Jinsant

Indications

Jinsin is the Unani name for ginseng, the root of the Panax ginseng plant. Unani ginseng preparations are traditionally used as a general tonic for tiredness, weakness after illness, low stamina, poor concentration and reduced sexual vigour in men. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited and mixed, and it should not be used in place of medical care for ongoing tiredness, which can have many causes.

How It Works

Ginseng root contains natural substances called ginsenosides. These are thought to help the body cope with physical and mental stress, may slightly improve energy and alertness, and may affect blood sugar and blood flow. How strongly these effects occur in people is not well established, and products vary in their ginsenoside content.

Dosage and Administration

Use as directed on the label or by a registered Unani or herbal practitioner. Ginseng is usually taken in courses of a few weeks with a break in between rather than continuously. Taking it in the morning or early in the day may reduce sleep problems. Do not exceed the recommended amount.

Interactions

Ginseng may reduce the effect of Warfarin and may add to the effect of other medicines that affect clotting, such as Aspirin or Clopidogrel. It may lower blood sugar and add to the effect of Insulin, Metformin, Gliclazide and other diabetes medicines. It may interact with antidepressants called MAO inhibitors (such as Phenelzine), stimulants and caffeine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.

Contraindications

• Allergy to ginseng
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Children
• Bleeding disorders, unless a doctor advises it
• Hormone sensitive conditions such as breast or womb cancer or endometriosis, unless a doctor advises it

Side Effects

Ginseng is usually well tolerated for short periods. Possible effects include difficulty sleeping, nervousness, headache, stomach upset, diarrhoea, raised or lowered blood pressure, and in women breast tenderness or changes in menstrual bleeding.

Get urgent medical help if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, or signs of low blood sugar such as shaking, sweating and confusion.

Pregnancy and Lactation

A substance in ginseng may harm the developing baby, so do not use it during pregnancy. Its safety during breastfeeding is not known; do not use it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with caution and take medical advice first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or an autoimmune disease. Stop using it at least one week before planned surgery. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often while using it. See a doctor about sexual problems or ongoing tiredness rather than relying on tonics.

Overdose

Taking too much may cause sleeplessness, restlessness, raised blood pressure, headache and diarrhoea. If someone has taken much more than the recommended amount, or a child has swallowed the product, contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Unani herbal preparation (general tonic).

Storage

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