Panax ginseng is an herbal plant also known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng and Korean ginseng. Native to Asia, Panax ginseng is different from American and Siberian ginseng. Panax ginseng has held an important traditional role in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, primarily as a remedy for weakness and fatigue, according to an article published in the Oct. 15, 2003 issue of American Family Physician. Consult a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Components and Properties
The main active components of Panax ginseng are saponin glycosides, which have a variety of beneficial effects. In animal research, ginseng saponins decrease blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Ginseng also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The herb may improve psychological function and exercise performance, boost the immune system and help to regulate blood sugar.
Blood-Thinning Effects
Panax ginseng may decrease the stickiness of blood platelets, a blood-thinning effect that may increase the risk of bleeding. Combining Panax ginseng with medications that have similar effects could be unsafe, explains eMedTV. Paradoxically, Panax ginseng use is reported to reduce the effectiveness of one particular blood-thinning medication--warfarin, known as Coumadin. EMedTV advises consulting with a health care provider before taking Panax ginseng with any blood-thinning drugs or herbs. Panax ginseng also may be problematic for people who have a bleeding disorder, experience excessive menstruation, or are prone to nosebleeds.
Increased Drug Effects
Liver enzymes are responsible for breaking down many medications, and Panax ginseng may inhibit the activity of one particular enzyme, explains eMedTV. This could increase the level of medications in the body, which could worsen side effects or result in toxicity. Some of these drugs include codeine, fentanyl, tramadol, metoprolol, methadone and fluoxetine, known as Prozac. Additionally, combining Panax ginseng with medications that regulate blood sugar, such as insulin or metformin, may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng with caffeine or other stimulants could add to the stimulation effect and raise blood pressure.
Drug Interference
Panax ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of furosemide, known as the brand Lasix. This diuretic medication is prescribed to lower high blood pressure and reduce fluid retention caused by heart disease, liver disease and other conditions. Panax ginseng also can interfere with immune-suppressant drugs used to relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and to prevent rejection of organ transplants.
Side Effects
Panax ginseng is associated with several side effects, although most are mild and many people do not experience any. Possible side effects include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, nervousness, headaches and changes in blood pressure. The MSKCC cautions that Panax ginseng may have estrogenic effects, so people with hormone-related cancers such as ovarian or breast cancer should be cautious about taking this herb.
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