PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a medicinal herb used for enhancing wellness and treating various disease states [PMID:33549279, PMID:11276295].
Background
Panax quinquefolius is an uncommon to rare understory plant native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America [PMID:23398402, PMID:11276295]. It is one of the most commonly used ginseng botanicals globally [PMID:31885119].
Traditional uses
It has been used in Cherokee traditional medicine [PMID:30424560] and is recognized as a panacea for many disease states and for the enhancement of wellness affecting most body systems [PMID:33549279].
Active compounds
The primary active constituents are steroidal saponins called ginsenosides [PMID:30000873, PMID:20599804]. Other bioactive components include polysaccharides, essential oils, proteins, and panaxytriol [PMID:31885119, PMID:33322293].
Mechanism of action
Mechanisms include the regulation of immune responses via polysaccharides [PMID:33322293], inhibition of amyloid β-protein production and tau phosphorylation in Alzheimer's models [PMID:37570686], and enhancement of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) by increasing the active cathepsin B isoform [PMID:41416621]. Anticancer mechanisms involve cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis/paraptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis [PMID:26850342].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BCognitive Function
Extracts improve aspects of mood, mental fatigue, and cognitive function; lower doses (100mg-400mg) enhance attentional and working memory in healthy adults and schizophrenia patients [PMID:41017752]
Evidence BCancer-related Fatigue
Limited fatigue benefits were observed in cancer patients at high doses (2000mg) [PMID:41017752]
Safety & adverse effects
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and well tolerated in adults [PMID:30000873]. Common side effects include headache, hypertension, diarrhea, sleeplessness, skin rash, and vaginal bleeding [PMID:30000873]. Long-term use may lead to nervousness, diarrhea, confusion, depression, depersonalization, gynecomastia, and breast pain [PMID:30000873].
Pregnancy & lactation
No data exist on the safety and efficacy of ginseng in nursing mothers or infants [PMID:30000873].
Drug interactions
Ginseng decreases the blood levels of some drugs, such as warfarin, and enhances the effect of sedating drugs [PMID:30000873].
Evidence summary
Evidence ranges from preclinical reviews and animal models (C, D) to double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trials (B) specifically regarding cognitive function and fatigue.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000873 (2006) — The Synergistic Effects of Polysaccharides and Ginsenosides From American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) Ameliorating Cyclophosphamide-Induced Intestinal Immune Disorders and Gut Barrier Dysfunctions Based on Microbiome-Metabolomics Analysis. · Frontiers in immunology
- 2.PMID: 26850342 (2016) — Red ginseng and cancer treatment. · Chinese journal of natural medicines
- 3.PMID: 11276295 (2000) — Efficacy and safety of ginseng. · Public health nutrition
- 4.PMID: 33549279 (2021) — Traditional and Current Use of Ginseng. · The Nursing clinics of North America
- 5.PMID: 31885119 (2020) — Antimicrobial activities of Asian ginseng, American ginseng, and notoginseng. · Phytotherapy research : PTR