Overview

Panax ginseng is a plant. Its root is used to make tea as well as dietary supplements. People take Panax ginseng for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping. Before taking Panax ginseng, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Panax ginseng used for?

Panax ginseng is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use Panax ginseng include the following.

• To ease anxiety
• To help manage diabetes
• To help manage stress
• To improve memory or thinking skills
• To increase energy levels
• To boost the immune system

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Panax ginseng for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Panax ginseng work (mechanism of action)?

Panax ginseng is a plant. Dietary supplements that contain Panax ginseng are made from the root (rhizome) of the plant. Since this plant is native to Asia, it is also sometimes called Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or Korean ginseng. Panax ginseng is thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment.

Some of the chemicals in Panax ginseng, called ginsenosides, are thought to be responsible for its effects in the body. These chemicals may change the way that the body responds to the hormone estrogen. They may also increase the levels of certain immune cells in the body, but it is not clear if this can help reduce infections. It is also unclear how these chemicals might work for any other use, such as relieving stress, increasing energy, lowering blood sugar levels, or helping with anxiety or thinking skills.

Panax ginseng contains some of the same chemicals as another form of ginseng, called American ginseng. But these plants contain different amounts of these chemicals and can cause different effects and side effects in the body. Panax ginseng is the more common form of ginseng. Most products that are labeled “ginseng” or “ginseng radix” contain Panax ginseng.

Herbal products such as Panax ginseng naturally contain many different chemicals, such as ginsenosides. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Panax ginseng product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store Panax ginseng?

You should store Panax ginseng according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Panax ginseng?

The most common side effects of Panax ginseng are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

There may be other side effects of Panax ginseng that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Panax ginseng?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Panax ginseng are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Panax ginseng may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Panax ginseng and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use Panax ginseng?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Panax ginseng.

• Asian ginseng
• Ginseng
• Korean ginseng
• Panax ginseng
• Red ginseng
• White ginseng
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Panax ginseng products they stock.

What should I know about Panax ginseng before using it?

Panax ginseng is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Panax ginseng out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as Panax ginseng, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Panax ginseng product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, and the time of year when it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Panax ginseng products may be called red ginseng and white ginseng. These colors tell you how the plant was processed. When the root of Panax ginseng is dried, it is called white ginseng. When it is steamed and then dried, it is called red ginseng. If the root is steamed, dried, and fermented, it is called fermented red ginseng. Both red and white ginseng may be made into teas, liquids, or dried ground powders. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant, changing their effects on the body.

The FDA has not tested Panax ginseng products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Panax ginseng?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Panax ginseng is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
• Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Panax ginseng may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Panax ginseng, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Panax ginseng could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Panax ginseng passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Panax ginseng interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Panax ginseng and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Panax ginseng.

Does Panax ginseng interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Panax ginseng.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
• A medicine for diabetes
• Hormone replacement therapy or any medicines that contain hormones, including certain types of birth control

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Panax ginseng. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between Panax ginseng and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Panax ginseng is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Panax ginseng with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Panax ginseng?

If you or someone else has used too much Panax ginseng, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Panax ginseng products contain the root of the plant, but the root may be processed in different ways to make red or white ginseng. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use Panax ginseng safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.