But ginseng has been studied for several
conditions, and it is one of the most popular herbs in the United

States.
Many studies of Asian or Korean ginseng have used combinations
of herbs, so it's not always possible to say whether ginseng by
itself did any good. Research on Asian ginseng has included:
Cold and Flu
It's been said that Asian ginseng boosts the immune system, which
might help the body fight off infection and disease. The best
evidence is that it may help reduce your risk of getting a cold or
flu. Studies have found that ginseng seems to increase the number
of immune cells in the blood, and improve the immune system's
response to a flu vaccine. In one study, 227 people got either
ginseng or placebo for 12 weeks, and got a flu vaccine after 4
weeks. The number of colds and flu were two-thirds lower in the
group that took ginseng.
Two studies found that ginseng lowered the chance of getting a
cold. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 323 people,
those who took 400 mg of ginseng daily for 4 months had fewer
colds. When they did get a cold, it didn't last a long or have as
severe symptoms as the people who took placebo.
Heart health
Asian ginseng seems to be an antioxidant. Antioxidants help rid
the body of free radicals, substances that can damage DNA and
contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Preliminary studies suggest Asian ginseng may improve the
symptoms of heart disease in people. It also may decrease "bad"
LDL cholesterol levels and raise "good" HDL cholesterol.
Its effect on blood pressure is more complicated. Some studies

have found it seems to lower blood pressure, while others find it

causes blood pressure to rise. That made some people to wonder if
ginseng may increase blood pressure at usual doses but lower it
when doses are higher. Until researchers know for sure, you should
not take ginseng if you have high blood pressure unless your
doctor tells you it's OK.
Type 2 diabetes
Although American ginseng has been studied more for diabetes,
both types of Panax ginsengs may lower blood sugar levels in
people with type 2 diabetes. However, in a few studies it looked
like Asian or Korean ginseng raised blood sugar levels. Some
people think that the ginsenosides in American ginseng might
lower blood sugar while different ginsenosides in Asian ginseng
could raise blood sugar levels. Until researchers know more, you
should not take ginseng if you have diabetes without your doctor's
strict supervision and monitoring.
Mental performance
People who take ginseng often say they feel more alert. Several
studies report that Asian ginseng may slightly improve thinking or
learning. Early research shows that Asian ginseng may improve
performance on such things as mental arithmetic, concentration,
memory, and other measures. Some studies have also found a
positive effect with the combination of Asian ginseng and Ginkgo
biloba.
Most of the studies have found that ginseng does improve mental
performance, but they have measured different kinds of mental
function. That makes it hard to know exactly what the effects of
ginseng are. For example, one study found that people who took

ginseng increased their ability for abstract thought, but didn't have
any changes in their reaction time or concentration levels.
Physical endurance
There have been a number of studies using Asian ginseng for
athletic performance in people and laboratory animals. Results
have been mixed, with some studies showing better strength and
endurance, others showing improved agility or reaction time, and
others showing no effect at all. Even so, athletes often take Asian
ginseng to boost both endurance and strength. Asian ginseng was
also found to reduce fatigue in a study of 332 people.
Stress and well-being
Asian ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," something that
helps the body deal with physical or mental stress. While that can
be difficult to study, there is some evidence that ginseng (both
Asian and American types) can improve quality of life -- although
quality of life can be hard to measure, too.
A study of 501 men and women living in Mexico City found
better quality of life measures (energy, sleep, sex life, personal
satisfaction, well-being) in those taking Asian ginseng. Another
well-designed study found that people who took a nutritional
supplement with ginseng said they had better quality of life than
those taking the same supplement without ginseng.
Fertility/erectile dysfunction
Asian ginseng is widely believed to boost sexual performance, but
there aren't many studies to back this up. In animal studies, Asian
ginseng has increased sperm production, sexual activity, and
sexual performance. A study of 46 men has also shown an increase

