Possible benefits of ginseng range from improving thinking to treating erectile dysfunction and lowering blood sugar. It also may help to reduce inflammation.
Ginseng refers to 11 different varieties of a short, slow-growing plant with fleshy roots. It has a light-colored, forked-shaped root, a relatively long stalk, and green leaves in an oval shape.
Both American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, L.) and Asian ginseng (P. Ginseng) may boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men.
People have traditionally taken ginseng to help with a range of medical conditions.
More research is needed to confirm if it has any benefit as a supplement. Researchers believe that ginsenosides, chemical components found in ginseng, are responsible for any clinical effects of the herb.
Western scientists and health professionals often question the medicinal properties of ginseng. There is no conclusive evidenceTrusted Source about its true effectiveness.
Ginseng products can vary in their quality and potential medicinal properties. A person should check the ingredients of any ginseng product before purchase, as some products may containTrusted Source a small or negligible amount of ginseng, and some could contain other substances.
Researchers suggest that ginseng may have the following health benefits:
Increased energy
Ginseng may help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired. One studyTrusted Source of 21 men and 69 women found that ginseng showed good results in helping people with chronic fatigue.
A 2014 studyTrusted Source of people receiving cancer treatment found that ginseng helped reduce cancer-related fatigue. However, researchers only documented the energy-boosting effects of ginseng in people currently undergoing treatment. Ginseng did not show statistically significant improvements in people who had already finished cancer treatment.
Sharper cognitive function
Ginseng may improve thinking processes and cognition. A 2018 reportTrusted Source examined the accuracy of this claim.
This report concluded that, based on human and animal studies, ginseng components have the potential to treat some cognitive deficits. These studies showed ginseng could reduce oxidative stress, which could lead to enhancement in cognitive function.
A 2016 study on the effects of Korean red ginseng on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease found promise as well.
The study involved 14 people, three men, and 11 women, with a median age of 74.93 years old. The patients received 4.5 grams of Korean red ginseng for 12 weeks.
The study concluded that the Korean red ginseng helped improve frontal brain lobe function.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Ginseng may reduce inflammation. According to a 2020 studyTrusted Source, ginsenosides, the active components of ginseng, may target pathways in the immune system that could reduce inflammation.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
Men may take ginseng to treat erectile dysfunction.
A systematic reviewTrusted Source tested the effects of red ginseng on erectile dysfunction. The review demonstrated that the number of trials, total sample size, and the quality of the experimental methods were not enough to demonstrate ongoing clinical benefit.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source of 119 men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction found that ginseng berry extract improved overall sexual function. The study lasted 8 weeks, during which some of the group received Korean ginseng berry extract, and others received a placebo.
More research is needed to determine if ginseng is a reliable treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Flu prevention
Research on the effects of ginseng on mice suggests a possible linkTrusted Source between ginseng and the treatment and prevention of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Findings of another study suggestedTrusted Source that red ginseng extract could improve the survival of human lung epithelial cells infected with the influenza virus.
It is undetermined exactly how the anti-viral mechanisms in ginseng work based on the above study.
Lowering blood sugar
A 2014 studyTrusted Source suggests that ginseng may help lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes. Ginsenosides may affect insulin production in the pancreas and improve insulin resistance using other mechanisms.
Another 2014 studyTrusted Source showed similar benefits of ginseng on lowering blood sugar. Some participants took 2.7 grams of fermented red ginseng each day, while others took a placebo. Researchers found that ginseng was effective in lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin levels after a meal compared to the placebo.
More clinical studies and standardization of ginseng root are needed to determine whether ginseng is a possible complementary therapy for diabetes. Researchers also need to investigate what specific doses might be effective.
Although ginseng is generally safe to consume, people have reportedTrusted Source the following side effects:
- headaches
- sleep problems
- digestive problems
- changes to blood pressure and blood sugar
- diarrhea
- rapid heartbeat
- severe skin reaction
Women may also experience swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding.
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