Ginseng
Also known as asian ginseng, korean ginseng, panax ginseng, red ginseng
Key takeaways
- Ginseng supplementation significantly reduces disease-related fatigue (PMID: 35776997).
- Ginseng has a positive effect on plasma lipid concentrations in adults (PMID: 31987252).
- Panax notoginseng saponins are effective in treating COPD with blood hypercoagulability (PMID: 38216446).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 178 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Ginseng is a group of herbal supplements used across various traditional and modern medical practices. Research indicates potential benefits for fatigue, physical performance, and metabolic health, though efficacy varies significantly by specific ginseng species and the condition being treated.
By condition
Fatigue and Physical Performance
Moderate
Meta-analyses suggest ginseng supplements can effectively reduce both general and disease-related fatigue and improve ergogenic performance in athletes.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Moderate
Evidence indicates a positive effect on plasma lipid concentrations and other CVD risk factors in adults.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Weak
Systematic reviews show some efficacy in managing T2DM, though the evidence base is smaller compared to fatigue studies.
Cognition
Insufficient
Cochrane reviews have found insufficient evidence to definitively support ginseng for cognitive improvement.
Ischemic Stroke
Moderate
Panax notoginseng saponins show comparative effectiveness against antiplatelet agents in treating ischemic stroke.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though research emphasizes dose-response relationships for ergogenic and CVD effects.
Safety & interactions
Generally considered safe, but potential interactions may occur with antiplatelet agents or medications for diabetes; consult a provider regarding blood hypercoagulability.
Limitations
There is significant heterogeneity in the types of ginseng used (e.g., Panax ginseng vs. Panax notoginseng) and a lack of standardized dosing across studies.
Top-rated Ginseng products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
Drug–supplement interactions
75 documented interactions
| Drug | Severity | Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antiarrhythmics | Critical | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C9, which decreases metabolism of CYP2C9 subs | cyp-inferred |
| Anticonvulsants | Critical | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subs | cyp-inferred |
| GI Prokinetics | Critical | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subs | cyp-inferred |
| Immunosuppressants | Critical | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subs | cyp-inferred |
| Theophylline | Critical | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subs | cyp-inferred |
| ADHD Medications | Moderate | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 subs | cyp-inferred |
| ARB | Moderate | Ginseng is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C9, which decreases metabolism of CYP2C9 subs | cyp-inferred |
| Abciximab | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Abciximab | ddinter-verified |
| Acetohexamide | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Acetohexamide | ddinter-verified |
| Albiglutide | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Albiglutide | ddinter-verified |
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 481 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 178 sources, sorted by quality
**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 …
**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…
**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. do…
**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 me…
**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-…
**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 O…
**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(2…
**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 …
**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 infecti…
**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…
Frequently asked questions
What is ginseng and what are its main uses?
Ginseng is a group of herbal supplements used in traditional and modern medicine, primarily to help with fatigue, physical performance, and metabolic health. Research indicates it may reduce general and disease-related fatigue and improve performance in athletes, though effectiveness varies by species. It is also studied for cardiovascular risk factors and blood sugar management.
Does ginseng help with fatigue and physical performance?
Yes, there is moderate evidence suggesting ginseng supplements can effectively reduce both general and disease-related fatigue. Meta-analyses also indicate it can improve ergogenic performance in athletes and active participants. However, results may vary depending on the specific type of ginseng used.
Can ginseng lower cholesterol or improve heart health?
There is moderate evidence indicating that ginseng has a positive effect on plasma lipid concentrations and other cardiovascular risk factors in adults. While it may support metabolic health, it should not replace prescribed heart medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before using it for cardiovascular support.
Is ginseng effective for type 2 diabetes?
Evidence for ginseng in managing type 2 diabetes is currently weak, though some systematic reviews show limited efficacy. Because ginseng may lower blood glucose, it can interact with diabetes medications, potentially causing additive hypoglycemia. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely and consult a provider before use.
Does ginseng improve cognitive function or memory?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to definitively support ginseng for cognitive improvement, according to Cochrane reviews. Research has not yet established clear benefits for memory or cognitive decline. Therefore, it is not currently recommended as a primary treatment for cognitive issues.
What are the safety risks and drug interactions of ginseng?
Ginseng is generally considered safe but has moderate interactions with antidiabetic drugs and warfarin, potentially reducing warfarin's efficacy or lowering blood sugar too much. It also has minor interactions with SSRIs and stimulants, posing theoretical risks of serotonin syndrome or overstimulation. Consult a provider if you have blood hypercoagulability or take these medications.
Who should avoid taking ginseng supplements?
Individuals taking antidiabetic medications, warfarin, SSRIs, or other stimulants should avoid ginseng or use it only under medical supervision due to interaction risks. People with blood hypercoagulability should also consult a provider before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek professional advice, as specific safety data is not detailed in the provided evidence.