in sperm count as well as motility. Another study in 60 men found

that Asian ginseng increased sex drive and decreased erection
problems. Also in one study of 45 men, those who took 900 mg of
Korean ginseng 3 times per day for 8 weeks had less trouble
getting an erection than those who took placebo.
Cancer
Several studies suggest that Asian ginseng may reduce the risk of
some types of cancers. In one observational study, researchers
followed 4,634 people for 5 years and found that those who took
ginseng had lower risk of lung, liver, pancreatic, ovarian, and
stomach cancer. But the study could not be sure that other things - including healthy eating habits -- were responsible for the lower
risk of cancer. And it found that taking ginseng only 3 times a year
led to a big reduction in cancer risk, which is hard to believe.
A number of studies have found that Asian ginseng seems to slow
down or stop the growth of tumors, although researchers aren't yet
sure how it might work in humans. More research is needed.
Menopausal symptoms
There have been only a few studies of ginseng for menopausal
symptoms. Two well-designed studies evaluating red Korean
(Asian) ginseng suggest it may relieve some of the symptoms of
menopause, improving mood -- particularly feelings of depression
-- and sense of well-being. The ginseng was used along with a
vitamin and mineral supplement. But another double-blind,
placebo-controlled study of 384 women found no effect.

Plant Description

The ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight
stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center
and produce red berries. Ginseng has a taproot that looks a little
like the human body, with 2 "arms" and 2 "legs." Wrinkles around
the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. Ginseng is not ready
to be used as medicine until it has grown for about 6 years. Asian
or Chinese and Korean ginseng are the same plants, but grown in
different areas. American ginseng is a relative in the same species,
native to North America.

What's It Made Of?

Asian ginseng supplements are made from the ginseng root, and
the long, thin offshoots, called root hairs. Both Asian or Korean
and American ginseng have ginsenosides, saponins that are
ginseng's active ingredients. Asian ginseng also contains glycans
(panaxans), polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B
vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

Available Forms
White ginseng (dried, peeled) or red ginseng (unpeeled root,
steamed before drying) is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or
alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders or capsules. Asian ginseng
root is also available for making decoctions (boiling the root in
water).
Read the label carefully to make sure you get the type of ginseng
you want. If you are looking for Asian ginseng, make sure you buy
Korean, red, or Panax ginseng. If you are looking for American
ginseng, you should buy Panax quinquefolius. Eleuthero

(Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is sometimes called Siberian

ginseng, does not have the same active ingredients as Asian or
American ginseng.

How to Take It
Pediatric
Don't give ginseng to a child.
Adult
Asian ginseng comes in different forms and is often used in
combination with other herbs or nutrients. Talk with an
experienced health care practitioner to find the right dose for you.
In healthy people who want to boost physical or mental
performance, prevent illness, or better resist stress, Asian ginseng
should be taken in cycles. For example, take every day for 2 - 3
weeks, then stop for 3 weeks, then start back.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the
body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects
and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For
these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the
supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of
botanical medicine.
Asian ginseng may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, especially
if taken at high doses or combined with caffeine. Other side effects
are rare but may include:

High blood pressure

Insomnia
Restlessness
Anxiety
Euphoria
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Headache
Nosebleed
Breast pain
Vaginal bleeding
To avoid hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, even in people without
diabetes, take Asian ginseng with food.
People with high blood pressure should not take Asian ginseng
products without their doctor's supervision. People with low blood
pressure, as well as those who are sick, should use caution when
taking it.
People with bipolar disorder should not take ginseng, because it
may increase the risk of mania.
People with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus, or Crohn's disease, should ask their doctors before taking
Asian ginseng. Theoretically, Asian ginseng may boost an already
overactive immune system.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Asian ginseng.
Asian ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.
Women who have a history of breast cancer should not take
ginseng.

Stop taking Asian ginseng at least 7 days prior to surgery. Asian

ginseng may act as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding
during or after a procedure.

