Asian Ginseng Alina Arzumanian, Nursing Student, Spring 2022 Background Scientific Name: Panax Ginseng; Araliaceae (Araliaceae, 2021)
(Asian Ginseng, 2020)
Common Name: Asian ginseng (Araliaceae, 2021)
Effectiveness o Water-soluble components make absorption quick and immediate after ingestion o Effects may be seen in a few days (Learn About Ginseng in 5 Minutes, 2020) o Not all studies of Asian ginseng are not high quality so the evidence there is of effectiveness is limited (Asian Ginseng, 2020) Safety (Asian Ginseng, 2022) o Likely safe—short-term use and oral use o Short term use: up to six months o Potentially not safe when used long-term (over six months) o Can be used safely in infants o Caution with use in pregnancy—contact HCP o Contact HCP before using if you take other medications o Other toxicities o Manic episodes, uterine bleeding, gynecomastia, long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and hypertensive crisis (Ratan et al., 2021)
Asian ginseng is one of the most widely recognized plants used in traditional medicine. It has been used for over 2,000 years for a variety of different uses. It is classified into white (dried after peeling), fresh, and red (steamed and dried). While there are many uses, today it is most used for apoptogenic or stress protective effect (Ginseng, 2021). Purported/Common Uses Ginseng root is used for several different pathologies. It has been known for its apoptogenic, immunomodulatory, antineoplastic, cardiovascular, CNS, endocrine, and ergogenic effects (Ginseng, 2021). Mechanism of Action Studies have shown that much of Asian ginseng’s pharmacological effects come from ginsenosides. This includes the inhibitory and excitatory effects on the nervous system, antineoplastic effects, immunomodulatory effects, and nitric oxide release (Park et al., 2018). Dosage Forms: - Crude root powder in a capsule - Extract in liquid form Typical Dosage: - Crude root: 0.5-3 g/day - Extract: 100-800 mg (Ginseng, 2021)
Interactions (Asian Ginseng, 2022) All of the following drugs have moderate interactions and may either be enhanced or decreased with use of Asian ginseng and vice versa: anticoagulants/antiplatelets, antidiabetic drugs, caffeine, cytochrome P450 1A1 (minor), 2D6, 3A4, estrogens, fexofenadine—minor, furosemide, Imatinib, Immunosuppressants, Insulin, lopinavir/ritonavir—minor, midazolam, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, nifedipine, QT Interval-prolonging drugs, raltegravir, selegiline, stimulant drugs, warfarin 13
