Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)
- Atc Codes:A13A
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Drug Combinations
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Toxicological Effects
- Genes that may be involved
- Inhibits
- Induces
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
Austria: Ginsana; France: Arkogelules Ginseng, Ginseng, Tonigin; Germany: Ginsana, Ginseng, Ginsengfit, Jorinda, Koreanischer Ginsengtee Instant, Orgaplasma, Presselin Gi Ginsengwurzel-Pulver, Shengay Tropfen, Sylvemid; Greece: Ginsana, Ireland: Ginsana; Netherlands: Ginseng; Poland: Bodymax Żeń-Szeń, Ginseng, Ginsana, Ginsengcha, Ginsengin, Ginsengpian, Ginsenol, Panaxan, Zioł.fix Korzeń Żeńszenia; Portugal: Ginsana; Spain: Gestopcoen, Ginseng.
North America
Canada: Aralia Quinquefolia, Ginseng.
Latin America
Argentina: Ginsana, Ginseng Rojo Coreano; Brazil: Fortilan, Ginsana, Ginseng, Ginsex; Mexico: Rutying, Sanjin Panax Ginseng Elixir, Sanjin Royal Jelly.
Drug combinations
Ginseng: Adrenal, Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Testis, and Thyroid Polypeptides; Alfalfa; Aloe vera; Ambra grisea; Arnica montana; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C); Aurum muriaticum natronatum; Avena sativa; Biotin (Vitamin B~7~); Beta-Carotene; Caffeine; Calcium; Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate; Calcium Lactate; Calcium Phosphate; Centella asiatica; Chininum sulfuricum; Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D~3~); Choline; Chromic Chloride; Cimicifuga racemosa; Cinchona pubescens; Cinchona officinalis; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Cobalt; Cocculus indicus; Coenzyme Q; Cola; Collagen; Conium maculatum; Copper; Creatine; Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B~12~); Datura stramonium; Dexpanthenol; D-glucosamine; Dieffenbachia seguine; Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D~2~); Ferric Citrate; Fluoride; Folic Acid (Vitamin B~9~); Garcinia cambogia; Garlic; Gentian Root; Ginkgo biloba; Glutamic Acid; Glycerol-1-dihydrogen phosphate; Hawthorn Fruit and Leaves with Flowers; Helonias spp.; Hop Cones; Horse Chestnut Seeds; Hydrastis canadensis; Hypericum perforatum; Inositol; Iodide Potassium; Iodine; Iron; Iron (II) Sulfate; Kalium Phosphoricum; Lapachos; L-Arginine; L-Carnitine; Lecithin; Lemon Balm Leaves; L-Glutamine; L-Isoleucine; L-Leucine; L-Lysine; L-Phosphoserine; L-Phosphothreonine; L-Valine; Lycopodium clavatum; Magnesium Chloride; Magnesium Oxide; Manganese Sulfate; Molibdene; Niacin (Vitamin B~3~); Niacinamide; Nuphar lutea; Oats; Onion; Orotic Acid; Panax notoginseng; Panax quinquefolius; Panax rhizome; Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B~5~); Passiflora incarnata; Paullinia cupana; Phosphoric Acid; Phosphorus; Picric Acid; Pollen; Potassium Iodide; Potassium Phosphate Dibasic; Potency Wood; Procaine; Pyridoxine (Vitamin B~6~); Retinol (Vitamin A); Riboflavin (Vitamin B~2~); Rosemary Leaves; Royal Jelly; Rutoside Trihydrate; Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Dry Yeast); Safflower; Selenium; Semecarpus anacardium; Soya Lecithin; Sepia officinalis; Shark Cartilage; Silver; Sodium; Sodium Bicarbonate; Taurine; Thiamine (Vitamin B~1~); Thuja occidentalis; Tocopherol (Vitamin E); Turnera aphrodisiaca (Damiana); Turnera diffusa; Valeriana officinalis; Virgin Wheat; Vitex agnus-castus; Wheat Germ; Wine Extracts; Wormwood; Yohimbinum hydrochloricum; Zinc; Zinc Oxide; Zinc Sulfate; Zincum isovalerianicum
Chemistry
Ginseng: The dried roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Fam. Araliaceae).
Pharmacologic Category
Natural Product; Herb. Homeopathic product. (ATC-Code: A13A).
Mechanism of action
The primary active constituents of ginseng are believed to be ginsenosides, which include over 20 saponin triterpenes similar in structure to steroid hormones. These are believed to act via hormone receptors in hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and other tissues. Ginsenosides stimulate secretion of ACTH, leading to production of increased release of adrenal hormones, including cortisol. Ginsenosides reportedly stimulate RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and hepatic cholesterol production. In addition, they may stimulate synthesis of adrenal hormone precursors. Evidence suggests that ginseng lowers cortisol levels in diabetes, while increasing cortisol levels in nondiabetic individuals. Specific triterpenoid saponins (diols) claimed to cause improvements in endurance and learning. These compounds are also believed to contribute to sedative and antihypertensive properties. A second group (triols) reportedly increase blood pressure and function as CNS stimulants. Ginsenosides have carbohydrate-sparing actions and may increase muscle stamina.
Therapeutic use
Used primarily for its reported ability to help people during fatigue or stress (adaptogenic properties). Promoted to enhance wellness by increasing ability to cope with physiologic, emotional, and environmental stressors, reducing susceptibility to illness. In addition, may assist in physiologic adaptation to stress of illness, including chemotherapeutic regimens or radiation therapy.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Use with caution in pregnancy (based on a study in rat embryos and effects of ginsenoside Rb1).
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Use of ginseng is contraindicated in renal failure and acute infection. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. Use with caution in individuals receiving MAOIs (based on pharmacologic activity). Use caution with stimulant medications, including decongestants, caffeine, and caffeine-containing beverages (based on pharmacologic activity). May be associated with syndrome of dermatologic eruptions, diarrhea, hypertension, insomnia, and nervousness (ginseng abuse syndrome) after prolonged use or high dosages. May also cause mastalgia in prolonged, high-dose use. May cause vaginal breakthrough bleeding. Due to pharmacologic activity, may interfere with hormonal therapy. May cause palpitations and tachycardia in sensitive individuals or in high doses. Based on pharmacologic activity, use with caution in hypertension or in individuals receiving antihypertensives. Also use caution in risk of hypotension (including individuals taking antihypertensive medication or agents that predispose to orthostasis), the elderly, or those who would not tolerate transient hyper- or hypotensive episodes (i.e. cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease). May increase QTc interval. May alter glucose regulation. Use with caution in diabetes or in individuals who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia. Effects of drugs with hypoglycemic activity may be potentiated (including insulin and oral hypoglycemics). Based on pharmacologic activity and case reports, may alter hemostasis and may be contraindicated in active bleeding (e.g. peptic ulcer, intracranial bleeding). Use with caution in history of bleeding, hemostatic disorders, or drug-related hemostatic problems; and in individuals taking anticoagulant medications, including warfarin, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs, antiplatelet agents (e.g. ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyridamole).
Warnings and precautions
Use with caution in pregnancy. Use with extreme caution in children under 2 years of age and in pregnancy or lactation. Use with caution in individuals on medication and with pre-existing medical conditions. Large and prolonged doses may increase potential for adverse effects. Herbs may cause transient adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and GI distress due to a variety of chemical constituents. Use caution in known allergies to plants.