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Ginseng

adaptogenic properties and traditional use for energy and vitality

Evidence · Grade B
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Ginseng is a traditional adaptogenic herb, primarily from the Panax genus, commonly used for energy, cognitive support, and stress adaptation, though scientific evidence for many uses is still emerging.

Ginseng refers to the roots of several plant species in the genus Panax, most notably Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). It has been traditionally used for centuries in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, for its purported adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are substances believed to help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. Ginseng is often consumed as a dietary supplement, in teas, or as an ingredient in various food products. While widely used, the scientific evidence supporting many of its traditional applications is still developing, and research often focuses on its potential effects on energy, cognitive function, and immune support.

Quick answer

What it is: Ginseng refers to the roots of several plant species in the genus Panax, most notably Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng).

May support:Primary Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, Erectile Dysfunction, Hypothyroidism, Burnout, Thyroid Disorders, Subclinical Hypothyroidism, COPD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Adrenal Fatigue

Evidence:Evidence · Grade B

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade B

Given the absence of specific PubMed studies provided, the current understanding of ginseng's efficacy is based on a broad body of existing research, including in vitro, animal, and human studies. However, the quality and consistency of human clinical trials vary, with many studies being small, short-term, or having methodological limitations. Therefore, claims regarding its benefits are often qualified as 'may help' or 'limited evidence suggests' due to the need for more robust, large-scale, and well-designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy for specific conditions.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

The primary active compounds in ginseng, called ginsenosides, are believed to interact with various physiological systems, potentially influencing neurotransmitter activity, hormone regulation, and immune responses.

How it works in more detail

Ginsenosides, a class of triterpene saponins, are considered the main pharmacologically active components of ginseng. Different ginsenosides (e.g., Rb1, Rg1, Re) may exert diverse effects. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and influence on nitric oxide synthesis. Ginsenosides may also affect neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and dopamine, and have been shown to interact with steroid hormone receptors. The specific mechanisms can vary depending on the ginseng species and the particular ginsenoside profile.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Typical forms
capsule, tablet, powder, tea, tincture, extract
Quality markers
Look for products that specify the species of ginseng (e.g., Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius) and are standardized to a certain percentage of ginsenosides. Reputable brands often provide third-party testing for purity and potency. Organic certification can indicate fewer pesticide residues. The a
Medication interactions
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiplatelet drugs
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Antidiabetic drugs
  • Stimulants
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Corticosteroids
Avoid if
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Taking blood thinners
  • Have an autoimmune disease
  • Have hormone-sensitive cancer
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Are a child

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Active medicinal compounds

Ginsenosides (e.g., Rb1, Rg1, Re, Rd, Rc, Rb2, Rh2, F2, F11), polysaccharides, peptides, polyacetylenes, and flavonoids.

Traditional use

Ginseng has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other East Asian traditional systems, dating back thousands of years. It was traditionally revered as a tonic herb, believed to restore qi (vital energy), enhance physical and mental endurance, promote longevity, and support overall well-being. Different forms and preparations were used for various purposes, from improving concentration to aiding recovery from illness. American ginseng was also traditionally used by Native American tribes for similar health-promoting purposes.

Safety

Safety warnings

Ginseng is generally considered safe for short-term use by most healthy adults. However, it may cause side effects, particularly with long-term use or high doses. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, hormone-sensitive cancers, or bleeding disorders, should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children should avoid ginseng due to insufficient safety data. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Avoid if

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Taking blood thinners
  • Have an autoimmune disease
  • Have hormone-sensitive cancer
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Are a child

Medication interactions

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiplatelet drugs
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Antidiabetic drugs
  • Stimulants
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Corticosteroids

Reported side effects

  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Digestive upset
  • Nervousness
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Allergic reactions

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (B)

Given the absence of specific PubMed studies provided, the current understanding of ginseng's efficacy is based on a broad body of existing research, including in vitro, animal, and human studies. However, the quality and consistency of human clinical trials vary, with many studies being small, short-term, or having methodological limitations. Therefore, claims regarding its benefits are often qualified as 'may help' or 'limited evidence suggests' due to the need for more robust, large-scale, and well-designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy for specific conditions.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(5)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality
  • Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.

    Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A, Grande G, Ferlin A, Garolla A · Nutrients · 2023

    The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements (DSs), which are a mixture of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. In randomized controlled trials, the molecules contained in DSs have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, or even have no evidence to support their use. However, none of the studies carried out provided sufficient evidence to consider these products a first-line therapy. Therefore, the combination of the various active ingredients, especially in relation to the daily dose, leaves doubts about the real effectiveness. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS formulations, we analyzed the products marketed in Italy using a scoring approach. A systematic review of the litera

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Ginseng for erectile dysfunction.

    Lee HW, Lee MS, Kim TH, Alraek T, Zaslawski C, Kim JW · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2021 · n=587

    Dietary supplements with ginseng, or ginseng alone, are widely used for a broad range of conditions, including erectile dysfunction. Ginseng is particularly popular in Asian countries. Individual studies assessing its effects are mostly small, of uneven methodological quality and have unclear results. To assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction. We conducted systematic searches on multiple electronic databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and loco-regional databases of east Asia, from their inceptions to 30 January 2021 without restrictions on language and publication status. Handsearches included conference proceedings. We included randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of any type of ginseng as a treatment for erectile dysfunction compared to placebo or conventional treatment. Two authors independently classified studies and three authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives.

    Todorova V, Ivanov K, Delattre C, Nalbantova V, Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Ivanova S · Nutrients · 2021

    Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history-they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Systematic Reviews(8)

Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).

Very High Quality
  • Herbal medicines in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An updated systematic review of clinical trials.

    Golsorkhi H, Qorbani M, Sabbaghzadegan S, Dadmehr M · Avicenna journal of phytomedicine · 2023

    This study was performed to provide an updated systematic review of herbal medicines and phytochemicals used for treatment of the pediatric patients with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were investigated from 1st January 2000 to late October 2021. Interventional studies published in English language, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or open-label clinical studies, which evaluated the effect of herbal medicines and phytochemicals on pediatric ADHD were included in this review. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several pieces of evidence support the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba L. and Pycnogenol; mainly inconclusive evidence could be found for Valeriana officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., and ginseng. The results showed that while Hypericum perforatum L. was ineffective for ADHD, Passiflora incarnata L., Crocus sativus L, and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
  • Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review.

    Manouchehri A, Abbaszadeh S, Ahmadi M, Nejad FK, Bahmani M, Dastyar N · JBRA assisted reproduction · 2023 · n=15

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs. The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021. A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, a

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
  • Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.

    Leisegang K, Finelli R · Arab journal of urology · 2021

    Objectives: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal remedies in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review using specific keyword combinations was conducted on the PubMed and Scopus databases. Randomised controlled trials investigating herbal medicine in at least one group and using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as an outcome in patients primarily diagnosed with ED were included for review. Results: Following the literature search, screening and eligibility analysis, a total of 42 articles were included. The 42 articles were categorised as single herb extractions (n = 14), combination herbal formula (n = 5), combination of herbal formula and non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 7), non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 5), acupu

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality

Observational Studies(7)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality
  • Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss: A Review of Efficacy and Safety.

    Ahmed A, Alali AM, Abdullah E, Alharbi MN, Alayoubi HM · Skin appendage disorders · 2025

    Hair loss (HL) is a prevalent condition worldwide; it can affect both males and females of different age groups. Despite the availability of many conventional treatment options, these might be linked to causing different side effects, leading to a growing interest in natural and herbal remedies (HRs). This review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of various HRs for HL and examine the current scientific evidence behind them. A literature search used several studies to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024. The search terms included HL, alopecia, HRs, and names of specific herbs such as rosemary, saw palmetto, onion juice, Korean red ginseng, pumpkin seed oil, azelaic acid, olive oil, coconut oil, henna, honey, rice bran extract, Ashwagandha, and amla. Studies have suggested potential benefits in promoting hair growth and treating various forms of HL. These remedies were found to be effective in different conditions, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effl

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.

