It also contains chemicals calledginsenosides, which may help to lower blood sugar.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Even so, American ginseng has a different chemical makeup and “cooler” yin qualities than Asian ginseng.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
It is also less stimulating.
Human trials are lacking.
The most significant benefit was seen in people who took 2,000 milligrams (mg) daily for eight weeks.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Similar results were seen in a 2019 review examing the effects of American ginseng on people withcancer-related fatigue.
In this study, the benefit was greatest in people undergoing active treatment, likechemotherapyorradiation.
Memory
Limited evidence suggests that American ginseng may improve cognitive function in some people.
This includes the ability to learn, think, reason, and remember.
Three of the 16 studies looked at American ginseng specifically.
The findings were limited by the fact that the participants' blood sugar was already controlled by medications.
At present, there is no evidence that ginseng is able to manage diabetes on its own.
Ginseng should not be used in place of medications prescribed for you by your healthcare provider.
What Are the Side Effects of American Ginseng?
American ginseng is generally regarded as safe.
Possible side effects include:
The long-term side effects of ginseng use aren’t known.
These include conditions like:
Dosage: How Much American Ginseng Should I Take?
There is no recommended dosage of American ginseng in any form.
Never exceed the recommended dosage on the product label, or ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Drug Interactions
American ginseng may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements.
These include:
To avoid interactions, tell your healthcare provider if you intend to use any supplement.
It can also be purchased online or in stores in supplement form.
American ginseng is used as an additive in some energy drinks and ginger candies.
There are also American ginseng teas sold in grocery stores, supplements stores, and health food shops.
Whole dried root and granulated ginseng root can also be used to make teas and tonics.
Tablets and capsules may be better options than whole root ginseng as you could control the dose.
Store ginseng tea, supplements, and dried root in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Keep away from children and pets.
Discard after one year or by the expiration date on the product label.
Certification does mean that the supplement works or is inherently safe.
In some cases, integrative medicine shouldn’t be a substitute for standard medical care.
After treatment, some options that may reduce fatigue includeacupressure, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and qigong.
Szczuka D, Nowak A, Zakos-Szyda M, et al.American Ginseng (Panax quinquefoliumL.)
as a source of bioactive phytochemicals with pro-health properties.Nutrients.
2019;11(5):1041. doi:10.3390/nu11051041
MedlinePlus.American ginseng.
Mancuso C, Santangelo R.Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology.Food Chem Toxicol.
2014;9(9):e107391.
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