Scientific Name: American Ginseng
Other Names: Anchi, Canadian Ginseng, Five Fingers, Ginseng, American, North American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Red Berry, Ren Shen

Who is this for?

Uses

NOTE: American ginseng is different from Panax ginseng and Eleuthero (formerly Siberian ginseng). They are not interchangeable.

American ginseng has not been studied as extensively as Panax (Asian) ginseng, but in general, ginsengs are considered to be adaptogens, or substances that may help individuals adjust to physical and emotional stress. Recently, results from two small studies of adults have shown that taking American ginseng may reduce some cold and flu symptoms. In both studies, some participants took two capsules of American ginseng each day for 4 months. Other participants took placebo capsules that looked identical but did not contain any active ingredient. Generally, individuals who took American ginseng had fewer colds and those who got colds had milder symptoms that lasted shorter times than individuals who took the placebos.

American ginseng may have several other significant effects in the body. For example, in small studies of humans, taking American ginseng has appeared to lower blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Non-diabetic study participants also experienced reductions in blood sugar levels, although their reductions were smaller than those seen in individuals with diabetes. Results from one small study in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed that American ginseng combined with ginkgo biloba may help to control disruptive behavior associated with ADHD. In animal studies, American ginseng appeared to produce anti-anxiety effects, as well. American ginseng has also been found in animal and laboratory studies to protect nerve cells from damage caused by a lack of oxygen. In humans, this effect could help prevent or limit impairment from strokes and nerve-damaging conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. None of these potential effects have been studied well enough to recommend the use of American ginseng to treat any of these conditions, however.

American ginseng is thought to have estrogen-like components that ordinarily would be expected to worsen hormone-dependent conditions such as some types of breast cancer. Laboratory studies, though, have shown that it actually may have a cancer-fighting effect for certain types of breast cancer cells. Both the methods used to process American ginseng and possible fungal contamination may contribute to its potential estrogenic effects. Further studies of American ginseng's possible use as add-on therapy for breast cancer and investigations of its potential to relieve symptoms of menopause are underway.

Frequently, American ginseng is added to sports supplements and beverages that are promoted to increase physical performance. In small studies, however, products containing American ginseng did not show any benefit over placebo (inactive supplements) for athletes who took it.

When should I be careful taking it?

American ginseng is thought to have some estrogenic properties, which could worsen certain conditions. Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus should not take American ginseng due to its possible estrogenic effects. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking it.

American ginseng is thought to slow the rate and decrease the force of heart beats. It may also reduce blood pressure in some cases. Because all of these effects may worsen many types of heart conditions, individuals with heart disease should not take American ginseng without supervision from a healthcare professional.

Taking high doses of American ginseng has been reported to worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia for some individuals.

Precautions

Individuals with diabetes should use only recommended amounts of American ginseng and monitor their blood sugar levels closely while taking it. Taking more than is recommended may result in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Indications of low blood sugar may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Very little information is available on how American ginseng might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.

Taking American ginseng may cause or worsen insomnia.

What side effects should I watch for?

Infrequently, the use of American ginseng has been associated with insomnia, irritability, nervousness, or restlessness. However, these side effects appear to be mild and temporary.

What interactions should I watch for?

Prescription Drugs

A small recent study found that taking American ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of the "blood-thinning" drug, warfarin. As a result, warfarin may not be as effective and blood clots could form. Whether American ginseng interferes with other anticoagulant drugs (such as heparin) or with antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel and Ticlid) is not known. Individuals taking a drug to prevent blood clots should not take American ginseng before discussing its use with a healthcare professional.

