Ginseng supplement benefit and side effects, review
Siberian, Korean, and American root, what are the differences in
benefits and adverse reactions
How safe is this herbal root and its extracts? Where to buy best product
April 12 2018 by
Ray Sahelian, M.D.
The root of the ginseng plant has been used in China, Japan, and Korea for many
centuries as a benefit in psychiatric and neurological conditions, and for enhancing
vitality.
There are several varieties sold over the counter: Asian (Panax
ginseng), American (Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian (Eleutherococcus
Chinensis) are the most common. Technically Siberian does not belong in the
same genus as Asian or American and does not contain the same ingredients. As a
rule, Asian ginseng is more stimulating and raises body temperature while American
is less heating and stimulating.
Benefits, what you will notice, how
it will make you feel
Ginseng is used nowadays mostly for
energy and wellbeing improvement, and you will find it in products that
stimulate sexuality. Some use it for athletic performance and mental
enhancement. It may increase levels of nitric oxide.
Alternatives to Ginseng herb
MultiVit Rx for more
natural energy and better wellbeing.
Mind Power Rx cognitive
formula contains a dozen herbs and nutrients whic include: Ashwagandha,
Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Mucuna pruriens, Rhodiola, and Reishi. The
nutrients and vitamins in this natural brain formula include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine,
Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid,
Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.
Passion Rx Yohimbe
for libido enhancement in men and women.
Dosages, how much to take and in what
form
Hundreds of ginseng
products are available over the counter with different dosages, extract
potencies, and combinations.
You may notice a slightly or moderately different effect from these various
formulations.
Buy Ginseng Extract high quality product or subscribe to a free newsletter on natural herbal cures
Buy Ginseng supplement or Passion Rx with Yohimbe sex improver
Suggested Use, dosage: One ginseng capsule in the morning a few times a week or as
recommended by your health care professional.
I prefer it not be taken daily for
prolonged periods. As a general rule, you may consider taking a capsule every other day
with a week off each month. This is a rough guideline that you can adapt to your
own unique needs.
Herbal aphrodisiac formula, natural
Passion
Rx
for Men and Women
provides
results that are often seen within 2 or 3 days but continue to improve over
several days of use.
Passion Rx
improves
Libido and
sexual thoughts, Erectile
function; Orgasms and
climaxes; Energy and
stamina.
The potent herbal extracts in this
formula include Ashwagandha, Catuaba, Cnidium,
Coleus forskohlii, Damiana, Horny goat weed, Maca,
Mucuna pruriens, Muira puama,
Passion flower, Rehmannia, Rhodiola,
Tongkat Ali and
Tribulus.
A
version is available with
Yohimbe.
Ginseng side effects, safety,
danger, risk, is it safe?
High dosages of ginseng can cause overstimulation, restlessness, rapid heart
beat, anxiety, headache, and insomnia. Just with any medication or supplement,
the right dosage can be quite helpful while an excessive amount can lead to
unpleasant adverse effects. Discuss with your doctor before using a ginseng
product if you have a heart condition, are taking blood pressure pills, hormone
medications, anti-depressants, or have a serious health condition.
Insomnia is a common side effect from ginseng overuse, particularly Asian
ginsengespecially when its combined in high doses with other herbs or
nutrients that cause alertness. Althea, a 38 year-old owner of a garden shop in Maui,
says, "I took ginseng that was recommended
by a Chinese physician for fatigue. I took it for two weeks. I felt really better
emotionally, mellow, and with increased energy. Then I started to have increased sleep
problems and insomnia. I went three days being so mentally and physically overstimulated
that I hardly got any sleep. I imagine this is what being on "speed" must feel
like. I stopped taking the ginseng and within two days I slowly returned to my normal
state."
This story confirms my recommendations that
dosages of nutrients and herbs have to be constantly evaluated since they can build up in
the system.
Patients being treated with the blood-thinning
drug Coumadin (warfarin) should probably avoid using ginseng, since ginseng
seems to reduce the drug's effects. Ginseng use for two weeks was tied to a
significant reduction in the INR, meaning that the blood was now less thin and
more prone to clotting.
