Ginseng
Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.
- Generic name
- Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
- Drug class
- Botanical dietary supplement containing ginsenosides (panaxosides)
- Form
- Oral supplement products
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Regulated in the US as a dietary supplement, not as an FDA-approved drug (general regulatory context; not itself quoted from the NCCIH source reviewed).
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) is and how it works
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an herbal dietary supplement made from the root of the Panax ginseng plant. It contains ginsenosides, which are thought to be its active components. (1)
Ginseng is not an FDA-approved drug; it is regulated as a dietary supplement. Talk to a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a medical condition or take any medicines.
Mechanism of action: how Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) works
The active components are ginsenosides (panaxosides). Detailed mechanism-of-action information was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. (1)
What Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) is used for
Cognitive function
A small amount of research has suggested Asian ginseng may improve cognitive function—including abstract thinking, attention, arithmetic skills, and reaction time—in middle-aged adults, but not in young adults. (1)
Flu prevention
A very small amount of preliminary research suggests Asian ginseng extract may help reduce the risk of developing the flu, but not the severity or duration of symptoms. (1)
Fatigue
A 2023 review found Asian ginseng alone may have a small beneficial effect on general fatigue; certain ginseng herbal formulas containing other ingredients may be beneficial for chronic fatigue, but not ginseng alone. (1)
Diabetes
A 2022 review showed improvement in fasting blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, and certain inflammatory markers with Asian ginseng use; however, research on Asian ginseng for improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes is overall described as inconclusive and conflicting. (1)
Erectile dysfunction
The reviewed source's evidence summary states that taking oral Asian ginseng seems to improve sexual function in people with erectile dysfunction. This is a summarised research finding, not an established treatment indication. (1)
Athletic performance
The majority of research shows Asian ginseng does not improve athletic performance. (1)
Other conditions
There isn't enough reliable information to say whether Asian ginseng might be helpful for aging, asthma, anxiety, or other conditions. (1)
Before taking Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Asian ginseng is not recommended for use in infants, children, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. (all products) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any autoimmune disorder, since Asian ginseng may worsen these conditions.
- Any medicine you take, since ginseng may interfere with blood clotting and may lower blood sugar levels.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How to take Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
- There is no established standard dose for Asian ginseng in the sources reviewed for this draft. Follow the product label and consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Short-term use (up to 6 months) in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people, per the source reviewed.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
No missed-dose guidance was established from the sources reviewed for this draft, since no standard dosing schedule was established either. Ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist, or follow the product label.
Overdose
No overdose thresholds or management protocol were established from the sources reviewed for this draft. If you are concerned about the amount taken, or if serious symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.
Side effects
Short-term oral use of Asian ginseng in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people. The most common side effect is insomnia. Uncommon effects include severe rash, liver damage, and severe allergic reactions. Asian ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders and interfere with blood clotting.
Insomnia
What to notice: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
What to do: If insomnia persists or becomes bothersome, consult your healthcare provider. (1)
Severe rash
What to notice: A specific patient-facing symptom list was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft; do not assume a particular symptom pattern.
What to do: Seek prompt medical assessment for any rash that concerns you. (1)
Signs of liver damage
What to notice: A specific patient-facing symptom list was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft; do not assume a particular symptom pattern.
What to do: Contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation of anything that concerns you. (1)
Signs of severe allergic reaction
What to notice: A specific patient-facing symptom list was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft; do not assume a particular symptom pattern.
What to do: Seek emergency medical attention immediately for anything you believe may be a severe allergic reaction. (1)
Serious warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — high-risk group
Symptoms: Ginseng is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; some studies suggest it may be unsafe to take orally during pregnancy, and one of its chemicals has been found to cause birth defects in animals.
Action: Talk to your healthcare provider — this is a decision for you and your healthcare provider to make together, not a self-directed choice. (1)
Bleeding risk — caution
Symptoms: Ginseng may interfere with blood clotting.
Action: Discuss with a healthcare provider before use, particularly if you have a bleeding disorder or take any other medicine. Specific interacting medicines and pre-procedure guidance were not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. (1)
Blood sugar lowering — caution
Symptoms: Some evidence suggests Asian ginseng might lower blood glucose levels.