Because American ginseng may reduce blood sugar levels, it may interfere with insulin and oral drugs for diabetes including:

  • Actos
  • Avandia
  • glimepiride
  • glipizide
  • glyburide
  • Glyset
  • metformin
  • Prandin
  • Precose

In reported cases, the risk of side effects such as headache, insomnia, and shakiness increased when American ginseng was taken with antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors. Drugs in this class include:

  • Marplan
  • Nardil
  • selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

American ginseng is believed to affect levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia also alter the levels of neurotransmitters. If American ginseng and antipsychotic drugs are taken at the same time, the effectiveness of the drug may be changed, so it is best to avoid using American ginseng while taking drugs such as:

  • chlorpromazine
  • fluphenazine
  • olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • prochlorperazine (Compazine)
  • Risperdal
  • Seroquel

Because it is a general central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, American ginseng may increase the effects and the side effects of prescription drugs that also stimulate the CNS. Used mainly to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and obesity; stimulant drugs can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulants include:

  • amphetamine salts (Adderall)
  • dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
  • methylphenidate (Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin)
  • phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin)

Chemicals in American ginseng may act like estrogen in the body. When it is taken at the same time as estrogen replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, American ginseng may interfere with the way the body uses the drug. As a result, estrogens or oral contraceptives may not be as effective, some women may experience increased side effects, or the risk of an unintended pregnancy may be slightly higher.

Non-prescription Drugs

Stimulants may be included in non-prescription drugs that are used for increasing energy, losing weight, raising mental alertness, or treating colds or asthma. If American ginseng is taken by mouth at the same time as one of these products is being used, the central nervous system may be over stimulated, possibly resulting in insomnia, and irritability. Increased blood pressure is also possible. Individuals who are not sure whether the non-prescription drugs they take contain stimulants should ask a doctor or pharmacist before beginning to take American ginseng.

Herbal Products

Because American ginseng may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia--blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:

  • Eleuthero
  • Fenugreek
  • Ginger (in high amounts)
  • Kudzu
  • Panax Ginseng

Certain herbal products are stimulants that may result in side effects if they are taken with American ginseng. These herbal products include ephedra (which has been removed from the market), guarana, and mate. If any of these herbals are taken with American ginseng, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, and other side effects may result.

Foods

Caffeine increases the CNS stimulation effect of American ginseng. The combination may cause excessive nervousness and irritability, along with other signs of over-stimulation. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soft drinks, and tea should not be consumed when taking American ginseng.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how American ginseng interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

Should I take it?

As its name indicates, American ginseng is native to North America--originally found in the central woodlands of the northern United States and southern Canada. Although it was used by Native Americans to treat several conditions, the North American medical community did not adopt its use as a medicinal plant until well after 1900. After being introduced to China in the 18th century, however, American ginseng was quickly adopted by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Now, it is grown commercially in China and sometimes distributed back to North America. Because American ginseng is an international endangered species, its collection from wild sources has been strictly regulated for nearly 20 years. Wild American ginseng root is preferred to cultivated root; however, so it usually sells for a higher price. Therefore, the control of illegal harvesting of wild American ginseng from public land is a major problem for the U.S. National Park Service.

American ginseng plants are small--only about a foot tall. When mature, they have three or four leaf groups each containing five dark green leaves arranged in rough circles around short stems. The species name, quinquefolius, means "five-leaves". On a larger central stem at the center of each plant, a group of small red berries forms after little yellow flowers bloom in summer. In the wild, American ginseng grows in cool, dark, damp areas under the cover of trees. When it is grown as a crop, American ginseng must be shaded by awnings or trellises. Commercial cultivation is difficult and crops mature slowly.

Occasionally, the flower buds or young leaves of American ginseng have been made into tea. In fact, very early results from chemical analyses have found some medically active ingredients in American ginseng leaves and berries. The part of American ginseng currently used for medicine is the root. Harvested in the autumn from plants that are at least 4 years old, American ginseng roots are usually thick at the top and branch into two or sometimes three smaller sections toward the end. Smooth-skinned, the roots have a firm texture similar to carrots. They do not have a sweet smell like Panax ginseng roots, but they have a characteristic sweet/spicy taste that reminds some individuals of licorice. The roots typically are dried for use in medicine. American ginseng is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, soap, and soft drinks.