Possible Interactions
If you are currently taking any of the following medications, you
should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to your health
care provider:
ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medications) -- Asian ginseng
may interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
used to lower high blood pressure. These medications include:
Captopril (Capoten)
Benazepril (Lotensin)
Enalapril (Vasotec)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Fosinopril (Monopril)
Ramipril (Altace)
Perindopril (Aceon)
Quinapril (Accupril)
Moexipril (Univasc)
Trandolapril (Mavik)
Calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure
medications) -- Asian ginseng may make certain heart
medications, including calcium channel blockers, work differently
than intended. These medications include:
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Nifedipine (Procardia)
Blood-thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) -- Asian
ginseng may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already
take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or
clopidogrel (Plavix).
Caffeine -- Ginseng may make the effect of caffeine stronger,
possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular
heartbeat.
Diabetes medications, including insulin -- Ginseng may lower
blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or low
blood sugar.
Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Asian ginseng may
boost the immune system and may interact with drugs taken to
treat an autoimmune disease or drugs taken after organ transplant.
Stimulants -- Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect and side
effects of some medications take for attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine
(Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) -- Ginseng may increase
the risk of mania when taken with MAOIs, a kind of antidepressant.
There have been reports of interaction between ginseng and
phenelzine (Nardil) causing headaches, tremors, and mania. MAOIs
include:
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the painkilling effects of

morphine.
Furosemide (Lasix) -- Some researchers think Asian ginseng may
interfere with Lasix, a diuretic (water pill) that helps the body get
rid of excess fluid.
Other medications -- Asian ginseng may interact with medications
that are broken down by the liver. To be safe, if you take any
medications, ask your doctor before taking Asian ginseng.

Supporting Research
Adams LL, Gatchel RJ. Complementary and alternative medicine:
applications and implications for cognitive functioning in elderly
populations. Alt Ther. 2000;7(2):52-61.
Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan C-S. Herbal medicines and perioperative
care. JAMA. 2001;286(2):208-216.
Biondo PD, Robbins SJ, Walsh JD, McCargar LJ, Harber VJ, Field CJ. A
randomized controlled crossover trial of the effect of ginseng
consumption on the immune response to moderate exercise in
healthy sedentary men. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008
Oct;33(5):966-75.
Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J
Clin Nutr. 2000;72(2 Suppl):624S-636S.
Cardinal BJ, Engels HJ. Ginseng does not enhance psychological
well-being in healthy, young adults: Results of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Am Diet Assoc.
2001;101:655-660.

Chen CF, Chiou WF, Zhang JT. Comparison of the pharmacological

effects of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium. Acta Pharmacol
Sin. 2008 Sep;29(9):1103-8.
Coleman CI, Hebert JH, Reddy P. The effects of Panax ginseng on
quality of life. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003;28(1):5-15.
Ernst E. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal
therapies: ginkgo, St. John's wort, ginseng, echinacea, saw
palmetto, and kava. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(1):42-53.
Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet. 2000;355:134138.
Geng J, Dong J, Ni H, Lee MS, Wu T, Jiang K, Wang G, Zhou AL,
Malouf R. Ginseng for cognition. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2010 Dec 8;12:CD007769.
Gyllenhaal C, Merritt SL, Peterson SD, et al. Efficacy and safety of
herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev.
2000;4(2):229-251.
Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Gershwin ME, et al. Variability in
commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J
Clin Nutr. 2001;73:1101-1106.
Hartley DE, Elsabagh S, File SE. Gincosan (a combination of Ginkgo
biloba and Panax ginseng): the effects on mood and cognition of 6
and 12 weeks' treatment in post-menopausal women. Nutr
Neurosci. 2004;7(5-6):325-333.
Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between
alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm.
2000;57(13):1221-1227.

