Ginseng

When discussing ginseng it is important to realize that the name is used interchangeably for different plants that have different activities. Korean ginseng is the product most people simply refer to as ginseng and it is the most studied. American ginseng grows in North America but comes from a different plant than its Korean cousin. Finally Siberian ginseng does not belong to the ginseng family at all!

Claims regarding the use of ginseng include strengthening effects, enhancement of mental and physical capacity, fatigue fighter, aphrodisiac and stress protector. Ginseng might even have an 'adaptogenic' effect to help adapt to internal and external stresses. In Germany ginseng is used as a tonic to invigorate and fortify people that are fatigued and debilitated, and to increase capacity for work and concentration.

All these claims seem too good to be true and unfortunately most of them have never been proven in trials with patients. Some of the claims are based on animal studies and some are not based on any facts. The ginseng root contains a multitude of ingredients that have not been studied properly, and no two products sold in the stores contain the same ingredients. Indeed, some products do not contain any derivative of ginseng.

Several adverse effects have been attributed to ginseng products. However, since ginseng is notorious for being mislabeled or containing other ingredients, it is not known whether these effects are due to ginseng itself or to contaminants. Some of the side effects reported include diarrhea, skin eruptions, nervousness, sleepiness and headache. Individuals with hypertension should avoid ginseng as it can increase blood pressure. Ginseng may cause hypoglycemia so patients with diabetes should be cautious if they decide to use it. Estrogens-like effects such as vaginal bleeding can occur in women, and ginseng should not be used in patients with estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The effects of ginseng during pregnancy are not known. Individuals using Warfarin (a blood thinner) should contact their physician or pharmacist before starting ginseng as it may decrease or increase the activity of their medication.

Ginseng is available as fresh or dried roots, extracts, solution, capsules, tablets or teas. Each of these has a different suggested dose. In general, one to two grams of the root or its equivalent is recommended.

Several claims associated with ginseng have never been proven and several species of plants are used under the name ginseng even though they have different activities. As well, the preparations sold in stores are not standardized so the effects can vary between products. The dose to use and the duration of therapy are not well known. Therefore, the benefits of ginseng might not be as dramatic as promised.