While it is related to Panax ginseng, which originated in Asia, American ginseng is a distinct species with a different chemical makeup than Panax ginseng. Most notably, American ginseng typically has higher levels of a chemical known as ginsenoside Rb1 than Panax ginseng and it has no ginsenoside Rf. Ginsenoside Rb1 is believed to limit or prevent the growth of new blood vessels. Ginsenoside Rf may be responsible for the pain-relieving effect associated with Panax ginseng.

Dosage and Administration

American ginseng has many oral dosage forms--most commonly fresh or dried root, capsules containing powdered root, or liquid tincture. Although dosing recommendations for American ginseng are not consistent, typical recommendations for most individuals are 200 mg to 500 mg twice a day. In one study, doses for children with ADHD were 200 mg of American ginseng with 50 mg of ginkgo biloba extract taken twice a day for 4 weeks. A study of American ginseng's ability to reduce blood sugar levels after meals for individuals with type 2 diabetes used doses 2 hours before meals. Participants in the study took up to 9,000 mg (9 grams) per day with no apparent increase in side effects. However, no additional reduction of blood sugar was seen from doses higher than 3,000 mg (3 grams) per day.


Summary

Classed as an adaptogen, American ginseng may be taken to increase the body's general resistance to stress and reduce some cold and flu symptoms. It has been shown in clinical studies to lower blood sugar levels, and it may also be useful in preventing damage from strokes and in relieving symptoms of ADHD. Its hormone-like effects are being studied for possible relief of menopausal symptoms.

Risks

Individuals who have heart conditions, endometriosis, schizophrenia, or hormone-dependent cancers should not take American ginseng. It should also be avoided by young children, individuals with insomnia, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. If individuals with diabetes take American ginseng, they should take no more than recommended doses and also check their blood sugar levels carefully to make sure they do not develop hypoglycemia.

Side Effects

Side effects attributed to American ginseng generally involve excitement of the central nervous system, including insomnia and restlessness.

Interactions

American ginseng may interfere with many prescription drugs, non-prescription products, and herbals, including:

  • caffeine
  • Central nervous system stimulants
  • Drugs and herbals used for the treatment of diabetes
  • Drugs used to treat schizophrenia
  • MAO inhibitors
  • warfarin

Last Revised October 17, 2007

References

Alexander W. Ginseng extract: immune system builder. P&T. 2006;31(12):735.

Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon PL. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2002;9(2):145-50.

Assinewe VA, Amason JT, Aubry A, Mullin J, Lemaire I. Extractable polysaccharides of Panax quinquefolius L. (North American ginseng) root stimulate TNFalpha production by alveolar macrophages. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(5):398-404.

Assinewe VA, Baum BR, Gagnon D, Arnason JT. Phytochemistry of Wild Populations of Panax quinquefolius L. (North American Ginseng). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2003;51(16):4549-4553.

Aung HH, Mehendale SR, Wang CZ, Xie JT, McEntee E, Yuan CS. Cisplatin's tumoricidal effect on human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells was not attenuated by American ginseng. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. Epublished ahead of print June 24, 2006.

Banz WJ, Iqbal MJ, Bollaert M, et al. Ginseng modifies the diabetic phenotype and genes associated with diabetes in the male ZDF rat. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(10):681-689.

Bestman HD. Ginseng. 2000. Biology Department. The King's University College. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Available at: http://www.kingsu.ab.ca/~hank/HDBMfiles/Ginseng%20lecture/Lecture%20on%20ginseng.htm. Accessed October 20, 2004.

Beveridge TH, Li TS, Drover JC. Phytosterol content in American ginseng seed oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002;50(4):744-750.

Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2000;72(2 Suppl):624S-636S.

Blumenthal M. Ginseng takes root in Wall Street. HerbalGram. 1993;28:10.

Blumenthal M, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Rister RS, eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Texas: American Botanical Council; 1998.

Boehringer SK. Drug interaction between warfarin and ginseng. Pharmacists Letter. October 2004. 20(201007).

