Ginseng: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, ginseng from Korea, oriental ginseng, red ginseng, Korean red ginseng
Scientific name(s)
Panax ginseng
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Ginsenosides
Saponins
Polysaccharides
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Male fertility disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Ginsenosides have improved libido and erectile function in studies in men. Indeed, ginseng has been shown to increase sperm count in humans. Ginsenosides may also enhance sexual function. It has been shown that ginsenosides increase nitric oxide release from the rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro and induce smooth muscle relaxation. Therefore, 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 C.A. Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction.
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of ginseng as 'clinically established' for 'improving physical and mental capacities during fatigue, exhaustion, concentration disorders and in convalescent persons'. rnrnThe EMA (European Medicines Agency) lists ginseng for asthenia symptoms such as tiredness and weakness.rnrnSome studies have shown its benefit; one gram of ginseng extract twice a day for 4 weeks reduced self-reported fatigue by 66% and mental fatigue by 50% compared with placebo in patients with chronic fatigue.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: 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 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Immune support ✪✪✪✪✪
The U.S. National Institutes of Health consider the use of ginseng as 'based on good scientific evidence' for 'stimulating the immune system in the context of respiratory infections'. rnrnIn humans, taking ginseng in combination with an influenza vaccine enhances the effect of the vaccine: increased antibodies and Natural Killer lymphocytes.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: 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 function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: root
4.5 - 9 g
12 - weeks
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
Some studies suggest that combining Ginkgo with Ginseng may strengthen cognitive functions and memory, particularly in young, healthy subjects, more effectively than Ginkgo alone. The synergy improves memory by about 7.5%.rnrnFurthermore, daily ginseng supplementation could improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Larger doses have been used (4 to 9 g).rnrn
Posologie
Oral: 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's 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 in healthy young volunteers.
Gincosan (a combination of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng): the effects on mood and cognition of 6- and 12-week treatments in postmenopausal 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 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 healthy middle-aged 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 Standardized 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 adaptability ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical and in vivo trials show that taking ginseng improves adaptation to stress: preparation for an exam, sustained intellectual effort, cold, intense physical activity...
Posologie
Oral: 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 ✪✪✪✪✪
A moderate increase in the three main antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) appears to occur following the intake of ginseng extracts.
Posologie
Oral: 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.
Influenza ✪✪✪✪✪
Some preliminary clinical research indicates that taking a standardized ginseng extract (G115) at a dose of 200 mg per day, starting 4 weeks before influenza vaccination and continuing for 8 weeks thereafter, may reduce the relative risk of contracting influenza or a cold by 65% compared with placebo. Similarly, clinical research conducted in 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 influenza infection by 45% compared with placebo.
Posologie
Oral: 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, appears to improve sexual arousal and satisfaction compared with placebo in postmenopausal women. rnrnIn addition, other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combined product containing leaf extract of ginkgo, root extract of ginseng, leaf extract of damiana, L-arginine, multivitamins and minerals for 4 weeks may improve sexual satisfaction compared with placebo in women who report sexual dysfunction.rnrn
Posologie
By mouth: 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.rnrnA 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 to treat acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Under these conditions, ginseng combined with antibiotic therapy may reduce bronchial bacterial counts more than antibiotic therapy alone.rnrnFurthermore, ginseng significantly improves lung function and may improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In laboratory studies, ginsenosides have been shown to induce a nitric oxide-mediated relaxation effect in bronchial smooth muscle and the pulmonary endothelium.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: root
200 - 3000 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Oral ginseng formulas for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (G115) on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering from chronic bronchitis
Ginsenoside-induced relaxation of human bronchial smooth muscle via release of nitric oxide
The inhibitory effect of ginsan on the TGF-β-mediated fibrotic process
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary data suggest that ginseng may reduce tissue insulin resistance and changes in gene expression related to type 2 diabetes.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: root
0.2 - 6 g
standardized extract, dry extract, G115
Properties
Adaptogen
Ginseng roots contain triterpenoid saponins, the ginsenosides, of which there are several varieties. The adaptogenic substances are believed to counteract stress and help restore balance.rnrnIn in vitro studies (on cell cultures) and in animals, studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate certain immune cells (lymphocytes) and prompt them to produce interferons (substances capable of neutralizing certain viruses). rnrnFurthermore, these extracts appear to be able to increase the level of cortisol in the blood (the hormone that allows us to respond to stress) and to inhibit the action of prolactin (a hormone that decreases sexual desire in men).rnrn
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Ginseng shows antioxidant activity in human research, which is thought to be due to its ginsenoside content. These components can activate antioxidant enzymes that are important for maintaining cell viability. They lower the level of oxygen radicals generated by intracellular metabolism.rnrnIn 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 that plays a key role in antioxidant defenses). rnrn
Usages associés
Cognitive function
Clinical trials and in vivo studies show that taking ginseng improves stress adaptation, mood, cognitive performance (such as concentration or attention), and mental fatigue. rnrnThese effects are probably due to regulation of brain neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA).rnrn
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Ginseng appears to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells and possibly other immune system activities. In animal research, ginseng has been shown to improve cellular immune function by stimulating natural killer cell activity and increasing antibody production. Ginseng has also been shown to stimulate macrophage activity as well as lymphocytes in general. The mechanisms of action are likely related to the stimulation of inflammatory mediators and the production of nitric oxide.
