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Ginseng

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SHANE MCWHORTER LAURA

<span id="v75591512" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p ><span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>Ginseng</span> is said to enhance physical (including sexual) and mental performance and to have adaptogenic effects (ie, to increase energy and resistance to the harmful effects of stress and aging). Other claims include reduction in plasma glucose levels; increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hemoglobin, and protein levels; stimulation of the immune system; and anticancer, cardiotonic, endocrine, central nervous system, and estrogenic effects. Another claim is possible beneficial effects on immune function.</p></div>

Claims

<span id="v75591515" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p >Studies of <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>ginseng</span> have shown varying effects and limitations and include the following: </p></div>

Evidence

<span id="v75591542" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p >Nervousness and excitability may occur but decrease after the first few days. Ability to concentrate may decrease, and plasma glucose may become abnormally low (causing hypoglycemia). Because <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>ginseng</span> has an <span class="genericDrug" data-showrollover="false">estrogen</span>-like effect, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take it, nor should children. Occasionally, there are reports of more serious effects, such as asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, palpitations, and, in postmenopausal women, uterine bleeding. To many people, <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>ginseng</span> tastes unpleasant.</p></div>

Adverse Effects

<span id="v75591546" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p ><span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>Ginseng</span> can interact with antihyperglycemic drugs, <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='44'>aspirin</span>, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='190'>digoxin</span>, estrogens, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='650'>warfarin</span>.</p></div>

Drug Interactions

<span id="v75591554" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p >1. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29021688/">Kim JH, Yi Y-S, Kim M-Y, et al</a>: Role of ginsenosides, the main active components of Panax <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>ginseng</span>, in inflammatory responses and diseases. <i >J <span class='resolvedDrug' tabindex='0' role='link' productId='2229'>Ginseng</span> Res</i>41(4):435-443, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2016.08.004</p></div>

References

<span id="v49362728" class="anchor" ></span><div class="para" > <p >The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.</p></div>