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Pgn9.0
Panax Ginseng Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
53 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Panax Ginseng appears to help in 9 of 11 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2006–2026 with a typical study size of 174 participants.
Based on 53 studies · 9 meta-analyses · 11 RCTs · 8,663 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
9helped1unclear1didn't help· 42 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Energy & fatigueReduced fatigue and improved vitality · 2-4 weeks
Likely helps40 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Likely helps12 studies
Cognitive functionGinsenosides enhance cognitive function and working memory · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational8 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Immune supportImmunomodulatory ginsenosides enhance NK cell activity · 4-8 weeks
32 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
200620162026
1BODE IndexSystematic ReviewCited 27×n=1,834 · large study2014
These issues should be addressed in future trials.
Chen X et al. · PloS one (2014)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The main meta-analysis results showed relative benefits for BODE Index in nine studies (mean difference [MD] -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.94, -0.47) and 6MWT/D in 17 studies (MD 54.61 meters, 95%CI 33.30, 75.92) in favour of the CHM plus RP groups.
Detailed sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted.
Clinically meaningful benefits for BODE Index and 6MWT were found in multiple studies.
2Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)Meta-AnalysisCited 40×n=1,843 · large study2016
The oxaliplatin plus TM groups showed significantly reduced CINV (risk ratio 0.65 [0.59, 0.71], I(2) = 28%) compared with oxaliplatin controls, with or without the addition of conventional anti-eme...
Chen MH et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The oxaliplatin plus TM groups showed significantly reduced CINV (risk ratio 0.65 [0.59, 0.71], I(2) = 28%) compared with oxaliplatin controls, with or without the addition of conventional anti-emetics.
These plants warrant further clinical research as potential additions to chemotherapy regimens in patients whose CINV is not sufficiently well controlled by conventional therapies.
3Sexual arousalMeta-AnalysisCited 2×n=536 · large study2021
Preliminary evidence suggests that Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng may be effective as alternative treatments for FSD in a clinical setting.
Sha'ari N et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2021)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Panax ginseng was found to be effective in treating sexual arousal (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.97, p = 0.014) and sexual desire (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27 - 0.90, p < 0.001) compared to placebo.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng may be effective as alternative treatments for FSD in a clinical setting.
4Systematic ReviewCited 17×n=129 · medium study2021
Combinations between chronic cannabis use and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be carefully monitored, whereas no significant evidence for drug-interactions between conventional MS-drugs and ginger, cranberry, vitamin D, fatty acids, turmeric, probiotics or glucosamine was found.
Petersen MJ et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)
A total of 129 published papers found via PubMed and Web of Science were reviewed according to defined inclusion- and exclusion criteria.
Findings suggested that daily recommended doses of Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba should not be exceeded, and herbal preparations differing from standardized products should be avoided, especially when combined with anticoagulants or substrates of certain cytochrome P450 isoforms.
Further studies are required regarding ginseng's ability to increase aspirin bioavailability.
5Diabetes and chronic complicationsSystematic ReviewCited 22×2025
In summary, this review elucidates the happening mechanisms of pyroptosis in diabetes and associated chronic complications, and summarizes published studies about ginseng and its active ingredients in improving diabetes by regulating pyroptosis-related pathways.
Li K et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2025)
In summary, this review elucidates the happening mechanisms of pyroptosis in diabetes and associated chronic complications, and summarizes published studies about ginseng and its active ingredients in improving diabetes by regulating pyroptosis-related pathways.
However, almost all researches are limited to animal and cell experiments, and more clinical trials are required to prove the therapeutic effect of ginseng on diabetes by targeting pyroptosis.
6Pharmacological properties of ginsenoside RfSystematic Review2025
This mini-review also delves into the pharmacokinetics of Rf and the potential for future studies, intending to offer a comprehensive insight into Rf and its possible application in medical and pharmacological domains.
Li P et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2025)
8Antiaging mechanisms of dietary saponinsSystematic ReviewCited 2×2025
Future antiaging research on dietary saponins should prioritize high-purity monomers, optimize their bioactive structure, and yield via synthetic biology and nanoencapsulation, followed by clinical validation of efficacy.
Guo C et al. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (2025)
Moreover, some antiaging products based on dietary saponins have been developed and utilized as functional foods or nutritional supplements to achieve antiaging in human wellness.
This review systematically reviews antiaging mechanisms of dietary saponins, including their structure-activity relationship, from fundamental research to the development of associated products.
