Ginseng: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Korea Ginseng, Oriental Ginseng, Red Ginseng, Korean Red Ginseng
Scientific name(s)
Panax ginseng
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Ginsenosides
Saponins
Polysaccharides
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Male Fertility Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginsenosides have improved libido and erectile capacity in human research. Indeed, ginseng has been shown to increase sperm count in humans. Ginsenosides may also enhance sexual function. It has been demonstrated that ginsenosides increase nitric oxide release from the rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro and cause smooth muscle relaxation. Consequently, ginsenosides could help improve erectile function. Another study shows that taking a combination of 1660 mg of L-arginine, 150 mg of L-carnitine, 50 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine, and 200 mg of ginseng per day for 3 months increases sperm motility and sexual satisfaction in men suffering from infertility due to asthenospermia.
Posologie
Oral: root
2700 mg
8 - days
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Synergies
A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of the use of combined l-carnitine and l-acetyl-carnitine treatment in men with asthenozoospermia.
Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility.
[Clinical efficacy of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine on idiopathic asthenospermia].
Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia.
Clinical Efficacy Of Korean Red Ginseng For Erectile Dysfunction
Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review.
Effects of Korean ginseng berry extract on sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction: a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.
Study Of The Efficacy Of Korean Red Ginseng In The Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction
A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report.
Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction.
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
The World Health Organization recognizes as "clinically established" the use of ginseng for "improving physical and mental capacities during fatigue, exhaustion, concentration problems, and in convalescent individuals." The EMA (European Medicines Agency) indicates ginseng for asthenia symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Some studies have demonstrated its benefits; one gram of ginseng extract twice a day for 4 weeks reduced self-reported fatigue by 66% and mental fatigue by 50% compared to placebo in patients with chronic fatigue.
Posologie
Oral route: root
200 - 1000 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Panax Ginseng for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Cancer.
Ginseng in the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study
Antifatigue Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Immune Strengthening ✪✪✪✪✪
The National Institutes of Health in the United States considers the use of ginseng as "based on good scientific evidence" for "stimulating the immune system during respiratory infections." In humans, taking ginseng combined with a flu vaccine enhances the effect of the vaccine: increased antibodies and Natural Killer lymphocytes.
Posologie
Oral route: root
200 - 670 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Panax Ginseng Induces Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines via Toll-Like Receptor
[Immunotropic Activity of Panaxans--Bioglycans Isolated From Ginseng]
Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (G115) on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering with chronic bronchitis
Panax Ginseng as a Potential Immunomodulator: Studies in Mice
Ginsenosides From Panax Ginseng Differentially Regulate Lymphocyte Proliferation
Wild Panax Ginseng (Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer) Protects Against Methotrexate-Induced Cell Regression by Enhancing the Immune Response in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Alzheimer's Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily ginseng supplementation improves cognitive functions in Alzheimer's patients.
Posologie
Oral route: root
4.5 - 9 g
12 - weeks
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
Some studies suggest that combining Ginkgo with Ginseng may enhance cognitive functions and memory, particularly in young and healthy subjects, more effectively than Ginkgo alone. The synergy improves memory by approximately 7.5%. Additionally, daily ginseng supplementation might improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's patients. Larger doses have been used (4 to 9 g).
Posologie
Oral route: root
60 - 240 mg
12 - weeks
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Synergies
Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers: differential interactions with cognitive demand.
Panax ginseng enhances cognitive performance in Alzheimer disease.
Panax Ginseng Components and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (Review)
Neuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants.
The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers.
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.
The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers.
The psychopharmacological effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in normal healthy volunteers.
Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults.
Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers.
Differential, dose dependent changes in cognitive performance following acute administration of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination to healthy young volunteers.
An open-label trial of Korean red ginseng as an adjuvant treatment for cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers: differential interactions with cognitive demand.
The effects of acute doses of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract on memory and psychomotor performance in volunteers.
Treatment of age-related memory complaints with Ginkgo biloba extract: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study.
Ginkgo biloba special extract LI 1370 improves dual-task walking in patients with MCI: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study.
Phase II study of Ginkgo biloba in irradiated brain tumor patients: effect on cognitive function, quality of life, and mood.
Safety and effectiveness of a traditional ginkgo fresh plant extract - results from a clinical trial.
An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults.
Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine.
The Standardised G115® Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findings.
The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of cognitive decline.
