At a glance
Main use:Boost immune system
Evidence:* 3 Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Stop 1 week before surgery.Interacts with blood pressure medications.Remember to always tell your healthcare provider about all the remedies and medications you're taking.
Ginseng has been used for over 2000 years in Chinese medicine as an energy tonic. There are several types, including Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is not a true ginseng and does not contain some of the active components of Panax ginseng.
What is it used for?
Ginseng is touted as a 'pick-me-up' tonic to build stamina, boost immune function and restore mental and physical functioning. It might be used when fatigued, after illness, or during times of prolonged stress, chronic disease or low vitality.
Korean ginseng is also used in cancer and heart disease, to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, and for erectile dysfunction. Siberian ginseng is also used to improve alertness and energy, boost physical performance, adapt to stress and reduce genital herpes outbreaks.
How is it used?
Dried root extract is made into teas, tinctures, over-the-counter supplements and creams.
Scientific evidence?
Some research suggests short-term use might be effective for mental performance, including modestly improving thinking, learning or memory, but better research is needed as some studies are negative. There's no convincing evidence ginseng builds stamina or boosts the immune system, despite some positive studies.
A review of 16 trials of various types of ginseng found effectiveness was not proven for physical performance, immune boosting, cognitive function, diabetes or herpes. This was despite some favourable results, including reduced genital herpes attacks (for Siberian ginseng) and improved mood, vigour and fasting blood glucose in diabetes.
Findings on fatigue are mixed; they suggest it is not helpful or that it might be for moderate fatigue.
There is some evidence Panax ginseng may improve erectile dysfunction. There is preliminary but unproven evidence for cancer and heart uses.
Side-effects and interactions
- Ginseng is generally well tolerated but side effects include headaches, sleep problems, gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions.
- You should consult a medical practitioner if you have hypertension, heart disease or diabetes as ginseng may interact with blood pressure and heart medications and lower blood sugar.
- Medical supervision is also advised in those with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may affect risk of bleeding or blood clotting. Korean ginseng should be stopped one week before surgery because research indicates it may increase bleeding risk.
- There is not enough information to recommend use in children.
- Patients with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid ginseng, due to some research suggesting it has oestrogen-like effects.
- Lack of safety information and possible foetal death/abnormality means it is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended with other stimulants such as caffeine.
In practice: expert opinions
Annette Morgan, naturopath and lecturer in clinical studies at Southern Cross University says ginseng is good when exhausted and in debility, including of old age.
"It can be taken long term but not continuously. It restores the adrenal glands after stress and is good in chronic infection, but should not be taken during the acute phase as it may strengthen the infection."
Head of Southern Cross University's NatMed research unit, GP/naturopath Professor Stephen Myers, says there's good evidence ginseng increases energy and aids memory and concentration.
"If a bit lethargic, a ginseng tonic might be worth a try," he says.
