The name ginseng applies to various herbs that have been used medicinally for many centuries. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of several types of true ginseng; another is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). American ginseng is used for stress, to boost the immune system, and as a general tonic and stimulant. American ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides that seem to affect insulin levels in the body and lower blood sugar. Other chemicals in ginseng, polysaccharides, might affect the immune system.
Ginseng has been examined for use in anxiety and fatigue, and is considered as part of complementary and alternative medicine interventions in cognitive impairment. Not all types of ginseng have the same chemical contents, and so, not necessarily the same effectiveness.
Yennurajalingam, S., Reddy, A., Tannir, N.M., Chisholm, G.B., Lee, R.T., Lopez, G., . . . Bruera, E. (2015). High-dose Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) for cancer-related fatigue: A preliminary report. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14, 419–427.
To assess the safety and efficacy of high-dose ginseng for cancer-related fatigue
Patients were given a supply of ginseng for 29 days and instructed to take two 400 mg tablets twice daily. Study measures were obtained at baseline, day 15, and day 29.
Prospective observational
There was an improvement in the FACIT fatigue subscale on day 15 (p = 0.004) and day 29 (p = 0.0006) although scores increased between day 15 and 29. Improvement was also seen in the ESAS fatigue scale at both time points (p < 0.001). Appetite improved on day 15 (p = 0.004) and day 29 (p = 0.0097). Sleep was improved on day 15 (p = 0.004) but not on day 29. ESAS scores for anxiety were improved on day 15 (p = 0.002). There were no significant adverse effects attributed to ginseng.
The findings of this study suggest that high-dose ginseng may be helpful in the management of multiple symptoms among patients with cancer.
Ginseng appears to be safe and may be helpful in the management of multiple symptoms among patients with cancer. This study had multiple design limitations. Additional well-designed studies with larger patient samples are needed to provide sufficient evidence for the meaningful evaluation of efficacy.