Asian Ginseng

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Asian Ginseng

Uses

Asian Ginseng
© Steven Foster
Common names:
Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng
Botanical names:
Panax ginseng

Parts Used & Where Grown

Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes the closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero. Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually harvested in the fall. The root is used, preferably from plants older than six years of age.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star   Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star   Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star   For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for Amount Why
Erectile Dysfunction
 900 mg of a concentrated herbal extract two or three times daily 3 stars   Asian ginseng may improve libido and ability to maintain erection.

3 stars  Erectile Dysfunction

900 mg of a concentrated herbal extract two or three times daily

Asian ginseng  (Panax ginseng) has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency. A double-blind trial found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men with ED.1 The benefit of Asian ginseng confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks.2

Used for Amount Why
Athletic Performance, Endurance Exercise, and Muscle Strength
 2 grams of powdered root daily or 200 to 400 mg daily of an herbal extract standardized for 4% ginsenosides 2 stars   Some early studies suggested there might be benefits of using Asian ginseng to improve athletic performance. One study reported increased pectoral and quadricep muscle strength in non-exercising men and women after supplementing with the herb.

2 stars  Athletic Performance, Endurance Exercise, and Muscle Strength

2 grams of powdered root daily or 200 to 400 mg daily of an herbal extract standardized for 4% ginsenosides

Extensive but often poorly designed studies have been conducted on the use of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) to improve athletic performance.3 , 4 While some early controlled studies suggested there might be benefits, several recent double-blind trials have found no significant effects of Asian ginseng on endurance exercise.5 , 6 , 7 In many studies, it is possible that ginseng was used in insufficient amounts or for an inadequate length of time; a more effective regimen for enhancing endurance performance may be 2 grams of powdered root per day or 200 to 400 mg per day of an extract standardized for 4% ginsenosides, taken for eight to twelve weeks.8 Short-term intense exercise has also not been helped by Asian ginseng according to double-blind trials,9 , 10 but one controlled study reported increased pectoral and quadricep muscle strength in non-exercising men and women after taking 1 gram per day of Asian ginseng for six weeks.11 An extract of a related plant, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), was found ineffective at improving endurance exercise performance in untrained people after one week's supplementation in a double-blind study.[REF]

Used for Amount Why
Epilepsy
(Bupleurum, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Peony, Pinellia)
 2.5 grams a day of sho-saiko-to or saiko-keishi-to in tea or capsules 2 stars   The Chinese herb bupleurum is included in two herbal formulas, sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to. Both have been shown to be helpful for epilepsy.

2 stars  Epilepsy

2.5 grams a day of sho-saiko-to or saiko-keishi-to in tea or capsules

The Chinese herb bupleurum is included in two similar Chinese herbal formulae known as sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to; these combinations contain the same herbs but in different proportions. The other ingredients are peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root. Both formulas have been shown in preliminary trials to be helpful for people with epilepsy.12 , 13 , 14 No negative interactions with a variety of anticonvulsant drugs were noted in these trials. The usual amount taken of these formulas is 2.5 grams three times per day as capsules or tea. People with epilepsy should not use either formula without first consulting with a healthcare professional.

Used for Amount Why
Hepatitis
(Bupleurum, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Peony, Pinellia)
 Take 2.5 grams of sho-saiko-to three times per day 2 stars   Trials have shown that the bupleurum-containing formula sho-saiko-to can help reduce symptoms and blood liver enzyme levels in people with chronic active viral hepatitis.