Improve Adaptation Capacity ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical and in vivo trials show that taking ginseng improves stress adaptation: preparation for an exam, sustained intellectual effort, cold, significant physical activity...
Posologie
Oral route: root
200 - 670 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Stimulation of Pituitary-Adrenocortical System by Ginseng Saponin
Ginseng Clinical Data in Stress Situations
Effects of Panax Ginseng on Quality of Life
Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine Group.
Efficacy of Panax ginseng Meyer Herbal Preparation HRG80 in Preventing and Mitigating Stress-Induced Failure of Cognitive Functions in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults.
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
An increase in the three main antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) appears to moderately occur following the intake of ginseng extracts.
Posologie
Oral route: root
2 - 6 g
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Beneficial effects of Korean red ginseng on lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, and LDL oxidation in healthy participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Flu ✪✪✪✪✪
Some preliminary clinical research shows that taking a standardized ginseng extract (G115) at a dose of 200 mg per day, starting 4 weeks before flu vaccination and continuing for 8 weeks thereafter, can reduce the relative risk of contracting the flu or cold by 65% compared to placebo. Similarly, clinical research conducted on healthy adults shows that taking a ginseng extract at a dose of 1 g three times a day for 12 weeks reduces the relative risk of developing an acute flu infection by 45% compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route: root
200 mg
8 - weeks
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Sexual Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The intake of Korean red ginseng, at a dose of 3 g per day for 8 weeks seems to improve sexual arousal and satisfaction compared to placebo in menopausal women. Additionally, other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combined product containing ginkgo leaf extract, ginseng root extract, damiana leaf extract, L-arginine, multivitamins, and minerals for 4 weeks may improve sexual satisfaction compared to placebo in women reporting sexual dysfunction.
Posologie
Oral route: root
3 g
dry extract
The enhancement of female sexual function with ArginMax, a nutritional supplement, among women differing in menopausal status
A double-blind placebo-controlled study of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement for enhancement of female sexual function
Respiratory infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research suggests that ginseng may reduce the relative risk of developing an acute respiratory infection. A small clinical study shows that taking a specific ginseng extract (G115) at 100 mg twice daily for 9 days may be beneficial when used as an adjunct in treating acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Under these conditions, ginseng combined with antibiotic therapy might reduce the number of bronchial bacteria more than antibiotic therapy alone. Furthermore, ginseng significantly improves lung functions and may improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the laboratory, it has been shown that ginsenosides induce a nitric oxide-mediated relaxation effect in bronchial smooth muscle and pulmonary endothelium.
Posologie
Oral route: root
200 - 3000 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Oral ginseng formulae for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (G115) on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering with chronic bronchitis
Ginsenoside-induced relaxation of human bronchial smooth muscle via release of nitric oxide
The inhibitory effect of ginsan on TGF-b2 mediated fibrotic process
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary data suggests that ginseng may reduce tissue insulin resistance and changes in gene expression related to type II diabetes.
Posologie
Oral route: root
0.2 - 6 g
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Properties
Adaptogen
Ginseng roots contain triterpenic saponins, ginsenosides, of which there are several varieties. Adaptogenic substances are believed to combat stress and promote the return to balance. In vitro tests (on cell cultures) and in animals, studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate certain immune cells (lymphocytes) and encourage them to produce interferons (substances capable of neutralizing certain viruses). Moreover, these extracts seem able to increase blood cortisol levels (the hormone that allows us to respond to stress) and inhibit the action of prolactin (a hormone that decreases sexual desire in men).
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Ginseng exhibits antioxidant activity in human research, likely due to its ginsenoside content. These components have the ability to activate antioxidant enzymes that are important for maintaining cell viability. They reduce the level of oxygen radicals generated by intracellular metabolism. In vivo in mice, ginseng increases the protein expression and activity of glutathione peroxidase and SOD (superoxide dismutase) and normalizes the expression of HO-1 (heme oxygenase, an enzyme playing a key role in antioxidant defenses).
Usages associés
Cognitive function
Clinical and in vivo studies show that taking ginseng improves stress adaptation, mood, cognitive performance (like concentration or attention), and mental fatigue. These effects are likely due to a regulation of cerebral neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA).
