Ginseng
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Evidence Summary
Ginseng is a widely researched supplement with a large body of evidence, primarily focused on its effects on physical performance, fatigue, and metabolic health. Meta-analyses suggest potential benefits for athletic ergogenic effects, fatigue reduction, and the management of certain cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Evidence by Condition
Ginseng supplements are effective in improving physical performance and reducing both general and disease-related fatigue.
Cochrane reviews have investigated the efficacy of ginseng for cognitive enhancement.
Ginseng-related therapies have shown efficacy in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Evidence indicates that ginseng supplementation may influence plasma lipid concentrations and various CVD risk factors.
Panax notoginseng saponins have shown clinical efficacy in treating COPD associated with blood hypercoagulability.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges were not explicitly provided in the source text.
Key Findings
- Ginseng supplements are effective for improving physical performance and reducing fatigue (PMID: 27822924).
- Ginseng supplementation may influence plasma lipid concentrations in adults (PMID: 31987252).
- Panax notoginseng saponins show clinical efficacy in treating COPD with blood hypercoagulability (PMID: 38216446).
- Ginseng-related therapies have demonstrated efficacy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PMID: 26871778).
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence focuses on specific derivatives, such as Panax notoginseng saponins, or specific populations like athletes, which may limit generalizability.
Safety & Interactions
No specific drug interactions or contraindications were detailed in the provided research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 178 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 82% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 3% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 2% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (178)
**Ramli et al., 2021** | Int J Med Sci | Meta Analysis Ramli Fitri Fareez, Azizi Muhammad Hasif, Syed Hashim Syed Alhafiz. Treatments of Sexual Dysfunction in Opioid Substitution Therapy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Med Sci....
**Wang et al., 2006** | Med Sci Monit | Meta Analysis Wang Gang, Wang Lei, ... Li Ting-Qian. Compound salvia pellet, a traditional Chinese medicine, for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris compared with nitrates: a meta-analysis. Med Sci ...
**Bach et al., 2016** | J Korean Med Sci | Meta Analysis Bach Hoang Viet, Kim Jeongseon, ... Cho Young Ae. Efficacy of Ginseng Supplements on Fatigue and Physical Performance: a Meta-analysis. J Korean Med Sci. 2016-Dec;31(12):1879-1886. doi:10.3346/...
**Khan et al., 2022** | J Sports Sci | Meta Analysis Khan Nasreen, Sharma Saurabh, ... Sharma Raj Kumar. Dose-response and temporal ergogenic effects of ginseng supplementation in athletes and active participants: A systematic review and meta-analysi...
**Zhou et al., 2024** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Zhou Ruiling, Zhang Jie, ... Zhang He. Clinical efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with blood hypercoagulability: A meta-analysis o...
**Yu et al., 2014** | Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban | Meta Analysis Yu Kun, Zhang Zhen-dong, ... Wang Zheng-long. [Dan'e-fukang soft extract for dysmenorrhea: a meta-analysis]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2014-Jul;43(4):474-9 OBJECTIVE: ...
**Zhu et al., 2022** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Zhu Jianxun, Xu Xiaoru, ... Wang Zhihong. Efficacy of ginseng supplements on disease-related fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022-Jul-01;101(26):e29767....
**Ziaei et al., 2020** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Ziaei Rahele, Ghavami Abed, ... Clark Cain C T. The efficacy of ginseng supplementation on plasma lipid concentration in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. ...
**Shokri-Mashhadi et al., 2021** | Expert Rev Respir Med | Systematic Review Shokri-Mashhadi Nafiseh, Kazemi Maryam, ... Moradi Sajjad. Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections: a sys...
**Zhang et al., 2026** | J Ethnopharmacol | Systematic Review Zhang Hongrui, Feng Luda, ... Gao Ying. Comparative effectiveness of Panax notoginseng saponins-related agents and antiplatelet agents in ischemic stroke: A systematic review and network m...
**Jafari et al., 2025** | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis Jafari Ali, Mardani Helia, ... Alaghi Alireza. The effect of ginseng supplementation on CVD risk factors: a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2025-Oct-14;13...
BACKGROUND: Currently very few drugs are supported for routine use for acute ischaemic stroke. Sanchi is one of the most widely used herbal medicines for ischaemic stroke in China. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of sanchi in the t...
**Geng et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Geng Jinsong, Dong Jiancheng, ... Malouf Reem. Ginseng for cognition. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Dec-08(12):CD007769. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007769.pub2 BACKGROUND: Ginseng is a...