Ginseng should be used cautiously in
those with heart disease. Keep the dosage low in order to prevent heart racing
or high blood pressure.
Will a multi vitamin supplement taken along with panax ginseng make you shaky?
Several years ago I tried it and it made my shaky.
Yes, too much ginseng can cause side effects including
nervousness and anxiety.
Benefit as sexual enhancer
Ginseng supplements have been touted as a sex stimulant for countless generations.
It
has compounds that benefit
nitric
oxide
production which helps dilate blood
vessels. This may partially account for the improvement in erectile dysfunction.
It is a good sex herb but in my opinion there are
better ones such as horny goat weed, tribulus terrestris, tongkat ali, muira puama, catuaba,
mucuna pruriens, yohimbe, and others.
Sexual enhancement, erectile dysfunction, impotence
When using ginseng for sexual enhancement, use low doses for several
days. This herb rarely works the same day.
Drugs. 2018. Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ginseng significantly improved erectile function, P. pinaster and L. meyenii showed very preliminary positive results, and saffron and T. terrestris treatment produced mixed results. Encouraging evidence suggests that ginseng may be an effective herbal treatment for ED. However, further, larger, and high-quality studies are required before firm conclusions can be drawn. Promising (although very preliminary) results have also been generated for some herbal formulations.
Int J Impot Res. 2013. Effects of Korean ginseng berry extract on sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction: a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study. In all, 119 men with mild-to-moderate ED participated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical study. They were administered 4 tablets of either standardized Korean ginseng berry (SKGB, 350 mg ginseng berry extract per tablet), or placebo, daily, for 8 weeks. Administration improved all domains of sexual function. It can be used as an alternative medicine to improve sexual life in men with sexual dysfunction.
Korean red ginseng, a herb considered an aphrodisiac in some Asian countries, seems to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. In some Asian cultures, ginseng has been used traditionally to boost sex enjoyment and sexual stamina, but the effectiveness of the herbal remedy has been evaluated in only a handful of studies, so a team at the University of Ulsan and the Korea Ginseng and Tobacco Research Institute in Seoul evaluated Korean red ginseng in 45 men with erectile dysfunction. The men were randomly assigned to take either 900 milligrams of ginseng or an inactive placebo pill three times a day. Eight weeks into the study, the men were taken off the treatment for 2 weeks, after which they switched treatments for the next 8 weeks. Scores for erectile function, sexual desire and satisfaction during intercourse were higher when the men were taking ginseng than when they were on the placebo. The men reported being better able to achieve and maintain an erection while taking ginseng than when on the placebo. While they were taking ginseng, 60% of men said that their erections improved compared to 20% while taking placebo. The herb did not have a significant effect on testosterone levels. Despite the apparent improvements, the researchers did not detect any improvement in blood flow to the penis while men were taking ginseng. In addition, most men who said that their erectile function improved did not experience more frequent ejaculations or more satisfaction with their orgasms. 2002 The Journal of Urology.
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.
J Urol. 2002.
We investigated the efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile
dysfunction. A
total of 45 patients with clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction were
enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study (8 weeks on
treatment, 2 weeks of washout and 8 weeks on treatment) in which the effects of
Korean red ginseng and a vehicle placebo were compared using multiple variables.
The ginseng dose was 900 mg. 3 times daily. Mean International Index of Erectile
Function scores were significantly higher in patients treated with Korean red
ginseng than in those who received placebo. Scores on penetration and
maintenance were significantly higher in the ginseng than in the placebo group.
In response to the global efficacy question 60% of the patients answered that
Korean red ginseng improved erection. Our data show that Korean
red ginseng can be an effective alternative for treating male erectile
dysfunction.
Ginseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002.
Both
Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance.
These effects may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to
direct effects, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous
system and gonadal tissues. There is good evidence that ginsenosides can
facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and
relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. The effects on the
corpus cavernosum appear to be mediated by the release and/or modification of
release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and perivascular nerves. Animal studies lend growing support for the use of
ginseng in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and provide increasing evidence
for a role of nitric oxide in the mechanism of ginsenoside action.