Brown R. Potential interactions of herbal medicines with antipsychotics, antidepressants and hypnotics. European Journal of Herbal Medicine. 1997;3:25-28.

Chase C. Emerging alternative therapies for type 2 diabetes. American Botanical Council HerbClip. September 10, 2002.

Chen SE. American ginseng. III. Pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides in the rabbit. European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. 1980;5:161-168.

Cruse-Sanders JM, Hamrick JL. Spatial and genetic structure within populations of wild American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L., Araliaceae). Journal of Heredity. 2004;95(4):309-321.

Dasgupta A, Reyes MA. Effect of Brazilian, Indian, Siberian, Asian, and North American ginseng on serum digoxin measurement by immunoassays and binding of digoxin-like immunoreactive components of ginseng with Fab fragment of antidigoxin antibody (Digibind). American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2005;124(2):229-236.

Dasgupta A, Veras E. Effectiveness of activated charcoal and equilibrium dialysis in removing Asian, American, Siberian and Indian ginseng from human serum. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2006;367(1-2):144-149.

Duda RB, Zhong Y, Navas V, Li MZ, Toy BR, Alvarez JG. American Ginseng and Breast Cancer Therapeutic Agents Synergistically Inhibit MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Growth. Journal of Surgical Oncology 1999; 72(4):230-239.

Durgnat JM, Heuser J, Andrey D, Perrin C. Quality and safety assessment of ginseng extracts by determination of the contents of pesticides and metals. Food Additives and Contaminants. 2005;22(12):1224-1230.

Fu Y, Ji LL. Chronic ginseng consumption attenuates age-associated oxidative stress in rats. Journal of Nutrition. 2003;133(11):3603-3609.

Gagnon D. An analysis of the sustainability of American ginseng harvesting from the wild: the problem and possible solutions. Final report to the Office of Scientific Authority of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. May 10, 1999. Available at: http://www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal/pubs/ginseng.htm. Accessed May 22, 2003.

Garner-Wizard M. Wild ginseng poaching on federal lands. American Botanical Council HerbClip. December 10, 2002.

Gonzalez-Seijo JC, et al. Manic episode and ginseng: Report of a possible case. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 1995;15:447-448.

Gray SL, Lackey BR, Tate PL, Riley MB, Camper ND. Mycotoxins in root extracts of American and Asian ginseng bind estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, NJ). 2004;229(6):560-568.

Grieve M. Ginseng. In: A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publishers, 1971. Available at: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html. Posted 1995. Accessed May 22, 2003.

HealthNotes, Inc. American ginseng. 2002. Available at: http://www.mycustompak.com/healthNotes/Herb/Ginseng_American.htm Accessed March 28, 2003.

Hsu CC, Ho MC, Lin LC, Su B, Hsu MC. American ginseng supplementation attenuates creatine kinase level induced by submaximal exercise in human beings. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2005;11(34):5327-5331.

Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al, eds. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd Edition. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2000.

Kang KS, Yamabe N, Kim HY, Okamoto T, Sei Y, Yokozawa T. Increase in the free radical scavenging activities of American ginseng by heat processing and its safety evaluation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2007;113(2):225-232.

King ML, Murphy LL. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) extract alters mitogen-activated protein kinase cell signaling and inhibits proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology. 2007;6(2):147-155.

King ML, Adler SR, Murphy LL. Extraction-Dependent Effects of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium [sic]) on Human Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Estrogen Receptor Activation. Integrated Cancer Therapy. 2006;5(3):236-243.

Kitts D, Hu C. Efficacy and safety of ginseng. Public Health and Nutrition. 2000;3(4A):473-485.

Kitts DD, Wijewickreme AN, Hu C. Antioxidant properties of a North American ginseng extract. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2000;203(1-2):1-10.

Kwan CY. Vascular effects of selected antihypertensive drugs derived from traditional medicinal herbs. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology Supplement. 1995;22(1):S297-S299.