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Ginseng appears to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells and potentially other activities of the immune system. In animal research, it has been demonstrated that ginseng enhances cellular immune function by stimulating the activity of natural killer cells and increasing antibody production. It has also been shown that ginseng stimulates macrophage activity as well as lymphocytes in general. The mechanisms of action are likely related to the stimulation of inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide production.
Usages associés
Neurological
Ginseng has anxiolytic effects according to animal studies. Additionally, ginseng protects the brain, notably thanks to a component called ginsenoside Rg3. This component helps protect the brain against damage caused by a lack of blood flow, a condition known as cerebral ischemia. The ginsenosides in ginseng also stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells. They may help protect the brain by activating certain natural processes of the body. Furthermore, these ginsenosides can prevent the death of nerve cells and reduce inflammation in microglial cells responsible for waste removal in the brain.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
Ginseng is commonly used to increase fertility and libido in both men and women. It has been shown that ginseng increases sperm count in both animals and humans. The constituent ginsenosides may have effects that enhance sexual function. It has been demonstrated that ginsenosides increase nitric oxide release from the rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro and cause smooth muscle relaxation.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
Ginsenosides and other constituents of ginseng, such as panaxynol, seem to interfere with platelet activation, aggregation, and coagulation in vitro. Additionally, non-saponin constituents of ginseng inhibit platelet response to thrombin as well as platelet activation.
Respiratory effect
Ginsenosides have shown a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi and lung tissues, thus improving respiratory functions.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Ginseng has been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation following physical exercise in both laboratory and human research. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng are likely linked to the inhibitory effects of ginsenosides on inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and inflammatory eicosanoids.
Antiviral
Some studies indicate that ginseng may have antiviral activity. Clinical research suggests that taking Panax ginseng reduces the frequency of developing an acute respiratory illness like the common cold or flu. The anti-rotavirus effects of Panax ginseng seem to be due to pectic polysaccharide constituents, which may inhibit virus binding to cells.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
Ginseng significantly lowers postprandial blood glucose and body weight in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Some research suggests that ginseng might actually increase postprandial blood sugar and lower preprandial insulin levels. Ginseng contains peptidoglycans, panaxans, which have hypoglycemic effects in clinical research. Malonyl-ginsenosides, found in ginseng roots, also reduce blood glucose levels in a diabetic animal model.
Usages associés
Hepatoprotective
Ginseng possesses a hepatoprotective effect thanks to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 200 mg - 2000 mg (standardized extract)
Extract equivalent to 0.5-2 g of raw ginseng root. Standardized extract: 0.4-4.0% total ginsenosides calculated as ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), triptans.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI): moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), triptans.
Triptans: moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), triptans.
Antidiabetic: moderate interaction
Theoretically, concomitant use could enhance hypoglycemic effects. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Immunosuppressant: moderate interaction
Due to its immunostimulating properties, simultaneous use of Ginseng with immunosuppressive therapy is not recommended.
Insulin: moderate interaction
Ginseng may have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with insulin. Dosage adjustments of insulin may be necessary: seek medical advice.
Midazolam: moderate interaction
Midazolam is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, ginseng may induce CYP3A4 and increase the clearance of Midazolam.
Nifedipine: moderate interaction
Preliminary clinical research shows that concomitant use may increase serum levels of Nifedipine in healthy volunteers. This could affect blood pressure lowering.
Warfarin: mild interaction
Some research in humans and animals suggests that ginseng does not affect the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. However, other research in humans suggests ginseng may modestly increase the clearance of the S-warfarin isomer.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Hypoglycemic: mild interaction
Ginseng may enhance the effect of herbs or supplements with hypoglycemic properties (psyllium, glucomannan, fenugreek, for example).
Ginseng: strong interaction
Ginseng may enhance the effect of foods, herbs, or supplements with stimulant properties (coffee, tea, guarana, chocolate, etc.).
Precautions
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Insufficient data.
Sleep disorders: use with caution
Theoretically, ginseng could worsen insomnia. High doses of ginseng have been associated with insomnia.
Hormone-sensitive conditions: avoid
Theoretically, ginseng could increase the development of hormone-sensitive tumors such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Preliminary evidence shows that it may have estrogenic effects. Estrogenic activity is attributed to ginsenosides.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Ginsenoside Rb1, an active constituent of ginseng, has teratogenic effects in animal models.
Children up to 18 years: prohibited
Use of ginseng in newborns is associated with toxicity that can lead to death. There is little reliable information on its use in older children.