Email
I’m 74, in excellent health, exercise a lot, jog, windsurf, kayak, swim,
although I notice my endurance in jogging is considerably less than even a few
years ago. I tried Panax Ginseng for some time, without noticeable results. I
read about Siberian Ginseng and I decided to try it. I started out a few days
ago with 2 x 450 mg caps per day, product purchased from iHerb. Surprisingly,
the 2nd day I got an unexpected and quite pleasant erection in bed and I tend to
have morning erections, which I don’t usually have. My erections over the last
few years are no longer as they used to be. At 74 I am not overly concerned
about enhancing sexual performance and I have come to accept this as a part of
life, but I’d certainly welcome an energy boost for general, everyday life’s
purposes. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, though, all this has stopped after a
few days and I do not feel more energetic than usually. Could it be that I
should wait a bit longer to see the results? But then, why this immediate sexual
arousal? The Siberian Ginseng I am taking is manufactured by Nature’s Way, sold
in Canada by iHerb.
A. Often, with aphrodisiac herbs, the benefits sometimes dissipate
after regular use but return once the product is stopped for a week or two and
then resumed. These aphrodisiac herbs are not meant to be used all the time.
Reproduction
Spermatogenesis. 2013. Ginseng and male reproductive function.
Ginseng is often referred to as the King of all herbs, and is found to be a
promising agent to improve general well-being. Ginseng has also been reputed as
an aphrodisiac, and is used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as to enhance
sexual behavior in traditional Chinese medical practices. Data from animal
studies have shown a positive correlation among ginseng, libido, and copulatory
performances, and these effects have been confirmed in case-control studies in
human. In addition, ginseng is found to improve the sperm quality and count of
healthy individuals as well as patients with treatment-related infertility.
These actions are mostly attributed to ginsenosides, the major pharmacological
active components of ginseng. This review compiles the current knowledge about
the multifaceted effects of ginseng on male reproductive function, and also
focuses on its mechanisms of action that may represent novel therapeutic
strategies for the treatment of male reproductive diseases or disorders.
Benefits - laboratory and human studies
Lets examine some of the studies done with ginseng to find out in
what conditions this root herb is of benefit or not helpful.
Antiinflammatory
Pharmacogn Mag. 2013. Sterols isolated
from seeds of Panax ginseng and their antiinflammatory activities.
Athletic
performance - no significant benefit for sports performance
Ginseng supplementation does not change lactate threshold and physical
performances in physically active Thai men.
J Med Assoc Thai. 2007.
Ginseng has been one of the most popular herbs said to improve human exercise
performance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of
ginseng supplementation on lactate threshold in physically active young men.
Sixty men from the Naval Medical Corps, Royal Thai Navy, aged 17- 22 years old,
were randomized into either the ginseng or placebo group. The ginseng group took
3 grams of 100% ginseng orally, while the placebo group took an equal amount of
lactose powder each day, for 8 weeks. Daily administration of 3 g of ginseng for
an 8-week period did not improve lactate threshold nor did it affect physical
performances. Therefore, ginseng supplementation did not exert an ergogenic
property on aerobic fitness enhancement in well-fit individuals.
Cancer patients
Association of Ginseng Use with Survival and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer
Patients.
Am J Epidemiol. 2006.
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram
Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
The authors evaluated the associations of ginseng use as a complementary therapy
with survival and quality of life in a cohort of 1,455 breast cancer
patients who were recruited to the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study in Shanghai, China. Approximately 27% of study participants were regular ginseng users before
cancer diagnosis. Compared with patients who never used ginseng, regular users
had a significantly reduced risk of death. Ginseng use after cancer diagnosis,
particularly current use, was positively associated with quality of life scores, with the
strongest effect in the psychological and social well-being domains.
J Natl Cancer Inst. August, 2013. Wisconsin Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind trial, N07C2. Data support the benefit 2000 mg daily, on CRF over an 8-week period. There were no discernible toxicities associated with the treatment. Studies to increase knowledge to guide the role of ginseng to improve CRF are needed.