Lian XY, Zhang Z, Stringer JL. Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides in rats. Epilepsy Research. 2006;70(2-3):244-256.

Lian XY, Zhang Z, Stringer JL. Protective effects of ginseng components in a rodent model of neurodegeneration. Annals of Neurology. 2005;57(5):642-648.

Lim W, Mudge KW, Vermeylen F. Effects of population, age, and cultivation methods on ginsenoside content of wild American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium [sic]). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005;53(22):8498-8505.

Liu D, Li B, Liu Y, Attele AS, Kyle JW, Yuan CS. Voltage-dependent inhibition of brain Na(+) channels by American ginseng. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2001;413(1):47-54.

Lyon MR, Cline JC, Totosy de Zepetnek J, Shan JJ, Pang P, Benishin C. Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium [sic] and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. 2001;26(3):221-228.

McElhaney JE, Gravenstein S, Cole SK, et al. A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVT-E002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004;52(1):13-19.

McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, Hooten J, Shan JJ. Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial. Journal of Alternate and Complementary Medicine. 2006;12(2):153-157.

McGuffin M, et al, ed. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997.

Mills E, Wu P, Johnston BC, Gallicano K, Clarke M, Guyatt G. Natural health product-drug interactions: a systematic review of clinical trials. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. 2005;27(5):549-557.

Missouri State Conservation Commission. American ginseng. August 17, 2000. Available at: http://www.conservation .state.mo.us/nathis/plantpage/flora/ginseng/ Accessed May 22, 2003.

Murphy LL, Lee TJ. Ginseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2002;962:372-377.

Nah SY, Park HJ, McCleskey EW. A trace component of ginseng that inhibits Ca2+ channels through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 1995;92(19):8739-8743.

Nakamura S, Sugimoto S, Matsuda H, Yoshikawa M. Medicinal flowers. XVII. New dammarane-type triterpene glycosides from flower buds of American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium [sic] L. Chemistry and Pharmacy Bulletin (Tokyo). 2007;55(9):1342-1348.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. Forest Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture. American Ginseng production in woodlots. Argoforestry Note 14. July 1999.

Oliff HS. American ginseng and cancer drugs inhibit breast cancer growth in in vitro study. HerbalGram. 2001;53:18.

Oliff HS. Should ginseng be used to treat diabetes? HerbalGram. March 22, 2002.

Oshima Y, Sato K, Hikino H. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of quinquefolans A, B, and C, glycans of Panax quinquefolium roots. Journal of Natural Products. 1987;50(2):188-190.

Palisin TE, Stacy JJ. Ginseng: is it in the root? Current Sports Medicine Report. 2006;5(4):210-214.

Pawar AA, Tripathi DN, Ramarao P, Jena G. Protective effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium [sic]) against mitomycin C induced micronuclei in mice. Phytotherapy Research. Epublished ahead of print. July 27, 2007.

Popovich DG, Kitts DD. Generation of ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 from North American ginseng. Phytochemistry. 2004;65(3):337-344.

Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, Donner A, Stitt L, Basu TK. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2005;173(9):1043-1048.

Rotshteyn Y, Zito SW. Application of modified in vitro screening procedure for identifying herbals possessing sulfonylurea-like activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2004;93(2-3):337-344.

Roxas M, Jurenka J. Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Alternative Medicine Review. 2007;12(1):25-48.

Schlag EM, McIntosh MS. Ginsenoside content and variation among and within American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) populations. Phytochemistry. 2006;67(14):1510-1519.

Schulman RN. American ginseng reduces blood sugar levels after meals in type II diabetes in small trial. HerbalGram. 2001;53:19.

Sengupta S, Toh SA, Sellers LA, et al. Modulating angiogenesis: the yin and the yang in ginseng. Circulation. 2004;110(10):1219-1225.

Shao ZH, Xie JT, Vanden Hoek TL, et al. Antioxidant effects of American ginseng berry extract in cardiomyocytes exposed to acute oxidant stress. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2004;1670(3):165-171.

