Reported Uses

Ginseng is popularly claimed to minimize or reduce thymus gland activity. Other claims include its use as an antidepressant, an aphrodisiac, a demulcent (soothes irritated or inflamed internal tissues and organs), a diuretic, a sedative, and a sleep aid. Short-term use of the herb may improve concentration, healing, stamina, stress resistance (adaptogenic), vigilance, and work efficiency; long-term use is claimed to improve well-being in elderly patients with debilitated or degenerative conditions. Few claims have supporting data from animal studies and fewer still have data from human studies.

Although studies conducted in humans were mostly small and poorly designed, results suggest that ginseng has several beneficial effects. Improvement in appetite, emotional lability, sleep, and work efficiency in animals and humans indicates the ginseng's ability to enhance physical and mental performance. Ginseng may also indirectly exhibit corticosteroid-like effects.

Ginseng decreased fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin Ale levels in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients such that some diabetics were free of insulin therapy for the duration of the study . The herb has also been shown to be beneficial in patients with hepatic dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, and impaired cognitive function.

Dosage

Dosages vary with the disease state; usually, 0.5 to 2 g of dry ginseng root P.O. daily or 200 to 600 mg of ginseng extract P.O. daily in one or two equal doses.

For improved well-being in debilitated elderly patients, 0.4 to 0.8 g of root daily P.O. on a continual basis.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: headache, insomnia, nervousness.

CV: chest pain, hypertension, palpitations.

EENT: epistaxis.

GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

GU: impotence, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding.

Skin: pruritus, rash (with ginseng abuse).

Interactions

Antidiabetic agents, insulin: Increased hypoglycemic effect. Use together

cautiously.

MAO inhibitors (hypericin, parnate, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine): Adverse reactions include headache, mania, and tremor. Avoid administration with ginseng.

Contraindications And Precautions

Avoid using ginseng in pregnant or breast-feeding women; effects are unknown. Use cautiously in patients with CV disease, diabetes, hypertension, or hypotension and in those who are also receiving steroid therapy.

Special Considerations

Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of ginseng abuse syndrome. This syndrome occurs when large doses of the herb are taken concomitantly with other psychomotor stimulants, such as tea and coffee. Symptoms include depression, diarrhea, edema, euphoria, hypertension, insomnia, loss of appetite, rash, and restlessness. The existence of this syndrome is debatable.

Monitor the diabetic patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Advise him to monitor his blood glucose level closely until effects are known.

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