Panax Ginseng

What is it used for?

• (Used in Herbal Medicine as) supportive therapy for the promotion of healthy glucose levels [Source note 2].

• (Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) support cognitive function and/or reduce mental fatigue (in cases of mental stress) (Reay et al. 2006; Reay et al. 2005; Sünram-Lea et al. 2005; Kennedy et al. 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kennedy et al. 2002; Scholey and Kennedy 2002; Kennedy et al. 2001; Sorensen and Sonne 1996; Bradley 1992; D’Angelo et al. 1986; BHP 1983).

• Helps support cognition (Reay et al. 2006; Reay et al. 2005; Sünram-Lea et al. 2005; Kennedy et al. 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kennedy et al. 2002; Scholey and Kennedy 2002; Kennedy et al. 2001; Sorensen and Sonne 1996; Bradley 1992; D’Angelo et al. 1986; BHP 1983).

• (Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) enhance physical capacity/performance (in cases of physical stress) [Source note 3].

• Used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time (e.g. in case of mental and physical fatigue related to stress) [Source note 4].

• Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to reinforce qi, benefit the spleen and lung, relieve symptoms of thirst due to impairment of body fluids and internal heat [Source note 5].

• The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g., Used in Herbal Medicine to help support cognitive function and/or reduce mental fatigue and as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time).

• For multi-ingredient products:

  • To prevent the product from being represented as a “traditional medicine”, any indicated traditional use claim must refer to the specific active ingredient(s) and recognized system of medicine from which the claim originates when 1) both the traditional and modern claims are present or 2) when claims original from multiple systems of traditional medicine (e.g., Panax Ginseng is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reinforce qi, benefit the spleen and lung, relieve symptoms of thirst due to impairment of body fluids and internal heat ).

  • When ALL of the active ingredients (MIs) in the product are used within the SAME identified system of traditional medicine AND the product makes ONLY traditional claims, listing of MIs in the traditional claim(s) is not required.

What this guide covers

• The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.

Who does this guide cover?

Adults 18 years and older

How is it taken?

Oral

Which forms are covered?

this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.

Quantities

Glucose levels; Cognitive function/cognition; Mental stress; Physical stress; Adaptogen

Methods of preparation: Standardized extracts (Dry extract)

200 - 600 milligrams of extract, per day; standardized to 4 - 7% total ginsenosides; Not to exceed 9 grams of dried root/rootlet, per day (Vuksan et al. 2008; Reay et al. 2006; Sievenpiper et al. 2006; Reay et al. 2005; Sünram-Lea et al. 2005; Kennedy et al. 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kennedy et al. 2002; Scholey and Kennedy 2002; Engels et al. 2001; Kennedy et al. 2001; Scaglione et al. 2001; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Tetsutani et al. 2000; Engels et al. 1996; Scaglione et al. 1996; Gross et al. 1995; Scaglione et al. 1994; Scaglione et al. 1990; Petkov and Mosharrof 1987; D’Angelo et al. 1986; Soldati and Sticher 1980).

Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion)

0.5 - 9 grams dried root/rootlets, per day (Vuksan et al. 2008; Reay et al. 2006; Sievenpiper et al. 2006; Reay et al. 2005; Sunram-Lea et al. 2005; Kennedy et al. 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kennedy et al. 2002; Scholey and Kennedy 2002; Engels et al. 2001; Kennedy et al. 2001; Scaglione et al. 2001; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Engels et al. 1996; Scaglione et al. 1996; Gross et al. 1995; Scaglione et al. 1994; Scaglione et al. 1990; Petkov and Mosharrof 1987; D'Angelo et al. 1986; Soldati and Sticher 1980).

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Methods of preparation: Decoction, Decoction concentrate

3 - 10 grams dried root, per day (PPRC 2020; Bensky et al. 2004, Chen and Chen 2004).

Methods of preparation: Powdered (unextracted)

0.5 - 4 grams dried root, per day (PPRC 2020, Bensky et al. 2004, Chen and Chen 2004).

How is it used?

The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.

How long is it used?

Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 12 weeks [Source note 6].

Warnings and precautions

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have diabetes [Source note 7].

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking antidepressant medication, blood thinners or digoxin [Source note 8].

When should it be avoided?

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Do not use in cases of yin deficiency with heat signs, heat excess, or in the absence of significant qi deficiency [Source note 9].

Possible side effects

Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if you experience insomnia, anxiety or headaches (Lee et al. 2008b; Vuksan et al 2008; de Andrade et al.2007; Sievenpiper et al. 2006; Coon and Ernst 2002; Ellis and Reddy 2002; Scaglione et al. 2001; Siegel 1979).

Storage

Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.