2 stars  Hepatitis

Take 2.5 grams of sho-saiko-to three times per day

Preliminary trials have shown that the bupleurum-containing formula sho-saiko-to can help reduce symptoms and blood liver enzyme levels in children and adults with chronic active viral hepatitis.15 , 16 , 17 , 18 Most of theses trials were in people with hepatitis B infection, though one preliminary trial has also shown a benefit in people with hepatitis C.19 Sho-saiko-to was also found, in a large preliminary trial to decrease the risk of people with chronic viral hepatitis developing liver cancer. However, people who had a sign of recent hepatitis B infection were not as strongly protected in this trial.20 The usual amount of sho-saiko-to used is 2.5 grams three times daily. Sho-saiko-to should not be used together with interferon drug therapy as it may increase risk of pneumonitis - a potentially dangerous inflammation in the lungs.21

Used for Amount Why
Immune Function
 100 mg of a standardized extract twice per day 2 stars   Asian ginseng has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for preventing and treating conditions related to the immune system.

2 stars  Immune Function

100 mg of a standardized extract twice per day

Asian ginseng has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for preventing and treating conditions related to the immune system. A double-blind study of healthy people found that taking 100 mg of a standardized extract of Asian ginseng twice per day improved immune function.22

Used for Amount Why
Liver Cirrhosis
(Bupleurum, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Peony, Pinellia)
 2.5 grams of the Chinese herbal formula sho-saiko-to three times daily 2 stars   The Chinese herb bupleurum is a component of the formula sho-saiko-to, which was shown in one preliminary trial to liver cancer risk in people with liver cirrhosis.

2 stars  Liver Cirrhosis

2.5 grams of the Chinese herbal formula sho-saiko-to three times daily

The Chinese herb bupleurum is an important component of the formula known as sho-saiko-to. Sho-saiko-to was shown in one preliminary trial to reduce the risk of liver cancer in people with liver cirrhosis.23 The amount of this formula used was 2.5 grams three times daily.

Used for Amount Why
Male Infertility
 4 grams daily 2 stars   One preliminary study found that men who took Asian ginseng had an improvement in sperm count and sperm motility.

2 stars  Male Infertility

4 grams daily

Asian ginseng may prove useful for male infertility. One preliminary study found that 4 grams of Asian ginseng per day for three months led to an improvement in sperm count and sperm motility.24

Used for Amount Why
Stress
 Take an extract supplying at least 1.6 mg daily of ginsenosides, along with a multivitamin 2 stars   Supplementing with Asian ginseng has been shown to enhance feelings of well-being and improve quality of life in some studies.

2 stars  Stress

Take an extract supplying at least 1.6 mg daily of ginsenosides, along with a multivitamin

The herbs discussed here are considered members of a controversial category known as adaptogens, which are thought to increase the body's resistance to stress, and to generally enhance physical and mental functioning.25 , 26 Many animal studies have shown that various herbal adaptogens have protective effects against physically stressful experiences,27 , 28 but whether these findings are relevant to human stress experiences is debatable.

Animal studies support the idea that Asian ginseng is an adaptogen.29 Some studies have suggested that Asian ginseng can enhance feelings of well-being in elderly people with age-associated memory impairment,30 nurses working night shifts,31 or people with diabetes.32 In a double-blind trial, people taking a daily combination of a multivitamin-mineral supplement (MVM) with 40 mg of ginseng extract (standardized for 4% ginsenosides) for 12 weeks reported greater improvements in quality of life measured with a questionnaire compared with a group taking only MVM.33 The same MVM-ginseng combination was tested in a double-blind study of night-shift healthcare workers.34 Compared with a placebo group, the group receiving the MVM-ginseng combination improved on one out of four measures of mental performance, one out of three measures of mood (increased calmness, but no change in alertness or contentment), and a measure of reported fatigue. However, in another double-blind study, healthy adults given 200 or 400 mg per day of a standardized extract of Asian ginseng (equivalent to 1,000 or 2,000 mg of ginseng root) showed no significant improvement in any of several measures of psychological well-being after two months.35

Used for Amount Why
Type 2 Diabetes
 200 mg of herbal extract containing approximately 5 to 7% ginsenosides daily 2 stars   Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes.

