Panax Ginseng

Last Updated: July 22, 2023

Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as “true Ginseng”. It appears to be effective for mood, immunity, and cognition, but is subpar for erectile function, testosterone, and exercise performance.

Panax Ginseng is most often used for

What is Panax ginseng?

Panax ginseng is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for a wide variety of preventative purposes. It belongs to the ginseng family of plants and is the most commonly used species of the Panax genus for medicinal purposes.[1] It is typically used for its effects on mood, cognition, and immunity.

What are Panax ginseng’s main benefits?

Some studies have found that Panax ginseng has a dose-dependent calming effect on mood,[2] but other studies utilizing the same dose as the previous study did not note significant improvements in mood.[3] A different study conducted over a period of 8 weeks found that supplementation with Panax ginseng resulted in significant improvement in mental health at the 4-week mark.[4] It could be possible that Panax ginseng’s effects on mood are short-lived, and that acute use does improve mood.

Panax ginseng may potentially improve overall cognition. This claim is based on the results of a few studies that evaluated various measures of cognition, but this effect is still unproven.[5] Studies evaluating the effects of ginseng on reaction time and accuracy noted some improvement, but further studies are required to confirm these effects.[2][6][7]

Ginseng seems to amplify the effects of a vaccine response in cows when administered at the same time.[8] Other animal studies suggest it works synergistically with aluminum hydroxide to further enhance the efficacy of vaccines.[9][10] Ginseng extract appears to reduce the occurrence of the flu in humans when taken alongside flu vaccination. One study noted that ginseng significantly brought down the rate of flu occurrence.[11]

What are Panax ginseng’s main drawbacks?

Panax ginseng supplementation is considered generally safe. A systematic review assessing the safety of ginseng use in humans described low incidence of harm. Side effects, if any, were related to gastrointestinal upset and included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramps.[12]

How does Panax Ginseng work?

Panax ginseng contains ginsenosides, the main active component of ginseng that gives the plant its pharmacological benefit.[13] Panax ginseng also has other active ingredients, including ginsengosides, polysaccharides, peptides, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, polyacetylenic alcohols, and fatty acids that assist in producing its pharmacological effects.[13]

What else is Panax Ginseng known as?
Note that Panax Ginseng is also known as:
  • True Ginseng
  • Ginseng
  • Panax
  • Mountain Ginseng
  • Wild Ginseng
Panax Ginseng should not be confused with:
  • Siberian Ginseng
  • American Ginseng
  • Chinese Ginseng
  • Pseudoginseng
  • Desert Ginseng
  • Black Ginseng
  • Cistanche spp
Dosage information

Panax Ginseng tends to be taken in doses of 200 to 400mg daily for general 'preventative' medicine, although some studies on the inclusion of Panax Ginseng in a multivitamin suggest doses as low as 40mg might be bioactive. The 400mg dose appears to confer most cognitive benefit.

These doses refer to standard 'Ginseng Extract' which is around 2-3% total Ginsenosides, and is a once daily dosage.

Trials using Korean Red Ginseng extract for erectile health and libido enhancement tend to use 3g of total KRG extract daily, in three doses of 1000mg.