**Gui et al., 2016** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Gui Qi-Feng, Xu Zhe-Rong, ... Yang Yun-Mei. The Efficacy of Ginseng-Related Therapies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016-...
BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is a major complication for persons undergoing abdominal surgery. Daikenchuto, a Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo), is a drug that may reduce postoperative ileus. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of Da...
**Zhu et al., 2021** | Nutr Cancer | Meta Analysis Zhu Chenhong, Wang Jingyi, ... Ren Liping. Ginseng Consumption Possible Effect on Liver Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Nutr Cancer. 2021;73(9):1581-1589. doi:10.1080/01635581.2020.1803929 INTRODUCTION: Gin...
**Todorova et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Todorova Velislava, Ivanov Kalin, ... Ivanova Stanislava. Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. 2021-Aug-20;13(8). doi:10.3390/nu13082861 Adaptogens are synthetic compounds ...
**Naseri et al., 2022** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Naseri Kaveh, Saadati Saeede, ... Gan Ren-You. The Efficacy of Ginseng (Panax) on Human Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022-Jun-09;14(12)...
**Yang et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Yang Keungmo, Kim Hee-Hoon, ... Song Myeong Jun. The Efficacy of Panax ginseng for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies. Nutr...
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a longstanding history in the treatment of fatigue-related conditions, and is increasingly recognized as a foundation for novel therapeutic approaches. The Panax genus, extensively utilized in the fundamental TC...
**Alraek et al., 2011** | BMC Complement Altern Med | Systematic Review Alraek Terje, Lee Myeong Soo, ... Liu Jianping. Complementary and alternative medicine for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med....
**Lee et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lee Hye Won, Lee Myeong Soo, ... Moon Du Geon. Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Apr-19;4(4):CD012654. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012654.pub2 BACKGROUND: D...
**Bower et al., 2024** | J Clin Oncol | Systematic Review Bower Julienne E, Lacchetti Christina, ... Mustian Karen. Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. 2024-Jul-10;...
**Chen et al., 2026** | Curr Neuropharmacol | Meta Analysis Chen Nan, Yu Lirong, ... Li Na. Ginseng for Cognitive Function in Elderly Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, or Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr...
**Chen et al., 2016** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Chen Meng Hua, May Brian H, ... Xue Charlie C. Integrative Medicine for Relief of Nausea and Vomiting in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Using Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy: A Systematic Revie...
**Fan et al., 2020** | Biomed Pharmacother | Systematic Review Fan Shasha, Zhang Zepeng, ... Li Xiangyan. Panax ginseng clinical trials: Current status and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020-Dec;132:110832. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.11083...
**Sha'ari et al., 2021** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Sha'ari Nahdiya, Woon Luke Sy-Cherng, ... Mohamed Saini Suriati. Beneficial effects of natural products on female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2021-...
**Ikeuchi et al., 2022** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Ikeuchi Shingo, Minamida Mika, ... Kamioka Hiroharu. Exploratory Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Panax Genus Plant Ingestion Evaluation in Exercise Endurance. Nutrients. 2022-Mar-11;14(6). d...
**Huai et al., 2023** | Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) | Meta Analysis Huai Baogeng, Huai Baosha, ... Liu Deshan. Systematic evaluation of combined herbal adjuvant therapy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1157...
**Liu et al., 2024** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Liu Yaoyuan, Niu Puyu, ... Pang Wentai. The use of Panax notoginseng saponins injections after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front ...
Ginseng is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely believed that ginseng can improve cognitive function, but its clinical efficacy is still controversial. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of ginseng on cognitive fu...
**Pan et al., 2025** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Pan Bei, Lai Honghao, ... Yang Kehu. Efficacy and safety of commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation combined with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and ...
**Kim et al., 2016** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Kim Kwan-Il, Shin Seungwon, ... Lee Hyangsook. A traditional herbal medication, Maekmoondong-tang, for cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016-Feb-03;178:144-54. doi...
**Komishon et al., 2016** | J Hum Hypertens | Meta Analysis Komishon A M, Shishtar E, ... Vuksan V. The effect of ginseng (genus Panax) on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens...
**Zhou et al., 2016** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Zhou Zhou, Shen Weixing, ... Wu Qibiao. A Chinese patent medicine, Shexiang Baoxin Pill, for Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016-Dec-24;194:11...