2 stars  Type 2 Diabetes

200 mg of herbal extract containing approximately 5 to 7% ginsenosides daily

Asian ginseng is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown in test tube and animal studies to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.36 , 37 Animal research has also revealed a direct blood sugar-lowering effect of ginseng.38 A double-blind trial found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control, as well as energy levels in people with type 2 diabetes.39

Used for Amount Why
Alzheimer's Disease
 4.5 grams per day for 12 weeks 1 star  

A preliminary trial suggests that taking Panax ginseng may significantly improve a measure of cognitive function in the short term, though long-term use has not been established.

1 star  Alzheimer's Disease

4.5 grams per day for 12 weeks

In a preliminary trial, supplementation with 4.5 grams per day of Asian (Panax) ginseng for 12 weeks resulted in a statistically significant 15% improvement in a measure of cognitive function. This improvement waned after the treatment was discontinued.40

Used for Amount Why
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng have an immunomodulating effect and help support the normal function of the body's hormonal stress system.

1 star  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng and eleuthero may also be useful for CFS patients-the herbs not only have an immunomodulating effect but also help support the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the body.41 These herbs are useful follow-ups to the six to eight weeks of taking licorice root and may be used for long-term support of adrenal function in people with CFS. However, no controlled research has investigated the effect of adaptogenic herbs on CFS.

Used for Amount Why
Common Cold and Sore Throat
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Adaptogens such as Asian ginseng are thought to help keep various body systems-including the immune system-functioning optimally.

1 star  Common Cold and Sore Throat

Herbal supplements can help strengthen the immune system and fight infections. Adaptogens, which include eleuthero, Asian ginseng, astragalus, and schisandra, are thought to help keep various body systems-including the immune system-functioning optimally. They have not been systematically evaluated as cold remedies. However, one double-blind trial found that people who were given 100 mg of Asian ginseng extract in combination with a flu vaccine experienced a lower frequency of colds and flu compared with people who received only the flu vaccine.42

Used for Amount Why
HIV and AIDS Support
(Bupleurum, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Peony, Pinellia)
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   The herbal formula sho-saiko-to has been shown to have beneficial immune effects on white blood cells in people infected with HIV.

1 star  HIV and AIDS Support

The Chinese herb bupleurum, as part of the herbal formula sho-saiko-to, has been shown to have beneficial immune effects on white blood cells taken from people infected with HIV.43 Sho-saiko-to has also been shown to improve the efficacy of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine in the test tube.44 One preliminary study found that 7 of 13 people with HIV given sho-saiko-to had improvements in immune function.45 Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether bupleurum or sho-saiko-to might benefit people with HIV infection or AIDS. Other herbs in sho-saiko-to have also been shown to have anti-HIV activity in the test tube, most notably Asian scullcap.46 Therefore studies on sho-saiko-to cannot be taken to mean that bupleurum is the only active herb involved. The other ingredients are peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root.

Used for Amount Why
HIV and AIDS Support
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   One study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug AZT.

1 star  HIV and AIDS Support

Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi. One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT.47 This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed.

Used for Amount Why
Infection
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Asian ginseng supports the immune system and protects against microbes.

1 star  Infection

Herbs that support a person's immune system in the fight against microbes include the following: American ginseng, andrographis, Asian ginseng, astragalus, coriolus, eleuthero, ligustrum, maitake, picrorhiza, reishi, schisandra, and shiitake.

Used for Amount Why
Influenza
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Asian ginseng has immune-enhancing properties, which may play a role in preventing infection with the influenza virus.

1 star  Influenza

Asian ginseng and eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) have immune-enhancing properties, which may play a role in preventing infection with the influenza virus. However, they have not yet been specifically studied for this purpose. One double-blind trial found that co-administration of 100 mg of Asian ginseng extract with a flu vaccine led to a lower frequency of colds and flu compared to people who just received the flu vaccine alone.48

Used for Amount Why
Lung Cancer
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Studies suggest that Asian ginseng may improve immune function and increase lifespan in people with lung cancer.

