Ginseng for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Ginseng is not recommended for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, as there is no evidence supporting its efficacy and drug therapy in general has been shown to be ineffective for OSA. 1
Evidence Against Pharmacologic Therapy for OSA
Drug therapy cannot be recommended as treatment for OSA, with most drugs receiving a Grade C recommendation (negative) and specific agents like mirtazapine and protriptyline receiving Grade B negative recommendations from the European Respiratory Society. 1
The American College of Physicians explicitly states that pharmacologic agents evaluated as primary OSA treatments lack sufficient evidence and should not be prescribed for OSA treatment. 2
No herbal supplements, including ginseng, are mentioned in any major OSA treatment guidelines from the European Respiratory Society, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, or American College of Physicians, indicating a complete absence of supporting evidence. 1, 2
Recommended Treatment Approach
CPAP remains the gold standard initial therapy for patients diagnosed with OSA, showing superior efficacy in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), arousal index, and oxygen desaturation while improving oxygen saturation. 2
Weight loss is strongly recommended as first-line therapy for all overweight and obese patients with OSA, as obesity is the primary modifiable risk factor for this condition. 2
For patients with mild to moderate OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP, mandibular advancement devices are recommended as evidence-based alternatives with Grade A recommendation. 1
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) represents the first FDA-approved pharmacologic agent specifically indicated for moderate to severe OSA with obesity, but it works through weight loss rather than direct pharmacologic effect on airway patency. 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not prescribe unproven supplements or medications for OSA treatment, as this delays effective therapy and allows disease progression with associated cardiovascular and neurocognitive risks. 1
Avoid relying on positional therapy alone, as it is clearly inferior to CPAP and has poor long-term compliance. 1
Do not recommend nasal dilators, as they are not effective for reducing snoring, improving sleep-disordered breathing, or improving sleep architecture in OSA (Grade D recommendation). 1