Examine Database: Panax Ginseng
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References
  1. ^Yun TKBrief introduction of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.J Korean Med Sci.(2001-Dec)
  2. ^Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DOPanax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adultsHum Psychopharmacol.(2010 Aug)
  3. ^Cardinal BJ, Engels HJGinseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trialJ Am Diet Assoc.(2001 Jun)
  4. ^Ellis JM, Reddy PEffects of Panax ginseng on quality of lifeAnn Pharmacother.(2002 Mar)
  5. ^Smith I, Williamson EM, Putnam S, Farrimond J, Whalley BJEffects and mechanisms of ginseng and ginsenosides on cognition.Nutr Rev.(2014-May)
  6. ^Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KAModulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adultsPhysiol Behav.(2002 Apr 15)
  7. ^Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey ABSingle doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activityJ Psychopharmacol.(2005 Jul)
  8. ^Hu S, Concha C, Lin F, Persson Waller KAdjuvant effect of ginseng extracts on the immune responses to immunisation against Staphylococcus aureus in dairy cattle.Vet Immunol Immunopathol.(2003-Jan-10)
  9. ^Rivera E, Hu S, Concha CGinseng and aluminium hydroxide act synergistically as vaccine adjuvants.Vaccine.(2003-Mar-07)
  10. ^Rivera E, Daggfeldt A, Hu SGinseng extract in aluminium hydroxide adjuvanted vaccines improves the antibody response of pigs to porcine parvovirus and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.Vet Immunol Immunopathol.(2003-Jan-10)
  11. ^Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo REfficacy and safety of the standardised Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold correctedDrugs Exp Clin Res.(1996)
  12. ^Lee NH, Son CGSystematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of ginseng.J Acupunct Meridian Stud.(2011-Jun)
  13. ^Kim JH, Yi YS, Kim MY, Cho JYRole of ginsenosides, the main active components of , in inflammatory responses and diseases.J Ginseng Res.(2017-Oct)
Examine Database References
  1. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - Herman-J. Engels, Joesphine M. Said, John C. Wirth,Failure of chronic ginseng supplementation to affect work performance and energy metabolism in healthy adult femalesNutrition Research.()
  2. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - A C Morris, I Jacobs, T M McLellan, A Klugerman, L C Wang, J ZamecnikNo ergogenic effect of ginseng ingestionInt J Sport Nutr.(1996 Sep)
  3. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - H J Engels, J C WirthNo ergogenic effects of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) during graded maximal aerobic exerciseJ Am Diet Assoc.(1997 Oct)
  4. Oxygen Uptake - J D Allen, J McLung, A G Nelson, M WelschGinseng supplementation does not enhance healthy young adults' peak aerobic exercise performanceJ Am Coll Nutr.(1998 Oct)
  5. Oxygen Uptake - Pipat, Cherdungsi., Kanyarat, RungroengEffects of Standardized Ginseng Extract and Exercise Training on Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Capacities in HumansJournal of Ginseng Research.()
  6. Waist-Hip Ratio - E. Azizi, F. MoradiThe effect of ginseng supplementation on anabolic index, muscle strength, body composition, and testosterone and cortisol response to acute resistance exercise in male bodybuildersDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences.()
  7. Weight - Angelheart J.M. RattuThe effect of ginseng supplementation on strength development in response to resistance exercise trainingMedical Journal of Indonesia.()
  8. Exercise Recovery - H J Engels, I Kolokouri, T J Cieslak 2nd, J C WirthEffects of ginseng supplementation on supramaximal exercise performance and short-term recoveryJ Strength Cond Res.(2001 Aug)
  9. Lactate Dehydrogenase - Gislaine Cristina-Souza, Ana C Santos-Mariano, Adriano E Lima-Silva, Poliana L Costa, Pablo R Domingos, Sandro F Silva, Wilson C Abreu, Fernando R De-Oliveira, Raul OsieckiPanax ginseng Supplementation Increases Muscle Recruitment, Attenuates Perceived Effort, and Accelerates Muscle Force Recovery After an Eccentric-Based Exercise in AthletesJ Strength Cond Res.(2020 Apr 29)
