This guidance is from NatMed Pro, the most comprehensive resource for natural medicines and complementary therapies.
You’ll get questions about Panax ginseng for a variety of uses...including boosting immunity, memory, and physical or sexual function.
It has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and as an “adaptogen”...to help the body resist stress.
Patients will see many types of ginseng in stores, but the most common is Panax ginseng...also called Korean ginseng. It’s classified as fresh, red, or white ginseng...according to how it’s processed.
Help patients sort out claims about this popular herb.
For example, taking Panax ginseng 1 gram three times daily for 12 weeks seems to reduce the risk of developing an acute influenza infection. But it doesn’t seem to affect flu symptom duration or severity.
And taking Panax ginseng 1,000 to 2,700 mg/day for 8 weeks seems to improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Panax ginseng also seems to improve measures of cognitive function, such as abstract thinking, attention, and math skills, in healthy, middle-aged people. But it doesn’t seem to improve cognitive function in young adults...and any benefit seems to depend on the inclusion of ginkgo.
On the other hand, Panax ginseng doesn’t seem to improve athletic performance when compared with placebo. And data are too limited to know if Panax ginseng is beneficial for many uses...anxiety, depression, etc.
If patients try Panax ginseng, explain that it’s generally well tolerated when used for up to 6 months. But avoid continuous prolonged use...due to concern about potential hormone-like effects.
Watch for possible drug interactions. For instance, Panax ginseng may inhibit CYP3A4...and increase levels and effects of meds metabolized by this enzyme (citalopram, sildenafil, etc).
Caution to avoid Panax ginseng in pregnancy...it has teratogenic effects in animal studies. And counsel to avoid Panax ginseng with lactation...due to insufficient reliable evidence.
Get the complete Panax ginseng monograph in NatMed Pro...and share our patient handout to guide safety and efficacy discussions.
- TRC Healthcare. Panax Ginseng. [Natural Medicines website]. December 31, 2024. Available at: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=1000 (Accessed March 19, 2025).