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GinsengAka: Panax ginseng

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  1. Mechanism
    1. Different effects seen with each species of Ginseng
    2. Panax ginseng is most studied
    3. Commercial products are often a mix of species
      1. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
      2. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus)
      3. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
    4. Active ingredient: Ginsenosides (triterpene saponins)
      1. Active at Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
      2. Immune activity (phagocytosis, Natural Killer Cell)
      3. Vasodilation
      4. Hypoglycemic activity
  2. Efficacy
    1. Appears effective in improving psychologic functioning
      1. Variable effects in studies
      2. Wiklund (1999) Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 19:89
    2. Appears effective in improving immune function
      1. Scaglione (1996) Drugs Exp Clin Res 22:65
    3. No benefit for physical performance
      1. Bahrke (2000) Sports Med 29:113
    4. Highly valued in Chinese culture
    5. No standardization of products commercially available
    6. Folk uses (Described as tonic or adaptogen)
      1. Strengthen normal body functions
      2. Improve sexual function
      3. Assist with resisting stress
      4. Weight loss or weight gain
  3. Contraindications
    1. Hypertension
    2. Asthma
    3. Bleeding Disorder
  4. Adverse Effects
    1. Lowers Blood Glucose levels (Hypoglycemic effect)
      1. Occurs in both those with and without Diabetes Mellitus
      2. Effect may be additive with Oral Hypoglycemics and Insulin
    2. Possible platelet inhibitory effect
    3. Hypertension
    4. Nausea
    5. Diarrhea
    6. Insomnia
    7. Headaches
  5. Dosing: Doses used in studies
    1. Panax ginseng extract 200 mg PO qd
  6. Drug Interactions
    1. Warfarin
      1. American Ginseng may lower INR
      2. Not affected by Asian Ginseng
    2. Diabetes Mellitus agents
      1. See adverse effects above
      2. Risk of Hypoglycemia
    3. Digoxin
      1. Risk of Digoxin Toxicity by raising Digoxin serum levels
      2. McRae (1996) CMAJ 155:293
  7. Precautions
    1. Discontinue at least 7 days before surgery
  8. References
    1. Ang-Lee (2001) JAMA 286:208
    2. Cupp (1999) Am Fam Physician 59(5):1239
    3. Kiefer (2003) Am Fam Physician 68:1539
    4. Shaughnessy (1997) Fam Practice Recert 19(10):53

Ginseng Preparation (C1119918)

Definition (NCI)An herb with a root that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects.
Definition (PDQ)The aromatic root of perennial herbs of the Panax genus used in Chinese traditional medicine. Ginseng is classified as an adaptogenic herb with multiple effects, many of them regulatory in nature. It contains a complex mixture of saponins, ginsenosides and panaxosides, and is available as a nutritional supplement. Although the mechanism of action is unclear, Ginseng is reported to enhance the immune system and reduce fatigue. Check for "http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=269063&idtype=1" active clinical trials or "http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=269063&idtype=1&closed=1" closed clinical trials using this agent. ("http://nciterms.nci.nih.gov:80/NCIBrowser/ConceptReport.jsp?dictionary=NCI_Thesaurus&code=C26651" NCI Thesaurus)
Definition (NCI)The aromatic root of perennial herbs of the Panax genus. Ginseng, used in Chinese traditional medicine and available as a nutritional supplement, is classified as an adaptogenic herb with multiple effects, many of them are regulatory in nature. It contains a complex mixture of saponins, ginsenosides and panaxosides. Although the mechanism of action is unclear, ginseng is reported to enhance the immune system and reduce fatigue.
ConceptsOrganic Chemical (T109) , Pharmacologic Substance (T121)
EnglishGINSENG, Ginseng extract, GINSENG EXTRACT PREPARATION, Ginseng Preparation, Ginseng product, jen shen, ninjin, Panax ginseng, renshen, shinseng
Spanishextracto de ginseng
Parent ConceptsDietary Supplements (C0242295), Ginseng Preparation (C1119918), Unclassified Ingredients (C1372954), Unclassified Ingredient Preparations (C1377282), Medicinal Herbs (C0025125), Plant product (C0032088), Over the counter healthfood/herbal products (C0361218), Drug allergen (C1320237), Herbal medicine agent (C1636187)
SourcesCSP, MTH, NCI, NDFRT, PDQ, RXNORM, SCTSPA, SNOMEDCT, VANDF
Derived from the NIH UMLS (Unified Medical Language System)



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