Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng) Benefits and Uses
ONS (Oncology Nursing Society) Voice - April 3, 2025 What the Evidence Says About American Ginseng for Patients With Cancer By Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Alyona Weinstein, MSN, FNP-BC, and Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, Dipl OM, LAc “American ginseng is a popular herbal supplement among patients with cancer as well as the general population to alleviate fatigue, improve memory, and support the immune system. However, it has the potential for drug interactions and may affect laboratory test results. A perennial herb, American ginseng has a history of medicinal use for headaches, fever, indigestion, and infertility. First used in China nearly three centuries ago, American ginseng continues to be an herbal remedy for various medical ailments. It is also marketed in supplemental forms to enhance strength and stamina, boost athletic performance, and treat diabetes and cancer. What the Research Tells Us Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that ginsenosides are the active components responsible for American ginseng’s physiologic effects. It has also demonstrated anticancer effects in preclinical models. American ginseng is considered safe, but it has been reported to interact with warfarin and may increase the risk of bleeding. In the general population, various study results have shown American ginseng’s effect on reducing fasting blood glucose; positively affecting working memory in young and middle-aged healthy adults and those with schizophrenia; and improving immunity against colds. In the oncology setting, researchers conducting a population-based study of 1,455 patients with breast cancer reported positive associations with improved quality of life and reduced risk of death…..” What the Evidence Says About American Ginseng for Patients With Cancer | Oncology Nursing Society FOREFRONT - MAYO CLINIC CANCER CENTER'S ONLINE MAGAZINE · High doses of the herb Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) over two months reduced cancer-related fatigue in patients more effectively than a placebo, a Mayo Clinic Cancer Center-led study found. The findings were presented at the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Chicago. · "After eight weeks, we saw a 20-point improvement in fatigue in cancer patients, measured on a 100-point, standardized fatigue scale," Dr. Barton said. The herb had no apparent side effects. MAYO CLINIC CANCER CENTER'S ONLINE MAGAZINE, Volume 1, Issue 2, 2012, Retrieved from https://www.mayo.edu/research/forefront/ginseng-fights-fatigue-cancer-patients
WebMD (”AMERICAN GINSENG”, n.d.) · American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is commonly touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It can also help regulate blood sugar. It has been said that American ginseng may strengthen the immune system, enhance brain function, fight fatigue and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. · People take American ginseng by mouth for stress, to boost the immune system, and as a stimulant. · American ginseng is often used to fight infections such as colds and flu. There is some evidence that it might help prevent colds and flu and make symptoms milder when infections do occur. · Some people use American ginseng to improve digestion and for loss of appetite, as well as for vomiting, inflammation of the colon (colitis), and inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis). · You may also see American ginseng listed as an ingredient in some soft drinks. Oils and extracts made from American ginseng are used in soaps and cosmetics. · Don’t confuse American ginseng with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). They have different medicinal effects. · American ginseng contains an active ingredient called “ginsenosides” that seem to affect insulin levels in the body and lower blood sugar. Other ingredients, called polysaccharides, might also affect the immune system. Reference: American Ginseng (n.d.) WebMD Vitamins & Supplements. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-967/american-ginseng CUREJOY American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolis, is one of the most popular herbs in the United States. It mostly grows in North America. Traditionally, Native Americans have used American ginseng for its medicinal effects. It’s all thanks to active compounds called ginsenosides. According to the Journal Phytotherapy Research, ginsenosides greatly improve verbal and working memory. American ginseng is also linked to enhanced neurocognitive function when it’s consumed on the regular.2 With benefits like these, this herb may be able to prevent mental disease like Alzheimer’s. The ginsenosides in American ginseng have a “calming” effect.3 In turn, this herb is great for relieving stress and upset stomach. Colitis, vomiting, and insomnia can also be treated with American ginseng. It’s also the best type of ginseng for anti-cancer properties.5 You can reap the benefits within just two hours of taking it! It works by preventing the DNA from oxidative stress, giving you protection from dangerous free radicals. Do you have high blood pressure? American ginseng can control it by reducing arterial hardness. This is useful for keeping heart disease at bay, especially if you already have a high risk. The effects are so good that it can even help type 2 diabetics. In a way, American ginseng resembles a human body. The stringy shoots are a lot like arms and legs. It’s usually light tan, but you can find it in varying shades of brown. CUREJOY EDITORIAL FEB 12, 2018 RETRIEVED FROM: https://www.curejoy.com/content/different-types-of-ginseng/ Other Benefits of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)
"...many ginseng researchers concur that ginseng does seem to offer anti-stress benefits by helping the body cope with anxiety and ward off illness." [Reader’s Digest, July 1997] "...several reliable studies in the 1990s showed that ginseng, in combination with vitamins and minerals, resulted in an improved quality of life. Other studies reported improvements in memory and other factors associated with psychological well-being and fatigue reduction." [Prevention, August 1997] "...ginseng enhances phagocytosis, increases immunoglobulins, promotes lymphocytic transformation, restores production of blood cell by bone marrow." ["Immune-Enhancing Herbs and Cancer Therapies", Health foods Business Magazine, June 1987] "Many diseases may be the result of an undetected deficiency which arise as a result of our modern stressful society and eating habits. American ginseng appears to partially correct this deficiency in some cases." [International Ginseng Conference ’94, pp. 249-258] "...ginseng is the single most useful restorative and tonic available … uses for which ginseng has been recommended: stimulant, … tonic, … mental benefits, … anti-stress, … regulating blood pressure, … anti-diabetic, … aphrodisiac, …eases menopause, … aging and life extension." [How Ginseng is Used, Dr. Stephen Fulder] The preceding statements have not been verified by the FDA, and this product is only intended to be a supplement to a healthy diet
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