  10. Immunoglobulin A - Hermann-J Engels, Mariane M Fahlman, John C WirthEffects of ginseng on secretory IgA, performance, and recovery from interval exerciseMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2003 Apr)
  11. Cognition - Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey ABEffects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained 'mentally demanding' tasksJ Psychopharmacol.(2006 Nov)
  12. Cognition - Andrew B Scholey, David O KennedyAcute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers: differential interactions with cognitive demandHum Psychopharmacol.(2002 Jan)
  13. Cognition - Jae-Hyeok Heo, Soon-Tae Lee, Min Jung Oh, Hyun-Jung Park, Ji-Young Shim, Kon Chu, Manho KimImprovement of cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease patients by long term treatment with korean red ginsengJ Ginseng Res.(2011 Nov)
  14. Cognition - Hye-Bin Yeo, Ho-Kyoung Yoon, Heon-Jeong Lee, Seung-Gul Kang, Ki-Young Jung, Leen KimEffects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cognitive and Motor Function: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled TrialJ Ginseng Res.(2012 Apr)
  15. Cognition - Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DOPanax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adultsHum Psychopharmacol.(2010 Aug)
  16. Cognition - Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey ABSingle doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activityJ Psychopharmacol.(2005 Jul)
  17. Cognition - Soon-Tae Lee, Kon Chu, Ji-Young Sim, Jae-Hyeok Heo, Manho KimPanax ginseng enhances cognitive performance in Alzheimer diseaseAlzheimer Dis Assoc Disord.(Jul-Sep 2008)
  18. Cognition - Eun Namgung, Jungyoon Kim, Hyeonseok Jeong, Gahae Hong, Myeongju Kim, Rye Young Kim, Shinhye Kim, In Kyoon LyooEffects of Korean red ginseng on human gray matter volume and cognitive function: A voxel-based morphometry studyHum Psychopharmacol.(2021 Mar)
  19. Cognition - Derek Ong Lai Teik, Xiao Shiang Lee, Chu Jian Lim, Chia Mei Low, Mariyam Muslima, Luca AquiliGinseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity: A Randomised TrialPLoS One.(2016 Mar 3)
  20. Processing Speed - L D'Angelo, R Grimaldi, M Caravaggi, M Marcoli, E Perucca, S Lecchini, G M Frigo, A CremaA double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of a standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol.(Apr-May 1986)
  21. Cognitive Decline - Heo JH, Lee ST, Chu K, Oh MJ, Park HJ, Shim JY, Kim MAn open-label trial of Korean red ginseng as an adjuvant treatment for cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's diseaseEur J Neurol.(2008 Aug)
  22. Motor Control - Henrik Sorensen, Jesper SonnneA double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functionsCurrent Therapeutic Research.()
  23. Reaction Time - D O Kennedy, C F Haskell, K A Wesnes, A B ScholeyImproved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginsengPharmacol Biochem Behav.(2004 Nov)
  24. Reaction Time - Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KAModulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adultsPhysiol Behav.(2002 Apr 15)
  25. Attention - Pierre-Antoine Mariage, Areg Hovhannisyan, Alexander G PanossianEfficacy of Panax ginseng Meyer Herbal Preparation HRG80 in Preventing and Mitigating Stress-Induced Failure of Cognitive Functions in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover TrialPharmaceuticals (Basel).(2020 Mar 29)
  26. Fatigue Symptoms - Meegun Hong, Yoon Hyeong Lee, Seungwoo Kim, Ki Tae Suk, Chang Seok Bang, Jai Hoon Yoon, Gwang Ho Baik, Dong Joon Kim, Myong Jo KimAnti-inflammatory and antifatigue effect of Korean Red Ginseng in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseJ Ginseng Res.(2016 Jul)
  27. Insulin - Reay JL, Scholey AB, Milne A, Fenwick J, Kennedy DOPanax ginseng has no effect on indices of glucose regulation following acute or chronic ingestion in healthy volunteersBr J Nutr.(2009 Jun)
