Anseng

Indications

Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng) is a herbal root extract used as a general tonic for tiredness, low energy and weakness, and to support concentration. Some products combine it with vitamins and minerals. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited and mixed.

How It Works

Its main active substances, called ginsenosides, are thought to act on energy use in the body, the nervous system and the immune system. How it works is not fully understood.

Dosage and Administration

Follow the product label or your doctor's advice. Standardised extracts are commonly taken as 100 to 200 mg once a day, preferably in the morning, because it can disturb sleep. It is often used for up to 3 months followed by a break. Not recommended for children.

Interactions

• Warfarin: ginseng may reduce its effect; with other blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel, the risk of bleeding may rise.
• Diabetes medicines, including Insulin: blood sugar may drop too low.
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as Phenelzine: may cause headache, shaking or overexcitement.
• Caffeine and other stimulants: more nervousness and sleeplessness.
• Medicines that suppress the immune system, and some blood pressure medicines.

Contraindications

Allergy to ginseng, pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and bleeding disorders. Avoid without medical advice in hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast or womb cancer, endometriosis and fibroids. Stop at least 7 days before planned surgery.

Side Effects

Trouble sleeping, nervousness, headache, stomach upset, diarrhoea, changes in blood pressure, menstrual changes and breast tenderness.

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, a severe headache, or signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, confusion) in people with diabetes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid during pregnancy, as some of its substances may harm the developing baby. Avoid while breastfeeding, as safety is not known.

Precautions and Warnings

• People with diabetes should check their blood sugar more often.
• Ask a doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or bipolar disorder (it may trigger mania).
• It is not a substitute for treatment of an illness that causes tiredness, such as anaemia, thyroid disease or diabetes.

Overdose

High doses can cause sleeplessness, nervousness, high blood pressure, diarrhoea and skin rash. Stop taking it and seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Herbal medicine (general tonic).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.