Ginseng supplements -
The most common type of ginseng supplement comes from Panax ginseng , which roughly translates to "all-healing man-root. Other sources of ginseng include American ginseng Panax quinquefolius and Tianqi ginseng Panax notoginseng.
This root has been used for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine and is said to improve physical and mental performance and increase the body's ability to respond to stress. Outside of the ginseng supplements available for purchase over-the-counter, ginseng can be consumed in many different forms.
The raw root can be peeled and chewed, soaked in wine to make an extract for drinking, or boiled to make a tea. Dried ginseng can be soaked or boiled until it is soft and then stewed to make an extract for drinking.
Ginseng is a common ingredient in many energy drinks and teas and it is a regular addition to Asian cuisine. The desire to use natural products that are not mass-produced is understandable. However, it is important to acknowledge that these herbal and homemade treatments come with their own risks.
No two ginseng roots are the same, and there is no way to guarantee how much if any active ingredient from the ginseng is being ingested when using the natural root.
In general, ginseng use is well tolerated, but some patients experience side effects when taking it. Side effects associated with both Asian and American ginseng include nervousness, insomnia, changes in blood pressure, breast pain, vaginal bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, and mania.
There have been rare reports of patients experiencing severe symptoms like inflammation of the arteries in the brain cerebral arteritis , severe skin reactions Stevens-Johnson syndrome , inflammation of the liver cholestatic hepatitis , and anaphylactic allergic reactions.
Ginseng has also been shown to interact with other herbal products, prescribed medications, and foods. This list includes caffeine, alcohol, blood-thinners, medications for the treatment of HIV, diabetic medications, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, bitter orange, ephedra, and bitter mallow.
Avoiding these interactions is why it is important to speak to your physician and pharmacist before taking products like ginseng. There are a few studies showing that ginseng use is possibly effective in improving cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, influenza, fatigue related to multiple sclerosis, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and sexual arousal.
This research is preliminary or limited in many of these studies and further study is needed. In , the New York Attorney General's office tested herbal products from four major retailers GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.
Ginseng supplements from each of these retailers was included in the testing. A review found that American ginseng helped reduce fatigue associated with chronic illness. Participants benefited the most from taking 2, milligrams mg of American ginseng daily for eight weeks. Another review found that American ginseng had similar effects in reducing fatigue in adult cancer patients.
Ginseng is often advertised as an alternative therapy to help treat and prevent the common cold and influenza. Research has found the root of the Asian ginseng plant has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
A study of healthy adults also found taking 2 g of Asian ginseng daily for eight weeks helped increase immune cell levels. However, human studies are small and have other factors that may have affected results.
A specific American ginseng extract, COLD-FX CVT-E , has been studied to treat cold and flu symptoms. A small study of adults aged 65 and older found taking two capsules of mg for four months helped decrease the duration and risk of cold and flu symptoms.
However, the study only included 43 adults in the same community. The participants were also not experiencing an influenza outbreak and got flu shots after one month of ginseng treatments.
Another research review, including 10 clinical trials with American and Asian ginseng, found that ginseng may help treat and prevent seasonal respiratory infections.
However, this is not enough evidence to confirm that ginseng helps boost the immune system to fight or prevent illness. Ginseng supplements come in tablets, capsules, extracts, or powders.
Tablets or capsules typically contain the ground-up root or an extract of one or more types of ginseng root. People are usually advised to take one to two ginseng capsules twice daily with food. The number of capsules may vary depending on the supplement dosage.
Ginseng root extract powder can be dissolved in water, juice, or smoothies. Powders are often in higher dosages than tablets or capsules. You may also find smaller amounts of ginseng added to energy drinks and herbal teas.
While not as common, you can consume ginseng in its plant form by:. There is no standard ginseng dosage recommendation. The dosage depends on the type of ginseng and the amount of ginsenosides. Research suggests adults may safely take mg of American ginseng. Safe Asian ginseng dosages range from mg to 3 g per day.
Ginseng is considered safe for the average healthy adult when used short term, but it is not safe for everyone. American ginseng is likely safe for up to 12 weeks, and Asian ginseng may be safe for up to six months.
Ginseng's long-term health effects are unknown, but you may be more susceptible to side effects like headaches. Asian ginseng may also cause sleep issues and act like estrogen hormones if used longer than six months. It is not well-known if ginseng is safe for children, and Asian ginseng has been linked to poisoning in newborns.
As a result, you should avoid giving ginseng to children and infants. However, studies have found kids could safely take the American ginseng extract Cold-FX CVT-E in 4.
If you have any of the following conditions, you should also avoid ginseng or talk to your healthcare provider before trying ginseng as a dietary supplement:. Both American and Asian ginseng can interact with medications.
You should avoid ginseng if you take the following medications:. Asian ginseng, specifically, may also react with medications like:. Supplements are not regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration like drugs.
The FDA does not have to approve supplement claims on labels before they go to market. In addition, ginseng supplements may contain different types of ginseng with varying amounts of ginsenosides.