Most people have had family members or friends or coworkers who have had treatment for cancer in the form of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Perhaps you, yourself, have had such treatment. During and after such chemotherapy most patients feel tired or sluggish. Many survivors attempt different regimens to combat and reverse this condition. In a recent trial, investigators divided 364 people with cancer-related fatigue into two groups. People in one group took 2,000 milligrams of ginseng daily for eight weeks; those in the other group took placebo capsules. After eight weeks, the ginseng group reported a significant improvement compared to the placebo group. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, online July 13, 2013.
Cholesterol, and blood lipids
The administration of several grams of ginseng
daily increases the ability of the body to maintain its antioxidant status.
Furthermore, lipid levels such as LDL cholesterol are lowered.
Effects of Panax ginseng extract on lipid metabolism in humans.
Pharmacol Res. 2003.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects
on lipid metabolism in humans by measuring cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA),
superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Serum total cholesterol (TC),
triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and plasma MDA levels were
decreased by administration of ginseng extract for 8 weeks (6 g per day), however, high
density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased. Those results suggest that
lipid lowering effect of ginseng is associated with a decrease in TC, TG, LDL, MDA
levels and an increase in HDL. These findings support scientific claims that
ginseng has lipid lowering potential. Administration of ginseng extract increased SOD and
CAT activities while decreased MDA level indicating that antioxidant potential
of PGE might induce hypolipidemic effect as one of action mechanism.
Cognitive
functioning
Various tests of mental performance were carried out in a group
of sixteen healthy male volunteers given a standardized preparation of Asian ginseng (100
mg twice a day for twelve weeks of a product called G 115). A similar group was given
identical placebo capsules under double-blind conditions. A favorable effect of ginseng
was observed in attention, mental arithmetic, logical deduction, and auditory reaction
time.
Researchers at the Cognitive Drug Research
Ltd., Beech Hill, Reading, in the United Kingdom evaluated the effects of a Ginkgo biloba / ginseng combination on cognitive function. The study lasted ninety days and was
performed in a double blind, placebo-controlled manner with sixty-four healthy volunteers
(aged 40 to 65 years) who had mild fatigue and low mood. The treatment was well tolerated
by all volunteers. There were improvements noted in memory and overall cognitive
functioning.
Ginseng root saponin at a dose of 50 mg three
times a day was given for two months to 358 middle and old age individuals. The results
showed that the herb improved memory and immunity.
Certain active substances in ginseng appear to combat degenerative brain disease in rats. The various commercial preparations are generally made from the roots of one of several plant species, including Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. A whole-root preparation of American ginseng was not beneficial in helping degeneration in the brains of rats. But a partially purified extract of some of the herb's active chemicals, known as ginsenosides, did. The study focused on brain damage that, in rats, mimics the degenerative process seen in Huntington's disease, an inherited disorder of the central nervous system that progressively impairs movement and mental function. But the findings suggest that certain ginseng components have potential for treating other degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's. The partial purification of American ginseng boosted the concentration of three ginsenosides known as Rb1, Rb3 and Rd. Animals that were given the extract before receiving a brain-cell-damaging toxin called 3-NP showed less movement impairment than animals that received 3-NP alone, and none died. Annals of Neurology, May 2005.
Diabetes, blood vessel health, dilation of blood
vessels, circulation improvement
J Ethnopharmacol. 2013. Effect of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
on arterial stiffness in subjects with type-2 diabetes and concomitant
hypertension. Substantial pre-clinical and some clinical data are
available showing that Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)
varieties or its particular ginsenosides exert a vasodilatating effect,
thus may modulate vascular function. Addition of AG extract to
conventional therapy in diabetes with concomitant hypertension improved
arterial stiffness and attenuated systolic BP, thus warrants further
investigation on long-term endothelial parameters before recommended as
an adjunct treatment.
Lung disease, COPD
Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.
