Overview

The name "ginseng" is used to refer to both American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which belong to the species Panax and have a somewhat similar chemical makeup. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), on the other hand, is an entirely different plant with different effects. It is distantly related to ginseng, but it does not contain the same active ingredients. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, substances that are thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties.

Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root that often looks like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. It was used traditionally by Native Americans as a stimulant and to treat headaches, fever, indigestion, and infertility.

Ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," an herb that helps the body deal with various kinds of stress, although there is no scientific evidence of adaptogens. But ginseng has been studied for several conditions, and it remains one of the most popular herbs in the United States.

Most studies have used Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). There is some evidence that Panax ginseng may help boost the immune system, reduce risk of cancer, and improve mental performance and well-being. Both American and Asian ginsengs contain ginsenosides, although the types and the ratio of these substances are different in the Asian and American herbs. Laboratory studies in animals have found that American ginseng was effective in boosting the immune system, and as an antioxidant. Research on American ginseng has focused on a number of conditions, some of which are described below.

Diabetes

Several human studies found that American ginseng lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The effect was seen both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar drink experienced less of an increase in blood glucose levels. However, more research is needed.

One study using mice found that the American ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.

Colds and flu

In two studies, people who took a specific product called Cold FX for 4 months got fewer colds and those who got colds found their symptoms did not last as long compared to people who took placebo.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

One preliminary study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), may help treat ADHD. More research is needed.

Immune system enhancement

American ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system. In theory, that could help the body fight off infection and disease. In several clinical studies, American ginseng improved the function of cells playing a role in immunity.

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