  28. Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile - Kim HG, Yoo SR, Park HJ, Lee NH, Shin JW, Sathyanath R, Cho JH, Son CGAntioxidant effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trialFood Chem Toxicol.(2011 Sep)
  29. Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile - Kim JY, Park JY, Kang HJ, Kim OY, Lee JHBeneficial effects of Korean red ginseng on lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, and LDL oxidation in healthy participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialNutr J.(2012 Jul 17)
  30. Inflammation - Jung HL, Kwak HE, Kim SS, Kim YC, Lee CD, Byurn HK, Kang HYEffects of Panax ginseng supplementation on muscle damage and inflammation after uphill treadmill running in humansAm J Chin Med.(2011)
  31. Blood glucose - De Souza LR, Jenkins AL, Sievenpiper JL, Jovanovski E, Rahelić D, Vuksan VKorean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) root fractions: differential effects on postprandial glycemia in healthy individualsJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Sep 1)
  32. Insulin - Park BJ, Lee YJ, Lee HR, Jung DH, Na HY, Kim HB, Shim JYEffects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risks in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled StudyKorean J Fam Med.(2012 Jul)
  33. Erections - Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, Nam KY, Ahn TYA double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary reportJ Urol.(2002 Nov)
  34. Erections - Choi HK, Seong DH, Rha KHClinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunctionInt J Impot Res.(1995 Sep)
  35. Erections - de Andrade E, de Mesquita AA, Claro Jde A, de Andrade PM, Ortiz V, Paranhos M, Srougi MStudy of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunctionAsian J Androl.(2007 Mar)
  36. Glycemic Control - Reeds DN, Patterson BW, Okunade A, Holloszy JO, Polonsky KS, Klein SGinseng and ginsenoside Re do not improve β-cell function or insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetesDiabetes Care.(2011 May)
  37. HbA1c - Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio AGinseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patientsDiabetes Care.(1995 Oct)
  38. Menopausal Symptoms - Kim SY, Seo SK, Choi YM, Jeon YE, Lim KJ, Cho S, Choi YS, Lee BSEffects of red ginseng supplementation on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomized controlled trialMenopause.(2012 Apr)
  39. Depression Symptoms - Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, Limoni CEffects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine GroupInt J Clin Pharmacol Res.(1999)
  40. Libido - Oh KJ, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park KEffects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical studyJ Sex Med.(2010 Apr)
  41. Oxygen Uptake - A W Ziemba, J Chmura, H Kaciuba-Uscilko, K Nazar, P Wisnik, W GawronskiGinseng treatment improves psychomotor performance at rest and during graded exercise in young athletesInt J Sport Nutr.(1999 Dec)
  42. Creatine Kinase - Yi-Ming Chen, I-Lin Wang, Shu Zhou, Tsung-Yu Tsai, Yen-Shuo Chiu, Wan-Chun ChiuSix weeks of Jilin ginseng root supplementation attenuates drop jump-related muscle injury markers in healthy female college studentsFood Funct.(2021 Mar 1)
  43. Blood glucose - Rhee MY, Kim YS, Bae JH, Nah DY, Kim YK, Lee MM, Kim HYEffect of Korean red ginseng on arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertensionJ Altern Complement Med.(2011 Jan)
  44. Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms - Jae-Hyeok Heo, Soon-Tae Lee, Kon Chu, Min Jung Oh, Hyun-Jung Park, Ji-Young Shim, Manho KimHeat-processed ginseng enhances the cognitive function in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's diseaseNutr Neurosci.(2012 Nov)
  45. Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms - Lee, Soon-Tae., Chu, Kon., Kim, Jeong-Min., Park, Hyun-Jeong., Kim, Man-Ho Cognitive improvement by ginseng in Alzheimer's diseaseJournal of Ginseng Research.()
  46. Overall Cancer Risk - Yun TK, Choi SYPreventive effect of ginseng intake against various human cancers: a case-control study on 1987 pairsCancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.(1995 Jun)