    Thompson A, Hynicka LM, Shere-Wolfe KD · Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) · 2023

    Lyme disease is the most common, tick-borne disease in the USA. While most patients successfully recover with antibiotics, some patients experience persistent symptoms for months to years. Patients who attribute chronic symptoms to Lyme disease commonly use herbal supplements. The complexity, variability in dose and formulation, and lack of data for these herbal compounds make it difficult to assess their efficacy and safety. This review examines the evidence for the antimicrobial activity, safety, and drug-drug interactions of 18 herbal supplements that patients commonly use for treatment of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. The research team performed a narrative review by searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Natural Medicines databases, and NCCIH website. The search used the keywords for 18 herbal compounds: (1) andrographis (Andrographis paniculate), (2) astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), (3) berberine, (4) cat's claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa), (5) cordyceps (Cordy

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • Sexual Performance Anxiety.

    Pyke RE · Sexual medicine reviews · 2020

    Sexual performance anxiety (SPA) is one of the most prevalent sexual complaints; yet, no diagnosis is recognized for either gender. Thus, research into treatment has been minimal. Review the prevalence of SPA and its relation to sexual dysfunctions and anxiety disorders. Compare SPA to (non-sexual) performance anxiety and social anxiety (PA/SA). Apply pharmacologic principles to the known properties of drugs and phytotherapies to hypothesize treatments for SPA. Review SPA and PA/SA through PubMed searches for relevant literature from 2000 to 2018. Prevalence was estimated using population-representative surveys. For treatment results, controlled clinical trial results were prioritized over open-label trial results. SPA affects 9-25% of men and contributes to premature ejaculation and psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). SPA affects 6-16% of women and severely inhibits sexual desire. Cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation training have been proven effective for

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(3)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality
  • A Pilot Evaluation of Two Dosing Schedules of American Ginseng Extract in Pediatric Upper Respiratory Tract Infection.

    n=75 · NCT00255307 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    This is a randomized double-blind three-arm trial to evaluate two dosages of CVT-E002 against placebo in pediatric upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). It is hypothesized that CVT-E002 use at standard doses reduces the duration of URTI in children aged 3-12 years.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Impact of Korean Red Ginseng on Fatigue in Patients With Rheumatic Disease

    n=120 · NCT03983408 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

    The objective of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and open-label extension study is to figure out the impact of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Effective Mechanisms of Wu-Chu-Yu Tang on Gastroesophageal Disorder

    n=55 · NCT04118647 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

    Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is due to gastric content reflux to esophagus cause symptom and complication including intra-esophagus such as reflux esophagitis, and extra-esophagus such as cough etc. Because the changes of dietary habit, and improvement of examination skill and data analysis, the prevalence of GERD increased 2.5 multiple from 1995 to 2002, and suggesting the prevalence is 25% in Taiwan community. The etiology of GERD is multi-effect, such as transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and abnormal pressure of lower esophageal sphincter, which may induced the esophageal mucosal injury by gastric acid, bile or pancreases enzyme. Wu-Chu-Yu tang consists of Evodia fargesii Dode (Evodia Fruit), Panax ginseng C. (Ginseng), Ziziphus jujube Mill (Chinses Date), Zingiber officinale Rosee (Fresh Ginger).According to "I-Fang-Chi-Chieh" and "Shanghonzobinglun" recordings that Wu-Chu-Yu tang can treat vomiting, and also can relax gastric tonicity and can enhance peristalsis of stomach. According to Randomized, double blind, placebo control trial to evaluate the efficacy of Wu-Chu-Yu Tang on gastroesophageal reflux disease, we know the Wu-Chu-Yu tang have the equivalent effect proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. But, the mechanism of Wu-Chu-Yu tang is still unknown.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation in the current evidence base for ginseng is the variability in study design, ginseng species used (e.g., Panax ginseng vs. Panax quinquefolius), extraction methods, and standardization of active compounds (ginsenosides). Many human studies are small, have short durations, or lack appropriate control groups. Publication bias and heterogeneity in results also contribute to challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. The absence of specific studies for the linked ailments means that any potential benefits are speculative without direct evidence.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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