PROPER NAME:	Panax ginseng (Asian), Panax quinquefolius (American), and Eleutherococcus root (Eleuthero) aka Siberian Ginseng
COMMON NAMES:	Man root, life root, root of immortality, Tartar root, heal-all ‘seng, ‘sang
PARTS USED:	Main and lateral root
FORMS:	Capsule, tablet, root powder, dried, herbal tea or extract
CLAIMS:	Ginseng has several proposed uses. It has been used to counteract weakness and fatigue, boosting energy levels and improving physical stamina. It has also been used to restore impaired concentration and enhance memory. Ginseng contains adaptogenic properties, which aid in reducing the effects of physical, chemical and biological stressors. Siberian ginseng may also be used to aid convalescence by boosting the immune system, increasing white blood cell and T-cell production.
DOSAGE:	Generally 1-2 grams of root or 200-600 mg extract. Preparations should only be used on a daily basis for no more than one to three months, and then followed by a minimum of a two-month layoff.
SIDE EFFECTS:	People with insomnia, hay fever, and fibrocystic breasts should use Ginseng with caution. People with fever, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmia should not use Ginseng. Ginseng should not be given to children. Addiction, nervousness, sleeplessness, breast soreness, allergy symptoms, and asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea and possible hormonal effects are all potential side effects. If ginseng causes any minor discomforts, such as allergy symptoms or insomnia, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks. People taking Warfarin or have blood clotting problems should not use Ginseng because of its potential anti-clotting action. Also, people using insulin or taking anti-diabetic medications should know that Ginseng may cause a hypoglycemic effect. Ginseng should not be taken by people using MAO Inhibitors.
ADULTERATION:	Adulteration continues to be a problem when using Ginseng. The health food trade journal “Whole Foods”, commissioned an independent test which resulted in 60 percent of Ginseng products worthless because they contained too little of the herb to have any biological effect. Twenty-five percent contained no ginseng at all.

GINSENG REFERENCES:
Castleman, M. (1991). The Healing Herbs The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.

Special Expert Committee of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

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