For these reasons, purchasing ginseng supplements that are third-party tested and transparent about their ingredients is important. When purchasing a ginseng supplement, the label should include the following:. Knowing how much ginsenosides you are getting is impossible if you plan to consume ginseng directly from the plant.
You will also want to check your state's regulations on harvesting ginseng outside your home. Sometimes it is not legal to gather ginseng on state and federal land.
It may also require a permit. Yes, you can take too much ginseng and experience uncomfortable side effects. However, there has not been enough testing to prove a toxic amount of ginseng for adults. People who take more than mg of American ginseng and 3 g of Asian ginseng per day are more likely to encounter side effects.
Taking ginseng for prolonged periods may also increase your risk of side effects. Sleep problems are the most common side effect of taking Asian and American ginseng. Other side effects of ingesting ginseng include:. Ginseng is often advertised as an herb that promotes overall well-being, energy, and stress reduction.
Actual research shows the herb may help improve blood sugar, cholesterol, immune health, and fatigue. However, we need more high-quality human studies to confirm supplementing American or Asian ginseng has proven health benefits. If you still want to take ginseng, talk to your healthcare provider before taking the supplement.
Taking ginseng for a few weeks or months is unlikely to cause harm if you are a healthy adult, but ginseng can affect blood clotting and interact with medications.
Yang Y, Ren C, Zhang Y, Wu X. Ginseng: An nonnegligible natural remedy for healthy aging. Aging Dis. American ginseng. Panax ginseng. Seo BY, Choi MJ, Kim JS, Park E. Comparative analysis of ginsenoside profiles: Antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antigenotoxic activities of Gginseng extracts of fine and main roots.
Prev Nutr Food Sci. Gui QF, Xu ZR, Xu KY, Yang YM. The efficacy of ginseng-related therapies in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine Baltimore. Shishtar E, Sievenpiper JL, Djedovic V, et al.
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Some side effects are Ginseng supplements Mood boosting exercises Ginseng supplements natural toxicity of supplemenys plants they come from or Ginnseng problems Mindful food journaling Ginsneg. According to the American Botanical Council, the use of herbal sulplements in the US has been steadily increasing. As these products become more popular, we should ask ourselves: are they actually safe and effective? Ginseng, a regularly top-selling herbal supplement, comes from the root part of several plant species in the Panax genus. The most common type of ginseng supplement comes from Panax ginsengwhich roughly translates to "all-healing man-root. Other sources of ginseng include American ginseng Panax quinquefolius and Tianqi ginseng Panax notoginseng.Video
The Benefits of GinsengGinseng supplements -
According to some older research, it is believed that American ginseng works as a relaxing agent, whereas the Asian variety has an invigorating effect 2. Ginseng contains two significant compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds complement one another to provide health benefits 3.
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 4 , 5 , 6. Some test-tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds could inhibit inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells, which can contribute to chronic disease 4 , 5 , 6.
One study in 12 active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared to a placebo 7. A larger study in followed 71 postmenopausal females who took 3 grams g of red ginseng or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.
Antioxidant activity and oxidative stress markers were then measured 8. Researchers concluded that red ginseng may help reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities 8. Ginseng has been shown to help reduce inflammatory markers and help protect against oxidative stress.
Ginseng could help improve brain functions like memory, behavior, and mood 9 , Some test-tube and animal studies show that components in ginseng, like ginsenosides and compound K, could protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals 11 , Interestingly, one study in 6, older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function later in life Another small study showed that taking milligrams mg of American ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours, compared to a placebo According to one review, ginseng could also help ease stress and may offer benefits for depression and anxiety Ginseng has been shown to improve memory and suppress stress.
Some research suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction ED According to some older research, certain compounds found in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in the blood vessels and tissues of the penis to help restore normal function Additionally, studies have shown that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide , a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation 6 , Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results and more high quality studies are needed.
In fact, one review of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in males However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared to a placebo Ginseng may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress in tissues and enhancing blood flow in penile muscles.
However, more research is needed. According to one review, ginseng possesses potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties and may enhance the function of the immune system Interestingly, one animal study found that black red ginseng extract increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver Similarly, another study in people showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared to a placebo However, more studies in humans are needed to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.
Ginseng can boost immune function and may increase levels of immune cells. Ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of certain cancers 23 , Ginsenosides in this herb have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection 25 , The cell cycle is the process by which cells normally grow and divide.
Ginsenosides could benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth 25 , Ginseng may also help improve the health of people undergoing chemotherapy and could reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some cancer treatments However, while studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive Ginsenosides in ginseng seem to regulate inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and maintain the health of cells, which could help decrease the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Nevertheless, more research is needed. Ginseng has been shown to help ease fatigue and increase energy levels. Various animal studies have linked some components in ginseng, like polysaccharides and oligopeptides, with lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells, which could help decrease fatigue 28 , One review of 10 studies concluded that ginseng could significantly improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome compared to a placebo, even after just 15 days Another review showed that taking American or Asian ginseng could decrease symptoms of cancer-related fatigue when taken in doses of 2, mg or 3, mg per day, respectively Furthermore, a review of over studies suggested that ginseng supplements may not only help reduce fatigue but could also enhance physical performance Ginseng may help fight fatigue and enhance physical performance by lowering oxidative damage and increasing energy production in cells.