Arch Chest Disease. 2002.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects
of ginseng extract (G115) on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Maximum Voluntary
Ventilation (MVV), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Oxygen
Consumption (VO2max) in patients with moderately-severe Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ninety-two adults were randomly divided into the
experimental (Ginseng 100 mg bid for three months) and placebo-control groups. Ginseng extract 100 mg bid for
three months, but not placebo, improved PFTs, MVV, MIP and VO2 max in patients
with moderately-severe COPD with no side effects.
Combination with
prescription drugs
Ginseng may interact with a number of prescription medications, for
instance warfarin or Coumadin.
Brief communication: American ginseng reduces
warfarin's effect in healthy
patients: a randomized, controlled Trial.
Ann Intern Medicine. 2004.
People using prescription medication often concurrently take
herbal supplements. In a case report, the anticoagulant effect of warfarin
decreased after patients consumed ginseng. To evaluate the interactions between
American ginseng and warfarin. In this 4-week study, 20 patients received warfarin for 3 days during
weeks 1 and 4. Beginning in week 2, patients were assigned to receive either
American ginseng or placebo. International normalized ratio (INR) and plasma
warfarin level. The peak INR statistically significantly decreased
after 2 weeks of ginseng administration compared with placebo.
American ginseng reduces warfarin's anticoagulant effect. When prescribing
warfarin, physicians should ask patients about ginseng use.
Can I take Korean ginseng with hypertension
medication?
There are dozens of different hypertension drugs. We have not seen any research regarding
its combination with
such medications, so we can't say. Chances are low dosages would not
have much of an influence but we suggest you avoid high dose ginseng supplements
if you are taking blood pressure medications.
Can I take ginseng with cholesterol medication such
as a statin drug?
There are many different cholesterol
drugs. We have not seen any research regarding its combination with
various such cholesterol lowering medications, so we can't say.
Blood pressure
Why is it that panax ginseng is contraindicated in
hypertension, when it is also a known vasodilator due to its tendency to
increase nitric oxide production? This is really confusing me. I have done a lot
of internet searching, but cannot find the answer to this question. I did find
some sites which stated that Korean Ginseng might be useful in treating
hypertension, but in general, the consensus is that ginseng is a stimulant and
should not be used by hypertensive patients. How can it be both a vasodilator
and a vasoconstrictor at the same time? (I'm assuming that the stimulant aspect
of ginseng involves vasoconstriction and that that is the mechanism in causing
hypertension.
This is a good question. We are not sure completely
but we will take an educated guess. Each herb, including ginseng, has many, many
components. Some of these substances may cause dilation of blood vessels, but
other chemicals in ginseng may stimulate heart tissue to beat faster and
stronger thus increasing blood pressure. Various forms may act in
different ways, and also the way the ginseng is made into powder, and various
extract forms determines the final constituents. So, different preparations may have a different effect.
Quality of life
The aim of this study was to
compare the quality-of-life parameters in subjects receiving multivitamins plus ginseng
with those found in subjects receiving multivitamins alone (Caso Marasco 1996). The study
was randomized and double-blind, and it involved 625 patients of both sexes divided into
two groups taking one capsule per day for twelve weeks. Group A received vitamins,
minerals, trace elements and ginseng extract while group B received vitamins, minerals and
trace elements only. By the end of the study, both the group-A and the group-B tested
positively on a questionnaire evaluating quality of life, but Group A had a higher score.
Constituents, what's in it?
The roots of Asian and American ginseng contain polysaccharides,
ginsenosides, peptides, polyacetylenic alcohols, fatty acids, etc. They have several
saponins named
ginsenosides that are believed to contribute to the adaptogenic properties. They are used
in traditional Chinese medicine to improve stamina and combat fatigue and stress.
Saponins
are interesting natural compounds found in many plants, herbs, roots, and beans. Saponins
have potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the heart and circulatory
system. For instance, they inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides (fat
oxidation) in cardiac muscle or in the liver, they influence the function of enzymes
contained in them, they decrease blood coagulation, cholesterol, and sugar levels in
blood, and they stimulate the immune system. Some saponins may even have anti-tumor
properties.
