Because ginseng is currently being researched and tested on humans, it is not completely clear how it works. It has been found to have antioxidant properties, which may improve the health of people with heart conditions. These antioxidant agents also may work to lower “bad” or low-density lipoprotein, LDL, cholesterol. Ginseng contains ginsenosides and polysaccharides, which are chemicals that have been found to lower blood sugar levels in the body and boost the immune system. Ginseng has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its safety and effectiveness is currently being researched and has not been proven.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb used for a variety of physical and mental treatments. This traditional herb is used as an energy booster, stress reliever and memory enhancer to name just a few of the applications. Used in both traditional Chinese medicine and by Native Americans, this supplement comes in a variety of species. As with any herbal supplements please consult your health provider for treatment, correct dosage, benefits and risk factors.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersGinseng is a root that has been used for a long time in Eastern medicine to increase energy. Recently, medical reports claim that ginseng can boost the immune response and white blood cell count. As with most herbs, ginseng has undergone very few rigorous studies, so most of our information comes from personal testimonials and word-of-mouth. One study linked ginseng to a reduced incidence of the common cold and flu, but another showed that mice fed ginseng actually had damage to the immune system. The ginseng mice had more illness and aged more rapidly than they would have normally. Some claim that the American variety of ginseng, not the Asian variety, has more active properties. Some reports indicated ginseng should not be used for more than approximately two weeks at a time. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhen thinking about possible side effects of ginseng, it's important to realize that ginseng refers to two different immune-boosting herbs, Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng. (Interestingly, Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng at all, but a different type of plant.) Both are considered safe for healthy people to use for short periods of time. Still, both have some possible side effects.
- Asian ginseng can cause headaches, insomnia, stomach problems, and allergic reactions. It can also lower blood sugar levels, something people with diabetes need to be especially careful about.
- Siberian ginseng may raise blood pressure, and it can cause insomnia, drowsiness, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, headache, and confusion.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSiberian ginseng, also known as "eleuthero," is a plant that is grown primarily in northern Asia. Some say that a naturopathic medicine made from the root of the plant can help conditions ranging from the common cold to memory loss. However, evidence showing that it works is limited. Some studies indicate that in people who have genital herpes from herpes simplex virus 2, taking Siberian ginseng extract can reduce the number and severity of outbreaks. There is also some evidence it may be helpful in relieving symptoms of the common cold when combined with certain herbs. Talk to your doctor before taking Siberian ginseng. It may cause potentially serious side effects in some people.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredGinseng tea contains the compound ginsenoside; this compound impacts the gonadal tissue responsible for sperm production. It increases sperm count while heightening sexual satisfaction and can also work to prevent or reduce erectile dysfunction.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersGinseng won't necessarily cause your skin to bruise, but it might make it bruise more easily when taken along with prescription or over-the-counter medications that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. That's because ginseng also slows clotting. Combining it with a second substance that slows clotting can make skin bruise-prone. Talk to your doctor before taking ginseng or any herbal supplement.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredBefore using ginseng, be sure to consider the risks, which include side effects and an allergic reaction. This herbal supplement seems to be well-tolerated when used short term, but when it is used longer, side effects, such as diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, itchiness, rapid heartbeat, a rise in blood pressure, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding have been reported. More serious side effects include liver damage and a serious allergic reaction. Taking ginseng may be risky if you are pregnant, allergic to any of the chemicals in the Panax plant family, or if you have diabetes, insomnia, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), schizophrenia, or uterine disease. Also, there may be a health risk if you are using ginseng and are planning to have a surgical procedure.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredBefore taking ginseng, you should know that it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to the dietary supplement. You may also experience side effects, such as diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, itchiness, rapid heartbeat, a rise in blood pressure, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding. Discuss with your doctor the health risks that go along with ginseng, like liver damage and a serious allergic reaction, and how the supplement effects other medications. You should also know that herbs and supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredPeople with type 2 diabetes are good candidates for using ginseng because it may lower blood sugar levels. Other people who could benefit from ginseng include adults with stress, anemia, who have trouble sleeping, are impotent, have fibromyalgia, certain cancers, HIV/AIDS, attention deficit disorder, stomach conditions, and fever. People who are interested in boosting their immune system and preventing respiratory tract infections can also use ginseng. Ginseng has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its safety and effectiveness is currently being researched and has not been proven.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredDo not use ginseng if you have allergies to any of the ingredients in ginseng, have bleeding or clotting issues, or are planning to have a surgical procedure. Other people who should not use ginseng include women who are or are planning to become pregnant, nursing mothers, have diabetes, insomnia, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), schizophrenia, or uterine disease. Herbs and dietary supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.