Load image 1 in gallery view Load image 2 in gallery view Load image 3 in gallery view Load image 4 in gallery view Load image 5 in gallery view. Korean Panax Ginseng. Add to cart. Key Benefits. Supports Healthy Cognitive Function: Ginseng helps to support healthy memory and overall cognitive function.
Promotes Improved Athletic Performance: Ginseng may help to improve performance during exercise. Supports Energy Levels: Ginseng may support cognitive performance by promoting healthy energy levels. Recommended Usage. View results for this product: Certificate of Analysis COA : Understand the detailed breakdown of ingredients, potency levels, and safety measures.
Testing Results : Discover the outcomes of our third-party testing, validating the quality and purity of our product. View details. Allergen Notice Soy-Free. Frequently Asked Questions Can you elaborate on the research and development behind your products? Pediatric American ginseng is not recommended for use in children except under a doctor's supervision.
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications.
For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider that is qualified in the field of botanical medicine. Always tell your doctor about any herbs you may be taking. To avoid hypoglycemia low blood sugar , even in people without diabetes, take American ginseng with food.
People with hypertension high blood pressure should not take American ginseng products without the close supervision of their doctors. At the same time, people with low blood pressure, as well as those with an acute illness, should use caution when taking American ginseng.
People with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should not take ginseng, because it may increase the risk of mania. Women who have a history of breast cancer, or other hormone-sensitive conditions, should not take ginseng.
Stop taking American ginseng at least 7 days prior to surgery. American ginseng can lower blood glucose levels and could create problems for patients fasting before surgery.
In addition, American ginseng may act as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginseng without talking to your doctor:.
Medications for diabetes. American ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, so it could interfere with the effectiveness of prescription drugs for diabetes. Talk to your doctor before taking American ginseng if you are taking medicines for diabetes, including insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin Glucophage.
Blood-thinning medications anticoagulants. One small study suggested that American ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin Coumadin , a blood-thinning medication. If you take any blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor before taking ginseng.
MAOIs monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Ginseng may increase the risk of side effects when taken with MAOIs, a type of antidepressant. There have been reports of interaction between ginseng and phenelzine Nardil causing headaches, tremors, and mania. MAOIs include:. Antipsychotic medications.
American ginseng may increase the effects of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. So they should not be taken together. Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect and side effects of some medications taken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine Adderall and methylphenidate Concerta, Ritalin.
Adams LL, Gatchel RJ. Complementary and alternative medicine: applications and implications for cognitive functioning in elderly populations. Alt Ther. Andrade AS, Hendrix C, Parsons TL, et al. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American ginseng Panax quinquefolius in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir.
BMC Complement Altern Med. Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan C-S. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. Banz WJ, Iqbal MJ, Bollaert M, et al. Ginseng modifies the diabetic phenotype and genes associated with diabetes in the male ZDF rat.
Barton DL, Soori GS, Bauer BA, et al. Pilot study of Panax quinquefolius American ginseng to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA. Support Care Cancer. 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. Carai MAM, Agabio R, Bombardelli E, et al. Potential use of medicinal plants in the treatment of alcoholism. Dey L, Xie JT, Wang A, et al. Anti-hyperglycemic effects of ginseng: comparison between root and berry.
Dougherty U, Mustafi R, Wang Y, et al. American ginseng suppresses Western diet-promoted tumorigenesis in model of inflammation-associated colon cancer: role of EGFR. Fu Y, Ji LL. Chronic ginseng consumption attenuates age-associated oxidative stress in rats.
J Nutr. Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Gershwin ME, et al. Variability in commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J Clin Nutr. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin.
Am J Health Syst Pharm. Hsu CC, Ho MC, Lin LC, et al. American ginseng supplementation attenuates creatine kinase level induced by submaximal exercise in human beings. World J Gastroenterol. Ichikawa T, Li J, Nagarkatti P, et al.
j Ethnopharmocal. Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: a systematic review. Karmazyn M, Moey M, Gan XT. Therapeutic potential of ginseng in the management of cardiovascular disorders. King ML, Adler SR, Murphy LL. Extraction-dependent effects of American ginseng Panax quinquefolium on human breast cancer cell proliferation and estrogen receptor activation.
Integr Cancer Ther. LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH: LexiComp;
Ginseng is Fat-burning exercises herbal Ginssng made from the fleshy root of the ginseng Ginzeng. There are different types Promoting a positive sporting environment ginseng, but American ginseng Panax Ginsenv and Asian ginseng Panax ginseng are the most common. Supplenents may also be categorized as fresh, white, or red ginseng. Fresh ginseng is harvested within four years, white between four and six years, and red after at least six years. Traditional Chinese medicine TCM practitioners have used ginseng for thousands of years to improve overall health. You can also find over-the-counter OTC supplements containing one or multiple types of ginseng that claim to boost energy and reduce stress.
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