Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng or Asian ginseng, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Purported uses include boosting mental function, strengthening immunity, increasing energy and physical endurance, treating male sexual dysfunction and enhancing overall-well being. Medline Plus, an information service of the National Institutes of Health, notes "possible effectiveness" for treating diabetes. The results of some well-designed studies support some of its suggested uses, but in some instances have produced mixed results, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Some dosage guidelines exist, but you should check with your doctor for guidance on the dosage appropriate for your particular needs.
General Dosage
For general support, the suggested dosage typically entails 200 mg of an extract standardized to contain 4 percent to 7 percent ginsenosides, the primary active components in panax ginseng. If consuming the herb raw, the suggested dosage ranges from 1 g to 2 g daily.
Condition-Specific Dosages
Clinical trials looking at the effects of panax ginseng on a particular condition have used the following daily dosages, according to Medline Plus and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Diabetes, 200 mg; erectile dysfunction, 2,700 mg in three divided doses; sexual arousal in menopausal women, 3,000 mg; preventing cold and flu, 100 mg.
Finding a Quality Supplement
Due to the highly unregulated nature of the supplement industry, the quality of products can vary significantly. Some might contain less or more of the active ingredients or even none at all. Others might contain other agents not listed on the product label. Look for supplements with a USP designation, which stands for United States Pharmacopeia, a non-profit organization that offers testing of dietary supplements to check for quality. This designation indicates purity, the proper amount of active ingredients and other aspects of a quality supplement. Manufacturers do not have to submit to this testing, so a lack of this designation does not automatically imply a poor-quality supplement, but choosing something USP-approved will ensure a good product. Your doctor or pharmacist can also assist you in choosing a quality panax ginseng product.
Potential Interactions and Contraindicated Use
Like prescription drugs, herbal medicines contain agents that can interact with medications and even other herbs. They can also cause negative effects when used in the presence of certain health conditions. While it is always prudent to clear the use of natural supplements with your doctor, you should definitely do so if you want to take panax ginseng and already take ACE-inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, insulin and other blood-sugar lowering drugs, stimulants, MAOIs, furosemide, immune-suppressants, morphine, bitter orange, country mallow, ephedra and any herb that lowers blood sugar. Potentially contraindicated uses -- instances where you should not use panax ginseng -- include hypertension, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive diseases, insomnia, heart conditions, autoimmune conditions and diabetes. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Side effects from panax ginseng are rare, according to the UPMC. Taking the supplement in higher than recommended dosages or combining with caffeine can increase the risk of many of them. Potential side effects include breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, vaginal bleeding, rapid heart beat, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, nosebleed, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. The UPMC notes traditional use of this herb has called for taking it for only two to three weeks at a time followed by a rest period of one to two weeks.
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