1 star  Lung Cancer

Many studies of animals with cancer suggest Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) may improve immune function and increase lifespan.49 Although little is known about the effects of Asian ginseng in people already diagnosed with cancer, preliminary Chinese trials have shown increased survival or improvement of immune function in people with lung cancer already treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.50

Used for Amount Why
Menopause
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   One trial found that Asian ginseng helped alleviate psychological symptoms of menopause, such as depression and anxiety.

1 star  Menopause

A double-blind trial found that Asian ginseng (200 mg per day of standardized extract) helped alleviate psychological symptoms of menopause, such as depression and anxiety, but did not decrease physical symptoms, such as hot flashes or sexual dysfunction, in postmenopausal women who had not been treated with hormones.51

Used for Amount Why
Type 1 Diabetes
 Refer to label instructions 1 star   Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes.

1 star  Type 1 Diabetes

Asian ginseng is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown in test tube and animal studies to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.52 , 53 Animal research has also revealed a direct blood sugar-lowering effect of ginseng.54 However, no human trials have tested Asian ginseng in people with type 1 diabetes.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference to the use of Asian ginseng dates to the 1st century A.D. Ginseng is commonly used by elderly people in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality.

How It Works

Common names:
Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng
Botanical names:
Panax ginseng

How It Works

Ginseng's actions in the body are thought to be due to a complex interplay of constituents. The primary group are the ginsenosides, which are believed to counter the effects of stress and enhance intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen ginsenosides have been identified in Asian ginseng. Two of them, ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1, have been closely studied.55 Other constituents include the panaxans, which may help lower blood sugar, and the polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules), which are thought to support immune function.56 , 57

Long-term intake of Asian ginseng may be linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer.58 , 59 A double-blind trial found that 200 mg of Asian ginseng per day improved blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.60 Human trials have mostly failed to confirm the purported benefit of Asian ginseng for the enhancement of athletic performance.61 , 62 One preliminary trial suggests it may help those in poor physical condition to tolerate exercise better.63 In combination with some vitamins and minerals, 80 mg of ginseng per day was found to effectively reduce fatigue in a double-blind trial.64 Another double-blind trial also found it helpful for relief of fatigue and, possibly, stress.65 Although there are no human clinical trials, adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng may be useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This may be because these herbs are thought to have an immuno-modulating effect and also help support the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the body.66

Asian ginseng may also prove useful for male infertility. A double-blind trial with a large group of infertile men found that 4 grams of Asian ginseng per day for three months led to an improvement in sperm count and sperm motility.67

Asian ginseng may also help men with erectile dysfunction. A double-blind trial in Korea found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men with erectile dysfunction.68 This finding was confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks.69

How to Use It

The most researched form of ginseng, standardized herbal extracts, supply approximately 5-7% ginsenosides.70 Ginseng root extracts are sometimes recommended at 200-500 mg per day. Non-standardized extracts require a higher intake, generally 1-4 grams per day for tablets or 2-3 ml for dried root tincture three times per day. Ginseng is traditionally used for two to three weeks continuously, followed by a one- to two-week "rest" period before resuming.

Interactions

Common names:
Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng
Botanical names:
Panax ginseng

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over-stimulation and gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

May Be Beneficial: Some medicines may increase the need for this supplement.
Avoid: Some medicines interact with this supplement, so they should not be taken together.
Check: Some interactions between this supplement and certain medicines require more explanation. Click the link to see details.

Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines Index.

May Be Beneficial: Chlorphen-Pyrilamine-PE Tannts
May Be Beneficial: Influenza Virus Vaccine
May Be Beneficial: Phenylephrine Tannate
Avoid: Imatinib
Avoid: Ticlopidine
Avoid: Warfarin

Side Effects

Common names:
Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng
Botanical names:
Panax ginseng

Side Effects

Used in the recommended amounts, ginseng is generally safe. In rare instances, it may cause over-stimulation and possibly insomnia.71 People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should use ginseng cautiously. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

References

1. Choi HK, Seong DH, Rha KH. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int J Impotence Res 1995;7:181-6.

2. Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report. J Urol 2002;168:2070-3.