Future antiaging research on dietary saponins should prioritize high-purity monomers, optimize their bioactive structure, and yield via synthetic biology and nanoencapsulation, followed by clinical validation of efficacy.
10Efficacy of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunctionMeta-AnalysisCited 12×2023
DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence.
Petre GC et al. · Nutrients (2023)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Based on the scoring system, 2 (8%) supplements matched with the cluster of higher expected efficacy, 3 (12%) with the lower efficacy cluster and 20 (80%) matched with the criterion of no expected efficacy.
A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effect of DS and to detect the active ingredients able to improve erectile function-called effective ingredients (EIs)-and their minimal effective daily dose (mED).
A metanalysis identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine, that are able to improve male sexual function.
11Meta-AnalysisCited 3×n=29 · very small study2024
Taking into account the results, using ginseng did not have a statistically significant influence on lipid profile parameters in individuals with different health conditions.
Arabi SM et al. · Current pharmaceutical design (2024)
The Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C did not show significant changes with ginseng supplementation.
Taking into account the results, using ginseng did not have a statistically significant influence on lipid profile parameters in individuals with different health conditions.
Further, well-designed RCTs focusing on specific diseases are needed to clarify the potential beneficial effects of ginseng and its derivatives on lipid profile.
The safety and further clinical trials of CK should be explored for future drug development.
Tam DNH et al. · Fundamental & clinical pharmacology (2023)
The purity of CK in our included studies was at least 95%.
The in vivo studies reported a significant decrease in tumor volume in mice treated with CK.
The in vitro studies reported that CK had a potential anticancer activity on several cell lines including human lung cancer cell lines (A549, PC-9), nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (Hk-1), liver cancer cell line (BEL 7402), and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia cell lines (Kasumi-1, MV4-11).
14Systematic ReviewCited 31×n=200 · medium study2020
This review could assist the basic researchers and clinical doctors to understand current status and problem of ginseng clinical research, and perhaps could benefit for the reasonable and accurate ...
Fan S et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2020)
This review could assist the basic researchers and clinical doctors to understand current status and problem of ginseng clinical research, and perhaps could benefit for the reasonable and accurate design of future clinical studies.
This systematic review suggests that the ingestion of PGPs or ginsenosides, especially Rg1, is effective in improving exercise endurance in healthy adults.
Ikeuchi S et al. · Nutrients (2022)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
We found that ingestion of PGPs or ginsenosides significantly improved exercise endurance (SMD [95% CI]: 0.58 [0.22-0.95], I2 = 0%).
It was suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) and PGPs extract containing Rg1 were significantly effective in improving exercise endurance (SMD [95% CI]: 0.70 [0.14-1.27], I2 = 30%) by additional analysis.
This systematic review suggests that the ingestion of PGPs or ginsenosides, especially Rg1, is effective in improving exercise endurance in healthy adults.
Only a few studies have been specifically designed to assess how herbal preparations affect MGBA-related targets or pathways.
Pferschy-Wenzig EM et al. · Nutrients (2022)
Only a few studies have been specifically designed to assess how herbal preparations affect MGBA-related targets or pathways.
However, many studies provide hints of a possible interaction with the MGBA, such as an increased abundance of health-beneficial microorganisms, anti-inflammatory effects, or MGBA-related pathway effects by gut microbial metabolites.
Data for Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Salvia rosmarinus indicate that the interaction of their constituents with the gut microbiota could mediate mental health benefits.
In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.
Todorova V et al. · Nutrients (2021)
About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance.
Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited.
The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection.
The use of this plant in cancer resulted in improved quality of life and mood.
de Oliveira Zanuso B et al. · Experimental gerontology (2022)
The use of this plant in cancer resulted in improved quality of life and mood.
It decreased symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea, reducing anxiety.
Panax ginseng has been shown to exert potent therapeutic benefits that can act as a complementary treatment in managing patients with chronic diseases related to aging.
19Systematic ReviewCited 58×n=57 · small study2011
However, ginseng generally has a good safety profile and the incidence of adverse effects seems to be low.
Lee NH et al. · Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies (2011)
However, ginseng generally has a good safety profile and the incidence of adverse effects seems to be low.
In conclusion, our review compiles the evidence on the use of ginseng, finding a strong positive potential for glucose metabolism, psychomotor function, and pulmonary disease, but not for physical performance enhancement.