Natural Health Products and Medication

Ginseng

Scientific name:  Panax ginseng
Synonyms:  Panax ginseng Synonyms: panax ginseng, Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng

Part(s) used

Fresh or dried root

Principal constituents

Ginsenosides, amino acids and peptides, vitamins, sterols, fatty acids, minerals and trace elements

Recognized therapeutic effects

• Helps in situations of intense physical activity, stress or excessive tiredness
• Promotes overall tonicity (physical and mental)
• Stimulates the immune system
• Helps in periods of convalescence

Traditional use

• In Chinese traditional medicine, invigorates and restores energy
• Helps during convalescence
• Increases physical resistance
• Reduces susceptibility to diseases
• Generally improves health and longevity

Contraindications

• Arterial hypertension, cardiac problems
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• 7 days before a surgical operation
• Heavy menstruation or severe nosebleed (risk of hemorrhage)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Pre-menopause with irregular hormonal cycles

Drug interactions

• Increased bactericidal effect of Clavulin 
• Antidiuretic effect observed with Lasix
• Please note: ginseng may promote hypertension and increase the stimulating effects of caffeine
• Possible increased effect of insulin and oral antidiabetics (Actos, Diabeta, Diamicron, Avandia, etc.)
• Possible increased effect of anticoagulants/antithrombotic agents (Coumadin, Lovenox, heparin), of antiplatelet drugs (Plavix, Ticlid) and salicylic acid derivatives (acetylsalicylic acid ASA, Aspirin, Entrophen, etc.) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (AINS) (Voltaren, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Indocid, etc.)

Please note: species closely related to Panax ginseng (ginseng of America, ginseng of Siberia, etc) have different therapeutic value. There are other products bearing the name of ginseng that are derived from plants of another kind. These include female ginseng (dông quay), Brazilian ginseng (suma) and Peruvian ginseng (maca)

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