3. Bahrke MS, Morgan WP. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng. Sports Med 1994;18:229-48 [review].

4. Bahrke MS, Morgan WR. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng: an update. Sports Med 2000;29:113-33 [review].

5. Engels HJ, Wirth JC. No ergogenic effects of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) during graded maximal aerobic exercise. J Am Diet Assoc 1997;97:1110-5.

6. Allen JD, McLung J, Nelson AG, Welsch M. Ginseng supplementation does not enhance healthy young adults' peak aerobic exercise performance. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:462-6.

7. Bahrke MS, Morgan WR. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng: an update. Sports Med 2000;29:113-33 [review].

8. Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:624S-36S [review].

9. Engels HJ, Fahlman MM, Wirth JC. Effects of ginseng on secretory IgA, performance, and recovery from interval exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003;35:690-6.

10. Engels HJ, Kolokouri I, Cieslak TJ 2nd, Wirth JC. Effects of ginseng supplementation on supramaximal exercise performance and short-term recovery. J Strength Cond Res 2001;15:290-5.

11. McNaughton L. A comparison of Chinese and Russian ginseng as ergogenic aids to improve various facets of physical fitness. Int Clin Nutr Rev 1989;9:32-5.

12. Yarnell EY, Abascal K. An herbal formula for treating intractable epilepsy: a review of the literature. Alt Compl Ther 2000;6:203-6 [review].

13. Narita Y, Satowa H, Kokubu T, et al. Treatment of epileptic patients with the Chinese herbal medicine "saiko-keishi-to" (SK). IRCS Med Sci 1982;10:88-9.

14. Nagakubo S, Niwa S-I, Kumagai N, et al. Effects of TJ-960 on Sternberg's paradigm results in epileptic patients. Jpn J Psych Neur 1993;47:609-19.

15. Hirayama C, Okumura M, Tanikawa K, et al. A multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial of Shosaiko-to in chronic active hepatitis. Gastroent Jap 1989;24:715-9.

16. Fujiwara K, Ohta Y, Ogata I, et al. Treatment trial of traditional Oriental medicine in chronic viral hepatitis. In: Ohta Y (ed) New Trends in Peptic Ulcer and Chronic Hepatitis: Part II. Chronic Hepatitis. Tokyo: Excerpta Medica, 1987, 141-6.

17. Tajiri H, Kozaiwa K, Osaki Y, et al. The study of the effect of sho-saiko-to on HBeAg clearance in children with chronic HBV infection and with abnormal liver function tests. Acta Paediatr Jpn 1991;94:1811-5.

18. Gibo Y, Nakamura Y, Takahashi N, et al. Clinical study of sho-saiko-to therapy for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C). Prog Med 1994;14:217-9.

19. Gibo Y, Nakamura Y, Takahashi N, et al. Clinical study of sho-saiko-to therapy for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C). Prog Med 1994;14:217-9.

20. Oka H, Yamamoto S, Kuroki T, et al. Prospective study of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma with sho-saiko-to (TJ-9). Cancer 1995;76:743-9.

21. Mizushima Y, Oosaki R, Kobayashi M. Clinical features of pneumonitis induced by herbal drugs. Phytother Res 1997;11:295-8.

22. Scaglione F, Ferrara F, Dugnani S, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of two extracts of Panax ginseng CA Meyer. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1990;16:537-42.

23. Yamamoto M, Oka H, Kanno T, et al. Controlled prospective trial to evaluate sho-saiko-to for the prevention of hepatotcellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho (Jpn J Cancer Chemother) 1989;16:1519-24 [in Japanese].

24. Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al. Effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panmineva Med 1996;38:249-54.

25. Brekhman II, Dardymov IV. New substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance. Annu Rev Pharmacol 1969;9:419-30 [review].

