Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is native to the Far East, including Korea, northeastern China and far-eastern Siberia. Most of the clinical trials have been small and shorter than 3 months.
Asian ginseng is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is native to the Far East, including Korea, northeastern China, and far-eastern Siberia.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
A small amount of research suggests Asian ginseng may improve cognitive function, including abstract thinking, attention, arithmetic and reaction time, in middle-aged adults but not in young adults. Any benefit on memory has appeared to depend on adding ginkgo.
Limited evidenceSome support. Shown only in certain groups, uses, strains or doses
Study details
NCCIH: "A small amount of research has suggested that Asian ginseng may improve cognitive function," and "Any benefit from Asian ginseng on memory has appeared to depend on the addition of ginkgo." NCCIH also says: "Most of the clinical trials have been small, with fewer than 200 participants, and shorter than 3 months."
Source: NCCIH, Asian Ginseng (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Not all research agrees on Asian ginseng's possible benefits for fatigue.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
NCCIH: "However, not all research agrees on Asian ginseng’s possible benefits for fatigue." NCCIH also says: "Most of the clinical trials have been small, with fewer than 200 participants, and shorter than 3 months."
Source: NCCIH, Asian Ginseng (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Research on Asian ginseng and blood sugar control in people with diabetes is overall inconclusive and conflicting, according to NCCIH. A 2022 review found it improved many cardiometabolic factors in people with prediabetes and diabetes. MSK says other preliminary data suggest it can help people with type 2 diabetes, but more studies are needed.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
NCCIH: "found that Asian ginseng improved many cardiometabolic factors in people with prediabetes and diabetes," and "But research on the use of Asian ginseng for improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes is overall inconclusive and conflicting." MSK: "Other preliminary data suggest it can be helpful for type II diabetic patients,"
Source: NCCIH, Asian Ginseng (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
The majority of research shows that Asian ginseng does not improve athletic performance.
Not supported by current evidenceWeak or no support. Trials found no clear benefit
Study details
NCCIH: "The majority of research shows that Asian ginseng does not improve athletic performance."
Source: NCCIH, Asian Ginseng (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | No standard dose is listed by our sources. |
Side effects
Insomnia is the most common side effect. Uncommon side effects that have been reported include severe rash, liver damage and severe allergic reactions. Asian ginseng may also worsen autoimmune disorders and interfere with blood clotting.
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Insomnia (trouble sleeping)Well documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | The most common side effect | Stop and talk to a doctor if it persists. |
| Severe rash or severe allergic reactionsReportedCase reports only | Uncommon; reported | Stop and get medical help right away. |
| Liver damageReportedCase reports only | Uncommon; reported (NCCIH). MSK says the risk may be higher with imatinib or raltegravir | Stop and get medical help right away. |
| Worsening of autoimmune disorders; interference with blood clottingWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Talk to a doctor before using it if you have an autoimmune disorder or a bleeding problem. |
| Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousnessWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if it persists. |
| Fast heart rateWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor. Get medical help right away if it comes with chest pain, fainting or trouble breathing. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
Short-term oral use (up to 6 months) of Asian ginseng in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people, but questions have been raised about its long-term safety. Insomnia (trouble sleeping) is its most common side effect. Uncommon side effects that have been reported include severe rash, liver damage and severe allergic reactions. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Asian ginseng used on the skin is safe; it might cause irritation and burning. MSK says recommended doses should not be exceeded and products that aren't standardized should be avoided, especially when combined with blood thinners or some drugs broken down by liver enzymes (CYP450). MSK also says P. ginseng activated the estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells in a lab study, but the clinical relevance isn't known.
Contraindications
Some experts recommend against its use for infants, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. NCCIH says some studies suggest it may be unsafe when taken orally during pregnancy, and one of the chemicals in it has been found to cause birth defects in animals. Little is known about whether it's safe to use while breastfeeding. NCCIH says Asian ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders and interfere with blood clotting. If you have diabetes, consult your health care provider before using it. MSK says ginseng use should be discontinued at least 1 week before surgery. See Drug interactions for specific medicines.
Drug interactions
MSK lists a possible increased risk of bleeding with Asian ginseng and says studies on whether it can antagonize the effects of anticoagulants are mixed. NCCIH says Asian ginseng may interfere with blood clotting.
MSK says that in humans, Asian ginseng may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effect of insulin and sulfonylureas, and may lower blood sugar to harmful levels. NCCIH says some evidence suggests it might lower blood sugar, and advises people with diabetes to consult their health care provider before using it.
MSK says Asian ginseng may increase aspirin bioavailability.
MSK says that in humans, Asian ginseng may cause manic-like symptoms when combined with MAOIs.
Under drug interactions, MSK says elevated plasma levels of raltegravir, an antiretroviral drug, were reported.
MSK says certain ginsenosides (compounds in ginseng) can induce CYP3A4 and may increase the clearance of substrate drugs, though effects in humans may not be clinically significant.
MSK says a case report suggests Asian ginseng may increase the risk of liver damage with imatinib. Talk with your health care provider if you take imatinib.
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.