Heo JH, Lee ST, Chu K, Oh MJ, Park HJ, Shim JY, Kim M. An openlabel trial of Korean red ginseng as an adjuvant treatment for
cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Eur J
Neurol. 2008 Aug;15(8):865-8.
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(5):2070-2073.
Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and
prescribed drugs: a systematic review. Drugs. 2001;61(15):21632175.
Jang DJ, Lee MS, Shin BC, Lee YC, Ernst E. Red ginseng for treating
erectile dysfunction: a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008
Oct;66(4):444-50.
Jiang X, Williams KM, Liauw WS, et al. Effect of St John's wort and
ginseng on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of
warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2004;57(5):592599.
Kabalak AA, Soyal OB, Urfalioglu A, et al. Menometrorrhagia and
tachyarrhythmia after using oral and topical ginseng. J Womens
Health. (Larchmt ) 2004;13(7):830-833
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. Modulation of cognition and
mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba,
ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to heathy young
adults. Physiol Behav. 2002;75:739-751.
Kim JH, Park CY, Lee SJ. Effects of Sun Ginseng on subjective
quality of life in cancer patients: a double-blind, placebo-

controlled pilot trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2006;31:331-334.

Lieberman HR. The effects of ginseng, ephedrine, and caffeine on
cognitive performance, mood and energy. Nutr Rev.
2001;59(4):91-102.
Liu J, Burdette JE, Xu H, et al. Evaluation of estrogenic activity of
plant extracts for the potential treatment of menopausal
symptoms. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(5):2472-2479.
Mantle D, Lennard TWJ, Pickering AT. Therapeutic applications of
medicinal plants in the treatment of breast cancer: a review of their
pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. Adverse Drug React
Toxicol Rev. 2000;19(3):2223-240.
Mantle D, Pickering AT, Perry AK. Medicinal plant extracts for the
treatment of dementia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy,
and tolerability. CNS Drugs. 2000;13:201-213.
McElhaney JE, Gravenstein S, Cole SK, et al. A placebo-controlled
trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVTE002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older
adults. J Am GeriatrSoc. 2004;52:13-19.
McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, et al. Efficacy of COLD-fX in the
prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults:
a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial. J Altern
Complement Med. 2006;12:153-157.
Oh KJ, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park K. Effects of Korean red
ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebocontrolled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. 2010
Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1469-77.

Park SE, Park C, Kim SH, Hossain MA, Kim MY, Chung HY, et al.
Korean red ginseng extract induces apoptosis and decreases
telomerase activity in human leukemia cells. J Ethnopharmacol.
2009 Jan 21;121(2):304-12.
Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, et al. Efficacy of an extract of North
American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosylsaccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a
randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2005;173:1043-1048.
Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Panax ginseng (G115) improves
aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of
calmness in healthy young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010
Aug;25(6):462-71.
Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Ibarra A, Pipingas A, He K,
Roller M, Stough C. Effects of American ginseng (Panax
quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised,
double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Oct;212(3):345-56
Sinclaire S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental
considerations. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5(1):28-38.
Sung J, Han K-H, Zo J-H, et al. Effects of red ginseng upon vascular
endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension.
American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2000;28(2):205-216.
Vaes LP, Chyka PA. Interactions of warfarin with garlic, ginger,
ginkgo, or ginseng: nature of the evidence. Ann Pharmacother.
2000;34(12):1478-1482.
Wargovich MJ. Colon cancer chemoprevention with ginseng and
other botanicals. J Korean Med Sci. 2001;16 Suppl:S81-S86.

Alternative Names
Asiatic ginseng; Chinese ginseng; Korean red ginseng; Oriental
ginseng; Panax ginseng

Version Info
Last Reviewed on 01/27/2011
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private
practice specializing in complementary and alternative
medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that
A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability.
A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for
online health information and services. Learn more about
A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.
A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to
the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch)
The information provided herein should not be used during any

medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any

medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be

consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical
conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other
sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute
endorsements of those other sites. 1997- 2013 A.D.A.M., Inc.
Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein
is strictly prohibited.
This page was last updated: May 7, 2013

Find a Doctor Ask the Expert

Related Links
Patient Success Stories
Awards and Honors
2015 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights
reserved. UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical
System, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258 Physician Referral:
1.800.373.4111