  47. Overall Cancer Risk - Taik-Koo Yun, Shu Zheng, Soo-Yong Choi, Shan Rong Cai, Yun-Sil Lee, Xi Yong Liu, Kyung Ja Cho, Kun Young ParkNon-organ-specific preventive effect of long-term administration of Korean red ginseng extract on incidence of human cancersJ Med Food.(2010 Jun)
  48. Fatigue Symptoms - Tahereh Fathi Najafia, Narjes Bahrib, Hamid Reza Tohidinik, Sahar Feyza, Farnaz Blokia, Safora Savarkar, Shayesteh JahanfarTreatment of cancer-related fatigue with ginseng: A systematic review and meta-analysisJournal of Herbal Medicine.()
  49. Erections - Kim TH, Jeon SH, Hahn EJ, Paek KY, Park JK, Youn NY, Lee HLEffects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunctionAsian J Androl.(2009 May)
  50. Blood glucose - Ping FW, Keong CC, Bandyopadhyay AEffects of acute supplementation of Panax ginseng on endurance running in a hot & humid environmentIndian J Med Res.(2011 Jan)
  51. Testosterone - Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, Paolini P, De Nuccio I, Pepe M, Re MEffects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertilityPanminerva Med.(1996 Dec)
  52. Serum DHEA - Hae-Jin Ko, Inbo Kim, Jong-Bae Kim, Yong Moon, Min-Cheol Whang, Keun-Mi Lee, Seung-Pil JungEffects of Korean red ginseng extract on behavior in children with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trialJ Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol.(2014 Nov)
  53. Blood Flow - Jovanovski E, Jenkins A, Dias AG, Peeva V, Sievenpiper J, Arnason JT, Rahelic D, Josse RG, Vuksan VEffects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) and its isolated ginsenosides and polysaccharides on arterial stiffness in healthy individualsAm J Hypertens.(2010 May)
  54. Blood Flow - Ahn CM, Hong SJ, Choi SC, Park JH, Kim JS, Lim DSRed ginseng extract improves coronary flow reserve and increases absolute numbers of various circulating angiogenic cells in patients with first ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarctionPhytother Res.(2011 Feb)
  55. Vaccine Augmentation - Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo REfficacy and safety of the standardised Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold correctedDrugs Exp Clin Res.(1996)
  56. Insomnia Signs and Symptoms - Won-Suk Sung, Ha-Ra Kang, Chan-Yung Jung, Seong-Sik Park, Seung-Ho Lee, Eun-Jung KimEfficacy of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) for middle-aged and moderate level of chronic fatigue patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialComplement Ther Med.(2020 Jan)
  57. Schizophrenia symptoms - Eric Y H Chen, Christy L M HuiHT1001, a proprietary North American ginseng extract, improves working memory in schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled studyPhytother Res.(2012 Aug)
  58. Subjective Well-Being - Cardinal BJ, Engels HJGinseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trialJ Am Diet Assoc.(2001 Jun)
  59. Subjective Well-Being - Ellis JM, Reddy PEffects of Panax ginseng on quality of lifeAnn Pharmacother.(2002 Mar)
  60. Cognition - Masoud Etemadifar, Farnaz Sayahi, Seyed-Hossein Abtahi, Hamidreza Shemshaki, Gholam-Ali Dorooshi, Mohammad Goodarzi, Mojtaba Akbari, Mahboobeh Fereidan-EsfahaniGinseng in the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot studyInt J Neurosci.(2013 Jul)
  61. Sleep Quality - Kitaoka K, Uchida K, Okamoto N, Chikahisa S, Miyazaki T, Takeda E, Séi HFermented ginseng improves the first-night effect in humansSleep.(2009 Mar)
  62. Intermediate-Term Memory - Key-Chung Park, Hui Jin, Renhua Zheng, Sehyun Kim, Seung-Eun Lee, Bo-Hyung Kim, Sung-Vin YimCognition enhancing effect of panax ginseng in Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialTransl Clin Pharmacol.(2019 Sep)
  63. Fatigue Symptoms - Namhun Lee, Suk-Hoon Lee, Ho-Ryong Yoo, Hwa Seung YooAnti-Fatigue Effects of Enzyme-Modified Ginseng Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialJ Altern Complement Med.(2016 Nov)
  64. Fatigue Symptoms - Li Zhang, Xiaoyun Chen, Yanqi Cheng, Qilong Chen, Hongsheng Tan, Dongwook Son, Dongpill Chang, Zhaoxiang Bian, Hong Fang, Hongxi XuSafety and antifatigue effect of Korean Red Ginseng: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Ginseng Res.(2019 Oct)