Advances in Traditional Medicine

Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center (경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소)
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Is ginseng free from adverse effects?

  • Xie, Jing-Tian (Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research,Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago) ;
  • Mehendale, Sangeeta R. (Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research,Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago) ;
  • Maleckar, Spring A. (Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research,Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago) ;
  • Yuan, Chun-Su (Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research,Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Committee on Clinical Pharmacology, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago)
  • Published : 2002.08.30
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Abstract

Ginseng is a perennial herb widely used in China, Japan, and Korea. It is also one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in the U.S. Although it is generally considered safe to use, adverse effects associated with ginseng use have been reported. Inappropriate ginseng use, such as high dose administration, may cause insomnia, headaches, diarrhea, as well as cardiovascular and endocrine disorders. Other factors that may contribute to adverse effects of ginseng include the variety of ginseng species, variability in commercial ginseng preparations, and potential ginseng-drug interactions. To minimize adverse effects of ginseng, consumers should be advised to use it appropriately, and the herbal industry should try to provide standardized ginseng preparations.

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References

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