Sievenpiper JL, Arnason JT, Leiter LA, Vuksan V. Decreasing, null and increasing effects of eight popular types of ginseng on acute postprandial glycemic indices in healthy humans: the role of ginsenosides. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2004;23(3):248-258.

Sievenpiper JL, Arnason JT, Leiter LA, Vuksan V. Variable effects of American ginseng: a batch of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) with a depressed ginsenoside profile does not affect postprandial glycemia. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003;57(2):243-248.

Sloley BD, Pang PK, Huang BH, et al. American ginseng extract reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia in a spatial learning task. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. 1999;24(5):442-452.

Stavro PM, Woo M, Heim TF, Leiter LA, Vuksan V. North American ginseng exerts a neutral effect on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Hypertension. 2005;46(2):406-411.

Stavro PM, Woo M, Leiter LA, Heim TF, Sievenpiper JL, Vuksan V. Long-term intake of North American ginseng has no effect on 24-hour blood pressure and renal function. Hypertension. 2006 Apr;47(4):791-796.

Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VY, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2000;160(7):1009-1013.

Vuksan V, Stavro MP, Sievenpiper JL, Beljan-Zdravkovic U, Leiter LA, Josse RG, Xu Z. Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2000;23(9):1221-1226.

Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Wong J, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) attenuates postprandial glycemia in a time-dependent but not dose-dependent manner in healthy individuals. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2001;73(4):753-758.

Vuksan V, Stavro MP, Sievenpiper JL, et al. American ginseng improves glycemia in individuals with normal glucose tolerance: effect of dose and time escalation. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2000;19(6):738-744.

Wang CL, Shi DZ, Yin HJ. Effect of panax quinquefolius saponin on angiogenesis and expressions of VEGF and bFGF in myocardium of rats with acute myocardial infarction. [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007;27(4):331-334.

Wang CZ, Aung HH, Ni M, et al. Red American ginseng: ginsenoside constituents and antiproliferative activities of heat-processed Panax quinquefolius roots. Planta Medica. 2007;73(7):669-674.

Wang CZ, Zhang B, Song WX, et al. Steamed American ginseng berry: ginsenoside analyses and anticancer activities. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006;54(26):9936-9942.

Wang M, Guilbert LJ, Li J, et al. A proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium [sic]) enhances IL-2 and IFN-gamma productions in murine spleen cells induced by Con-A. International Immunopharmacology. 2004;4(2):311-315.

Wei XY, Yang JY, Wang JH, Wu CF. Anxiolytic effect of saponins from Panax quinquefolium in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2007;111(3):613-618.

Wu CF, Liu YL, Song M, Liu W, Wang JH, Li X, Yang JY. Protective effects of pseudoginsenoside-F11 on methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2003;76(1):103-109.

Xie JT, Mehendale SR, Wang A, et al. American ginseng leaf: ginsenoside analysis and hypoglycemic activity. Pharmacology Research. 2004;49(2):113-117.

Xie JT, Shao ZH, Vanden Hoek TL, et al. Antioxidant effects of ginsenoside Re in cardiomyocytes. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2006;532(3):201-207.

Xie JT, Wu JA, Mehendale S, Aung HH, Yuan CS. Anti-hyperglycemic effect of the polysaccharides fraction from American ginseng berry extract in ob/ob mice. Phytomedicine. 2004;11(2-3):182-187.

Yeh GY, Eisenberg DM, Kaptchuk TJ, Phillips RS. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003;26(4):1277-1294.

Yuan CS, Wei G, Dey L, et al. Brief communication: American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;141(1):23-27.

Yuan CS, Wang X, Wu JA, Attele AS, Xie JT, Gu M. Effects of Panax quinquefolius L. on brainstem neuronal activities: comparison between Wisconsin-cultivated and Illinois-cultivated roots. Phytomedicine. 2001;8(3):178-183.

Last Revised October 17, 2007

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

Back