Usages associés
Neurological
Ginseng has anxiolytic effects according to animal studies. In addition, ginseng protects the brain, notably due to a component called ginsenoside Rg3. This compound helps protect the brain against damage caused by a lack of blood flow, a condition known as cerebral ischemia. The ginsenosides contained in ginseng also stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells. They may help protect the brain by activating certain natural processes in the body. Furthermore, these ginsenosides can prevent nerve cell death and reduce inflammation in microglial cells, which are responsible for clearing waste in the brain.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
Ginseng is commonly used to increase fertility and libido in men and women. Ginseng has been shown to increase sperm count in animals and humans. The constituent ginsenosides may have effects that enhance sexual function. Ginsenosides have been shown to increase the release of nitric oxide from the rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro and to cause relaxation of smooth muscle.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant
Ginsenosides and other constituents of ginseng, such as panaxynol, appear to interfere with platelet activation, aggregation, and coagulation in vitro. In addition, the non-saponin constituents of ginseng inhibit platelet responses 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, thereby improving respiratory function.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Ginseng has been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation after physical exercise in both laboratory and human research. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng are likely related 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, such as the common cold or influenza. The anti-rotavirus effects of Panax ginseng appear to be due to pectic polysaccharide constituents, which may inhibit the virus's 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 may actually increase postprandial blood glucose and lower preprandial insulin levels. Ginseng contains peptidoglycans called 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 has a hepatoprotective effect thanks to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules
Safe dosage
Adults (18 years and older): 200 mg - 2000 mg (standardized extract)
Extract equivalent to 0.5-2 g of crude ginseng root. Standardized extract: 0.4-4.0% total ginsenosides calculated as ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), and triptans.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), and triptans.
Triptans: moderate interaction
Drug interactions are possible with anticoagulants (warfarin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine), and triptans.
Antidiabetic: moderate interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use could enhance hypoglycemic effects. It is advisable to monitor blood glucose levels.
Immunosuppressant: moderate interaction
Because of its immunostimulant properties, concomitant use of ginseng with immunosuppressive therapy is not recommended.
Insulin: moderate interaction
Ginseng may have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with insulin. Insulin dose adjustments may then be necessary: seek medical advice.
Midazolam: moderate interaction
Midazolam is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, ginseng may induce CYP3A4 and increase Midazolam clearance.
Nifedipine: moderate interaction
Preliminary clinical research shows that concomitant use may increase serum nifedipine levels in healthy volunteers. This could have an effect on lowering blood pressure.
Warfarin: weak interaction
Some human and animal research suggests that ginseng does not affect the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. However, other studies in humans suggest that ginseng may modestly increase the clearance of the S-warfarin isomer.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Hypoglycemic agents: weak interaction
Ginseng may increase the effect of plants or supplements with hypoglycemic properties (psyllium, glucomannan, fenugreek, for example).
Ginseng: strong interaction
Ginseng may enhance the effects of stimulant foods, plants, or supplements (coffee, tea, guarana, chocolate, etc.).
Precautions
Breastfeeding: 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 suggests it may have estrogenic effects. The estrogenic activity is attributed to ginsenosides.
Contraindications
Pregnancy: contraindicated
Ginsenoside Rb1, an active constituent of ginseng, has teratogenic effects in animal models.
Children up to 18 years: contraindicated
Use of ginseng in newborns is associated with toxicity that can lead to death. There is little reliable information on use in older children.