Availability of ginseng supplements
Countless varieties and dosages of ginseng are available. One option is to buy a
ginseng product that has a standardized extract of 3 to 7 percent ginsenosides
but some products are as high as 90 percent ginsenosides. Use 100 mg of this
extract in the morning a few times a week. You may require 500 to 2,000 mg of he dried
ginseng root to feel the effects. Its best to cycle the use of ginseng. For instance, you
can take ginseng for two or three weeks and then take off a few weeks.
Mechanisms of action, how it works
The roots of Chinese and American ginseng contain several saponins named
ginsenosides. These are
interesting natural compounds found in many plants, herbs, roots, and beans.
They are used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve stamina and combat
fatigue and stress. They inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides (fat
oxidation) in cardiac muscle and in the liver, influence the function of enzymes, decrease blood coagulation,
cholesterol, and sugar levels in the blood, and stimulate the immune system.
Some saponins may even have anti-tumor properties. Both the Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance
libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to
changes in hormone secretion, but to the direct effects of ginseng, or its
ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. There
is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly
inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosa. Moreover,
the effects of ginseng on the corpus cavernosa appear to be mediated by the
release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and from nerves that surround the
vessels. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system
and has been shown to significantly alter the activity of hypothalamic
catecholamines, such as dopamine and norephinephrine, involved in the
facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion. According to recent
findings, that ginseng treatment decreases prolactin secretion,
which also suggests a direct effect of ginseng at the level of the pituitary
gland. High levels of prolactin inhibit libido. Studies sometimes have provided
contradictory results, perhaps because the ginsenoside content of ginseng root
or root extracts can differ depending on the species, method of extraction,
subsequent treatment, or even the season of collection.
Review and summary
Many people who take ginseng find this herb to be a good overall energizer and cognitive
enhancer. Due to the tremendous variety of ginseng products sold, it is difficult to give definite
dosage recommendations. You could certainly try a few ginseng products to see which one(s) give
you a positive effect. In practical and simple terms, Asian ginseng raises body
temperature and is more stimulating while American ginseng is more calming.
The effects of Siberian ginseng fall somewhere between these two.
Dr. Sahelian's experience
The sexual effects from ginseng are subtle but definitely present. I have
tried Asian ginseng on numerous occasions. Most of my trials have been with
root powder at a dosage ranging from 500 to 1,000 mg. I notice an
enhancement in alertness, motivation, focus, and mood, along with a mild sexual
stimulation. The effects seem to improve on subsequent days of use. I find high
doses to cause anxiety and interfere with sleep. Use a dose that does not cause
you insomnia.
Emails
Q. I noticed in a product that one of the ingredients
is a 30% ginsenoside. I would like to ask if you have such a ginsenoside
or eleutheroside extract. I've taken eleuthero and American ginseng, which has
wonderful
effects on my physical and mental energy, but it also gives anxiety and
insomnia. I thought if I could try a ginseng extract with a higher content of
the main beneficial ingredients, maybe the side effects wouldn't be so bad. I've
seen the concentrations of ginsenoside in ginseng as high as 80%.
A. There is no guarantee that higher concentration
ginseng extracts will cause fewer side effects.
Q. I regularly take ginseng tablets, and the particular
brand I take I find has definitely been helpful. When I take ginseng I am more
mentally motivated, I work better, I am more motivated to workout, etc. When I
stop taking it for a little more than a week to two weeks -when a bottle is
finished- I start to feel very "run down", fatigued, and "not myself". Once I
restart ginseng I'm back to my old self again. (25 year old male by the way).
Now I don't mind taking ginseng on a regular basis as I see that as a part of my
wellness program, but I've been wondering whether the fact that there's such a
great difference when I take the ginseng, if it means that there's actually some
kind of nutritional or physiological shortfall in my body that the ginseng is
somehow "making up" for? I see ginseng as a "bonus" in terms of my
nutrition plan, not as a "regular" like vitamins, minerals, etc. So for the
ginseng to bring me up to "normal", does that indicate that there's actually a
deficiency of some sort in the "regular" stuff that the ginseng is making up
for?
