American Ginseng
(Panax quinquefolius)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 200mg (standardized), 1-3 times a day. Most Common Dosage 200mg (standardized), 2 times a day. Dosage Forms		Adult RDI Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Cholinesterase inhibitors
•	Anticoagulant medications
•	Antiplatelet medications
•	MAO inhibitors
•	Diabetic / Hypoglycemic medications
•	Warfarin

American ginseng has been traditionally used by the American Indians as a general tonic, as a natural restorative for the weak and wounded, and to help the mind. American Ginseng is now used as a natural preventative and restorative remedy, and is valued for its adaptogenic properties, especially in China and other Asian countries.(1) An "adaptogen," is a substance that increases nonspecific resistance of the body to a wide range of chemical, physical, psychological, and biological factors (stressors). Adaptogens have the unique ability to switch from stimulating to sedating effects based on the body's needs. There are several types of ginsengs, with the two most commonly used being Asian or Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquifolius). Another adaptogenic plant, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), is also usually grouped with these two plants, but is not botanically related. One early study reported no adaptogenic behavior in laboratory animals when given American, Asian, and Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus) ginsengs.(2)

Toxicities & Precautions

General
American ginseng root is reported safe in recommended dosages.(3)

Side Effects
The ginsengs may cause breast tenderness or menopausal bleeding in some women.(4, 5)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Use is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.(6)

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age, unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Nocerino E, Amato M, Izzo AA. The Aphrodisiac and Adaptogenic Properties of Ginseng. Fitoterapia. Aug2000;71(Suppl 1):S1-S5.
View Abstract
² Lewis WH, Zenger VE, Lynch RG. No Adaptogen Response of Mice to Ginseng and Eleutherococcus Infusions. J Ethnopharmacol. Aug1983;8(2):209-14.
View Abstract
³ Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:145-49.
⁴ Dukes MN. Ginseng and Mastalgia. Br Med J. Jun1978;1(6127):1621.
⁵ Hopkins MP, et al. Ginseng Face Cream and Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Nov1988;59(5):1121-22.
View Abstract
⁶ Chan LY, et al. An in-vitro study of ginsenoside Rb1-induced teratogenicity using a whole rat embryo culture model. Hum Reprod. Oct 2003;18(10):2166-8.
View Abstract

American Ginseng(Panax quinquefolius)

American Ginseng
(Panax quinquefolius)