Precautions and Warnings With Panax Ginseng
Is Panax Ginseng Safe?
Panax ginseng is an herbal supplement often used to enhance memory and mental function. You may not be able to take Panax ginseng safely if you have:
- Heart disease
- Hormone-sensitive disorders, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or many cancers
- A bleeding disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Diabetes
- An autoimmune disease, such as:
* Multiple sclerosis
* Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
* Rheumatoid arthritis
- An upcoming surgery
- Had an organ transplant
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
This article specifically refers to Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, and Korean ginseng). This type of ginseng should not be confused with American ginseng or Siberian ginseng, which are entirely different herbs.
Specific Precautions and Warnings With Panax Ginseng
Warnings and precautions to be aware of concerning the safety of Panax ginseng include the following:
This supplement may have effects on the heart rhythm and blood pressure. It is not known if Panax ginseng is safe for people with heart problems.
- Panax ginseng may have estrogen-like effects, although there is considerable controversy regarding this issue. If you have a medical condition that is sensitive to estrogen, it may be a good idea to avoid this supplement.
- The supplement may theoretically decrease the ability of blood platelets to stick together, decreasing the ability to form blood clots. While this can be beneficial in many situations, it can be dangerous for people with a bleeding disorder. It could also be dangerous during a surgery or if you take medications that "thin" the blood.
- There have been reports that Panax ginseng may cause insomnia and agitation in people with schizophrenia. In general, the herbal supplement should be avoided by people with schizophrenia.
- Panax ginseng may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes, check with your healthcare provider before taking the supplement.
- The supplement appears to stimulate the immune system. If you have an autoimmune disorder, or if you have had an organ transplant, check with your healthcare provider before taking Panax ginseng.
- Panax ginseng can potentially interact with several medications (see Drug Interactions With Panax Ginseng).
- It is not known if Panax ginseng is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women (see Ginseng and Pregnancy and Ginseng and Breastfeeding).
- If you decide to use supplements, what you see on the label may not reflect what is in the bottle. For example, some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals or prescription drugs, and some have been found to have much more or much less of the featured ingredient than their label states. Therefore, make sure the manufacturer of your Panax ginseng product is trusted and reputable. It is a good sign if a manufacturer abides by the rules of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for drugs. It is also a good sign if a product has the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) seal, which means that the product has been independently tested and shown to contain the correct ingredients in the amounts listed on the label. Your pharmacist is a good resource for information about which manufacturers are most reputable.
Panax Ginseng Safety: Final Thoughts
There are a number of situations in which Panax ginseng should not be taken, along with several precautions and warnings people should be aware of before using the supplement. However, it is possible that not all the warnings or precautions were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the specific Panax ginseng safety issues that may apply to you.