26. Panossian A, Wikman G, Wagner H. Plant adaptogens. III. Earlier and more recent aspects and concepts on their mode of action. Phytomedicine 1999;6:287-300 [review].

27. Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA. Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Phytother Res 1999;13:275-91 [review].

28. Wagner H, Nrr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:6376 [review].

29. Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 1998:271-3.

30. Neri M, Andermarcher E, Pradelli JM, Salvioli G. Influence of a double blind pharmacological trial on two domains of well-being in subjects with age associated memory impairment. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1995;21:241-52.

31. Hallstrom C, Fulder S, Carruthers M. Effect of ginseng on the performance of nurses on night duty. Comp Med East West 1982;6:277-82.

32. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1373-5.

33. Caso Marasco A, Vargas Ruiz R, Salas Villagomez A, Begona Infante C. Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:3239.

34. Wesnes KA, Luthringer R, Ambrosetti L, et al. The effects of a combination of Panax ginseng, vitamins and minerals on mental performance, mood and physical fatigue in nurses working night shifts: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Curr Top Nutraceut Res 2003;1:169-76.

35. Cardinal BJ, Engels HJ. Ginseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Am Diet Assoc 2001;101:655-60.

36. Zhang T, Hoshino M, Iguchi K, et al. Ginseng root: Evidence for numerous regulatory peptides and insulinotropic activity. Biomed Res 1990;11:49-54.

37. Suzuki Y, Hikino H. Mechanisms of hypoglycemic activity of panaxans A and B, glycans of Panax ginseng roots: Effects on plasma levels, secretion, sensitivity and binding of insulin in mice. Phytother Res 1989;3:20-4.

38. Waki I, Kyo H, Yasuda M, Kimura M. Effects of a hypoglycemic component of ginseng radix on insulin biosynthesis in normal and diabetic animals. J Pharm Dyn 1982;5:547-54.125.

39. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1373-5.

40. Lee ST, Chu K, Sim JY, et al. Panax ginseng enhances cognitive performance in Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2008;22:222-6.

41. Brown D. Licorice root-potential early intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome. Quart Rev Natural Med 1996;Summer:95-7.

42. Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized ginseng extract G 115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or influenza syndrome. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.

43. Inada Y, Watanabe K, Kamiyama M, et al. In vitro immunomodulatory effects of traditional Kampo medicine (sho-saiko-to: SST) on peripheral mononuclear cells in patients with AIDS. Biomed Pharmacother 1990;44:17-9.

44. Piras G, Makino M, Baba M. Sho-saiko-to, a traditional kampo medicine, enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine (3TC) in vitro. Microbiol Immunol 1997;41:435-9.

45. Fujimaki M, Hada M, Ikematsu S, et al. Clinical efficacy of two kinds of kampo medicine on HIV infected patients. Int Conf AIDS 1989;5:400 [abstract no. W.B.P.292].

46. Li BQ, Fu T, Yan YD, et al. Inhibition of HIV infection by baicalin-a flavonoid compound purified from Chinese herbal medicine. Cell Mol Biol Res 1993;39:119-24.

47. Cho YK, Kim Y, Choi M, et al. The effect of red ginseng and zidovudine on HIV patients. Int Conf AIDS 1994;10:215 [abstract no. PB0289].

48. Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized ginseng extract G 115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or influenza syndrome. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.

49. Yun TK. Experimental and epidemiological evidence of the cancer-preventive effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. Nutr Rev 1996;54(suppl):S71-81.

50. Cha RJ, Zeng DW, Chang QS. Non-surgical treatment of small cell lung cancer with chemo-radio-immunotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine. Chung Hua Nei Ko Tsa Chih (Chin J Intern Med) 1994;33:462-6.

51. Wiklund IK, Mattson LA, Lindgren R, et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and psychological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharm Res 1999;19:89-99.

52. Zhang T, Hoshino M, Iguchi K, et al. Ginseng root: Evidence for numerous regulatory peptides and insulinotropic activity. Biomed Res 1990;11:49-54.

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