**Song et al., 2017** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Song Haiying, Wang Peili, ... Wang Chenglong. Panax notoginseng Preparations for Unstable Angina Pectoris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phytother Res. 2017-Aug;31(8):1162-1172. doi:10.10...
**Tang et al., 2020** | Pharm Biol | Meta Analysis Tang Xiuge, Huang Mingdi, ... Li Yan. Panax notoginseng preparations as adjuvant therapy for diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharm Biol. 2020-Dec;58(1):138-145. doi:10...
**Petre et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Petre Gabriel Cosmin, Francini-Pesenti Francesco, ... Garolla Andrea. Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use. N...
**Chen et al., 2023** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Chen Guoming, Wang Ning, ... Feng Yibin. Efficacy and safety of herbal medicines intervention for cachexia associated with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2023-Nov;37...
**Li et al., 2024** | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review Li Nan, Li Yanchun. Lysophosphatidic Acid (LPA) and Its Receptors in Mood Regulation: A Systematic Review of the Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci. 2024-Jul-06;25(13)...
**Kim et al., 2025** | Complement Med Res | Meta Analysis Kim Junyeon, Kang Minji, Lim Hyunjung. Cognitive Benefits of Ginseng: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Changes in Mini-Mental State Examination and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale...
**Wu et al., 2009** | J Exp Clin Cancer Res | Meta Analysis Wu Ping, Dugoua Jean Jacques, ... Mills Edward J. Traditional Chinese Medicines in the treatment of hepatocellular cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2009...
**An et al., 2011** | Respir Med | Systematic Review An Xuedong, Zhang Anthony Lin, ... Xue Charlie Changli. Oral ginseng formulae for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review. Respir Med. 2011-Feb;105(2):165-76. doi:10.1016/...
**Kim et al., 2011** | Chin J Integr Med | Meta Analysis Kim Sina, Shin Byung-Cheul, ... Ernst Edzard. Red ginseng for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Chin J Integr Med. 2011-Dec;17(12):937-44. doi:10.10...
**Pferschy-Wenzig et al., 2022** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Pferschy-Wenzig Eva-Maria, Pausan Manuela R, ... Bauer Rudolf. Medicinal Plants and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022-May-18;14(1...
**Hu et al., 2023** | PLoS One | Meta Analysis Hu Jiaqi, Cheng Mengqi, ... Liu Rui. Ginseng-containing traditional medicine preparations in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta...
**Liu et al., 2024** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Liu Lingling, Zhang Claire Shuiqing, ... Xue Charlie Changli. The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random...
**Chen et al., 2024** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Chen Pengfei, Gao Zhuye, ... Shi Dazhuo. Efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponin injection in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of ...
**Jang et al., 2008** | Br J Clin Pharmacol | Meta Analysis Jang Dai-Ja, Lee Myeong Soo, ... Ernst Edzard. Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008-Oct;66(4):444-50. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2008.03...
**Balasubramanian et al., 2019** | J Sex Med | Systematic Review Balasubramanian Adithya, Thirumavalavan Nannan, ... Pastuszak Alexander W. An Analysis of Popular Online Erectile Dysfunction Supplements. J Sex Med. 2019-Jun;16(6):843-852. doi:10.1016...
Showing top 50 of 178 sources, sorted by quality score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is ginseng and what are its main benefits?
Ginseng is a widely researched supplement primarily used to support physical performance, fatigue reduction, and metabolic health. There is strong evidence for its use in improving performance and moderate evidence regarding its impact on cognitive and cardiovascular health.
Does ginseng help with fatigue and energy levels?
Yes, there is strong evidence that ginseng supplements are effective in improving physical performance and reducing both general and disease-related fatigue. This makes it a highly researched option for those seeking energy support.
Can ginseng help manage Type 2 Diabetes?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that ginseng-related therapies can be effective in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. However, you should always consult a medical professional before using supplements to manage blood sugar.
Is ginseng good for brain function and memory?
There is moderate evidence, including Cochrane reviews, suggesting that ginseng may be effective for cognitive enhancement. It is often studied for its potential to improve mental clarity and cognitive performance.
Can ginseng support heart health?
There is moderate evidence indicating that ginseng supplementation may influence plasma lipid concentrations and various cardiovascular disease risk factors. This suggests a potential role in supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Are there any known drug interactions or safety concerns with ginseng?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the provided research. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before starting ginseng to ensure it is safe for your specific health profile.
What is the recommended dose of ginseng?
The available research does not provide an explicitly defined effective dose range for ginseng. You should work with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.