Ginseng

Different effects seen with each species of Ginseng
Panax ginseng is most studied
Commercial products are often a mix of species
1. Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
2. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus)
3. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Active ingredient: Ginsenosides (triterpene saponins)
1. Active at Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
2. Immune activity (Phagocytosis, Natural Killer Cell)
3. Vasodilation
4. Hypoglycemic activity

Appears effective in improving psychologic functioning
1. Variable effects in studies
2. Wiklund (1999) Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 19:89-99 [PubMed]
Appears effective in improving immune function
1. Scaglione (1996) Drugs Exp Clin Res 22:65-72 [PubMed]
No benefit for physical performance
1. Bahrke (2000) Sports Med 29:113-33 [PubMed]
Highly valued in Chinese culture
No standardization of products commercially available
Folk uses (Described as tonic or adaptogen)
1. Strengthen normal body functions
2. Improve sexual function
3. Assist with resisting stress
4. Weight loss or weight gain

Lowers Blood Glucose levels (Hypoglycemic effect)
1. Occurs in both those with and without Diabetes Mellitus
2. Effect may be additive with Oral Hypoglycemics and Insulin
Possible Platelet inhibitory effect
Hypertension
Nausea
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Headaches

CYP3A4 Inducer (Asian Ginseng)
1. May lower affected drug levels and related drug efficacy
Warfarin (American Ginseng)
1. May lower INR
Diabetes Mellitus agents
1. See adverse effects above
2. Risk of Hypoglycemia
Digoxin
1. Risk of Digoxin Toxicity by raising Digoxin serum levels
2. McRae (1996) CMAJ 155:293-5 [PubMed]