A. There are many causes of fatigue, and relying on
herbs such as ginseng for long term daily use in not the best option. The fact
that ginseng improves energy does not mean the body is deficient in the
substances found in ginseng. An amphetamine pill can also increase energy, but
that does not mean the body is short on amphetamines. Ginseng can be used for
brief periods of time, but see the page on energy on the website for more
information to a comprehensive approach.
Q. Is the benefit of ginseng korean red tea as good
as the benefit from Siberian ginseng root?
A. It is very difficult to compare the benefit of Korean root
ginseng to other types of ginseng since so much depends on the dose use, the
frequency, the particular person using it, and interactions with other
supplements and drugs.
Q. Last year my Psychiatrist suggested fish oil for
bipolar disorder and I have been taking twelve fish oil 1200mg softgels a day
for almost a year and have felt great! Recently my friend asked me to try
Tunguska Blast an immune boosting energy drink that contains ginseng and several
other herbs. I was manic the whole time I drank the Tunguska Blast. Once I
stopped drinking it I felt like I woke up from a dream. I wasn't sure if the
herbs in the drink could've caused the manic episode and yesterday I told my
Psychiatrist's NP about the episode and she offered me Depakote. I don't smoke,
I eat healthy, exercise daily, take fish oil, multi-vitamins, and do all that I
can to reduce stress so I do not want to take a medication that has side effects
and cause harm my organs. When I saw on your site that ginseng could aggravate
bipolar disorder and induce mania I believe that is exactly what happened to me.
I am going to try to continue on the fish oil and avoid ginseng! Thank you for
the information!
A. A search on the internet reveals Tunguska Blast has the
following herbs: Eleutherococcus Senticosus which is sometimes called Siberian
Ginseng' Schizandra Chinensis, Aralia Mandchurica, Crataegus Oxyacantha,
Inonotus Obliquus, Viburnum Sargenti. Glycyrrhiza Uralensis, Rhaponticum
Carthamoides, Rhodiola Rosea, and Sorbus Aucuparia. I am not familiar with some
of these herbs, but I do know that at least three of them, rhodiola, schizandra,
and eleuthero have stimulating properties. Often it is a matter of dosage or
amount. You do not mention how much of the drink you had, but perhaps a fraction
of the amount you drank may have been fine for you. Nevertheless, this shows
that herbs have potential side effects and are potent and should be used with
caution.
Q. I am taking 200 mg of SAM-e supplement per day.
Can I use American ginseng extract while taking SAMe? If so what would be the
dosage of each?
A. Both cause alertness, more energy, increased
heart rate, and could cause insomnia in high dosages. It is best to take each
one separately since adverse reactions could become worse by adding a SAM-e
pill.
Products available over the counter
Planetary Formulas Ginseng Revitalizer 1000 mg,
90 tablets
Ginseng is a legendary tonifier first written about in the Sui Dynasty of China
580 - 601 A.D. In traditional Chinese herbalism it is rarely used alone,
but rather is combined with herbs considered to assist and augment its tonifying
actions. This classic formula
that has been in continued use since 1078 A.D. This dynamic combination is
designed to support energy levels.
Ginseng Revitalizer contans:
Siberian root extract
American (Panax quinquefolium)
Tienchi
Panax Root Extract
Proprietary Blend (Atractylodes Root, Codonopsis Root, Polygonum Root,
Angelica Root,
Licorice, Astragalus Root, Ginger Root and Poria Cocos
Sclerotium).
Now Foods, American Ginseng, 500 mg, 100 Capsules
Supplement Facts | ||
Serving Size: 2 Capsules | ||
Servings per Container: 50 | ||
Amount Per Serving | %Daily Value | |
Total Carbohydrate | <1 g | <1%* |
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) (Root) | 1 g (1,000 mg) | † |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a
2,000 calorie diet. † Daily Value not established. |
Other products sold online
Enzymatic Therapy, Panax Ginseng, Energy, 60 Tablets