Action: If you have diabetes, consult your healthcare provider before use. Specific monitoring or medication-adjustment guidance was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blood clotting | Asian ginseng may interfere with blood clotting. | Consult your healthcare provider before use, particularly if you take any other medicine. Specific named interacting medicines were not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. (1) |
| Blood sugar | Asian ginseng might lower blood glucose levels. | If you have diabetes, consult your healthcare provider before use. (1) |
| Other medicines | The reviewed source gives only general interaction guidance, not a specific interaction list. | If you take any type of medicine, talk with your healthcare provider before using Asian ginseng. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Asian ginseng is not recommended. Some studies suggest it may be unsafe to take orally during pregnancy, and one of its chemicals has been found to cause birth defects in animals. Little is known about its safety during breastfeeding. (1)
Children
Not recommended for use in infants or children, per the source reviewed. (1)
Diabetes
Some evidence suggests Asian ginseng might lower blood sugar levels. Talk to your diabetes care team before use. (1)
Autoimmune disorders
Asian ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders. Discuss with a healthcare provider before use. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Tell a healthcare provider about any autoimmune disorder, diabetes, or bleeding disorder.
- Provide a complete list of all current medicines.
- If pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss with a healthcare provider before use.
During treatment
- Specific ongoing monitoring guidance was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that concerns you.
Storage
Specific storage instructions were not established from the sources reviewed for this draft; follow the storage instructions on the product packaging.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This product is a dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug.
All regions
Indication: Any ginseng use
Dose summary: No universal standard dose was established from the sources reviewed for this draft. Short-term use (up to 6 months) in recommended amounts appears safe for most people, per the source reviewed.
Renal context: No renal or hepatic impairment data were found in the sources reviewed for this draft; this remains an evidence gap. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Liver damage is listed as an uncommon side effect in the source reviewed; no specific hepatic-impairment precaution or dose-adjustment guidance was established from the sources reviewed for this draft.
Overdose note
No overdose thresholds or specific management protocol were established from the sources reviewed for this draft; this remains an evidence gap. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Can ginseng improve my athletic performance?
No. The majority of research shows that Asian ginseng does not improve athletic performance. (1)
Is ginseng safe during pregnancy?
No, ginseng is not recommended during pregnancy. Some studies suggest it may be unsafe, and one of its chemicals has been found to cause birth defects in animals. (1)
Can I take ginseng with medicines that affect blood clotting?
Ginseng may interfere with blood clotting. Specific interacting medicines were not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. Talk to your healthcare provider before combining ginseng with any medicine — they will advise on whether it is appropriate for you. (1)
How long can I safely take ginseng?
Short-term use (up to 6 months) in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people, per the source reviewed. Longer-term safety was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. Discuss with your healthcare provider. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)?
The active components are ginsenosides (panaxosides). Detailed mechanism-of-action information was not established from the sources reviewed for this draft. (1)
What is the generic name of Ginseng?
The generic name is Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). (1)
What class of drug is Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)?
Ginseng is classed as: Botanical dietary supplement containing ginsenosides (panaxosides). (1)
References
- Asian Ginseng: Usefulness and SafetyNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) · United States · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
- GLP-4TE HOMO (AACG-A, AACG-B, ADENOSINUM CYCLOPHOSPHORICUM, BERBERINUM, CALCAREA CARBONICA, CINCHONA OFFICINALIS, CHOLINUM, COLIBACILLINUM CUM NATRUM MURIATICUM, CURCUMA LONGA, METHYLCOBALAMIN, DNA, FERRUM METALLICUM, PANAX GINSENG, L-GLUTAMIC ACID, HEPAR SUIS, HYPOTHALAMUS SUIS, INDOLUM, INSULINUM (HUMAN), IODIUM, LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, MAGNESIA CARBONICA, L-METHIONINE, PANCREAS SUIS, STOMACH (SUIS), ZINCUM METALLICUM, 7-OXO-DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE-3B-ACETATE) LIQUID [DESERET BIOLOGICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Panax ginseng — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 259470)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- QWG-1000.04 g00mL · institute of quantum bioscience