From the Guidelines
Ginseng should be used at a dose of 1,000-3,000 mg per day, with a duration of at least 8 weeks, to improve fatigue in patients with cancer, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points
- The optimal dosage of ginseng for fatigue management is between 1,000-3,000 mg per day, with higher doses leading to significant improvements in fatigue severity 1.
- The duration of ginseng treatment should be at least 8 weeks, as shorter interventions have not shown significant improvements in fatigue 1.
- Ginseng may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and stimulants, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use, especially in patients with existing health conditions or taking medications 1.
Forms and Standardization
- Ginseng is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas, and whole root.
- When purchasing ginseng products, look for standardization to ginsenoside content for consistent potency.
Mechanism of Action
- Ginseng works by modulating stress hormones, improving blood flow, and providing antioxidant effects.
Side Effects and Interactions
- Side effects of ginseng are generally mild but can include insomnia, headaches, and digestive upset.
- Ginseng may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant medications, and may also interact with diabetes medications and stimulants.
From the Research
Types of Ginseng
- There are three major types of ginseng, with Asian ginseng being more potent than American ginseng 2
- Most supplements come from American and Asian types of ginseng, and purchases should be made from reputable sources due to the lack of standardization in the production of herbal supplements 2
Effects on Health
- Ginseng has been shown to have a vasodilating effect, which may modulate vascular function 3
- American ginseng has been found to lower radial augmentation index and systolic blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes and concomitant hypertension 3
- Panax ginseng has been found to reduce levels of glucose and insulin, body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol in individuals with metabolic diseases 4
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety of ginseng at recommended dosages is considered to be low-risk, but there are concerns about the lack of standardization in the production of herbal supplements 2, 5
- Recent advances in the development of standardized extracts have assisted in the assessment of efficacy and safety standards for ginseng products 5
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Panax ginseng supplementation may act as an adjuvant to prevent the development of metabolic diseases by improving markers related to blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids 4
Combined Effects with Other Ginseng Species
- The combination of Korean Red ginseng and American ginseng has been shown to improve glucemic control and blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension 6
- Co-administration of these ginseng species has been found to reduce central systolic blood pressure and improve pulse wave velocity in individuals with diabetes 6