HERBS: Ginseng (Asian)

Ginseng (Asian)

Panax ginseng

Chinese ginseng, panax, ren shen, jintsam, ninjin, Asiatic ginseng, Japanese ginseng, Oriental ginseng, Korean red ginseng

Ginsana�, G115�, Ginsai�

To treat angina: Some laboratory studies show that Panax ginseng can increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilator, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can treat angina.�
To treat diabetes: No scientific evidence supports this use.�
To maintain general health: No scientific evidence supports this use. The long-term effects of Panax ginseng are not known.
To treat HIV and AIDS: Research in humans shows that Panax ginseng stimulates certain aspects of the immune system, and although one small clinical trial supports this use, more research is necessary.
To stimulate the immune system: Clinical trials support this use, although the long-term effects of Panax ginseng are still not known.�
To improve blood clotting: No scientific evidence supports this use.�
To relieve pain: No scientific evidence supports this use.�
To treat sexual dysfunction: One clinical trial supports the use of Panax ginseng for male erectile dysfunction.
To improve strength and stamina: Several clinical trials do not support this use.

Discontinue ginseng at least one week before surgery.

Panax ginseng may have estrogenic activity, but data are inconsistent. Patients with hormone-sensitive disease should not consume panax ginseng.

Common: Usually well tolerated.
Reported: Dry mouth, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and nervousness.
Case report: A 26 year old male with no history of mental illness became manic following chronic consumption of 250 mg panax ginseng capsules three times a day. Symptoms, including irritability, insomnia, flight of ideas, and rapid speech, resolved following discontinuation of supplement.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Panax ginseng may cause manic-like symptoms when combined with MAOIs.
Insulin and sulfonylureas: Panax ginseng may increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and sulfonylureas.
Anticoagulants: Panax ginseng may antagonize the effects of anticoagulants.

2. Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, 2nd ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999.

4. Cheng TO. Panax (ginseng) is not a panacea. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:3329.

9. Engelberg D, McCutcheon A, Wiseman S. A case of ginseng-induced mania. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2001;21:535-6.

10. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3rd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.

11. Hall T, et al. Evaluation of consistency of standardized Asian ginseng products in the ginseng evaluation program. Herbalgram 2001;52:31-45.

15. Ang-lee M, et al. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA 2001;286:208-16.