Panax Ginseng

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Panax ginseng, also called Asian or Korean ginseng, is a root native to Korea, north-eastern China and far-eastern Siberia, and the root is the part used in supplements. Supps247 stocks single-herb Korean red ginseng capsules plus multi-ingredient formulas from brands such as BMVINVOL, LVLUP Health and Isagenix.

Read the Panax Ginseng buying guide
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Panax Ginseng: buying guide

What the research says

The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarises the evidence like this:

  • Fatigue: a 2023 review of 19 studies suggested a small benefit for general fatigue, although not all research agrees.
  • Thinking skills: a small amount of research suggests possible benefits for some thinking skills in middle-aged adults, but not young adults.
  • Exercise: most research shows ginseng does not improve athletic performance. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports no effect on measures such as peak power or time to exhaustion.

Most trials have been small (under 200 people) and short (under 3 months), so treat ginseng as a traditional herb with modest, uncertain effects rather than a performance aid.

Red or white, single herb or blend

  • Red and white ginseng are different preparations of the same plant.
  • Single-herb products make it easy to see your daily dose.
  • Blends list ginseng alongside other ingredients, so check how much ginseng each serve actually provides before you compare.
  • Other actives: some blends add ingredients such as green tea, so read the full label if you are sensitive to stimulants.

Safety and who should check first

Short-term use of up to 6 months appears safe for most adults in recommended amounts, but long-term safety has been questioned. Insomnia is the most common side effect, and headaches and stomach upset have also been reported. Ginseng may lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes should speak to their doctor first. It may also interfere with blood clotting and worsen autoimmune conditions. Some experts recommend against ginseng for children and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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Sources: NCCIH: Asian Ginseng; NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Panax Ginseng: questions and answers

Is it safe to take Panax ginseng every day?
For most adults, short-term use appears safe. The NCCIH says taking Asian ginseng by mouth for up to 6 months in recommended amounts appears safe for most people, but its long-term safety has been questioned. Insomnia is the most common side effect, so avoid taking it late in the day if it affects your sleep. Follow the label dose and speak to your doctor if you take regular medication.
Does ginseng improve exercise performance?
Probably not. The NCCIH notes that most research shows Asian ginseng does not improve athletic performance, and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports numerous small studies with no effect on measures such as peak power output or time to exhaustion. If performance is your goal, ingredients like creatine and caffeine have far stronger evidence.
What is the difference between red and white ginseng?
Red and white ginseng are two different preparations of the same plant, Panax ginseng, rather than different species. Both come from the root. Product labels may describe the preparation, the amount of root or extract per serve, and the country of origin. Compare the milligrams of ginseng per daily serve rather than the colour on the front of the pack.
Who should avoid Panax ginseng?
Some experts recommend against ginseng for children and for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because it may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should talk to their doctor first. It may also interfere with blood clotting and worsen autoimmune conditions. Anyone taking regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What are the benefits of Panax ginseng, and does it work?
Any benefits look modest. NCCIH reports that a 2023 review found Asian ginseng may have a small benefit for general fatigue, though other research disagrees, and that limited research suggests possible benefits for some thinking skills in middle-aged adults but not young adults. Evidence on blood sugar is inconclusive and conflicting. Most trials have been small and short, and exercise studies mostly show no benefit. If you try it, choose a product that states its ginseng content, stay within the label dose and decide after a short trial whether it is worth continuing.
Is ginseng good for men?
Some men take Panax ginseng for sexual health. NCCIH says some research suggests it seems to improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, although the evidence is limited. A GP can look for the cause of erection problems, so see one rather than relying on a supplement. Ginseng does not improve athletic performance in most studies, and insomnia is its most common side effect, so take it earlier in the day. If you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners, ask your pharmacist before using it.
Can Panax ginseng cause side effects or interact with medicines?
Beyond insomnia, NCCIH notes rare reports of severe rash, liver damage and severe allergic reactions, and the US Office of Dietary Supplements lists headache, sleep problems and digestive upset in exercise studies. Because ginseng may lower blood sugar and interfere with blood clotting, it could add to the effects of diabetes medicines or blood thinners, so a pharmacist should check it against anything you take. Short-term use of up to six months appears safe for most adults. Stop taking it and get advice if you develop a rash or other unusual symptoms.
How do I choose the best Panax ginseng in Australia?
Check that the label names Panax ginseng, also called Asian or Korean ginseng, because American ginseng and Siberian ginseng are different plants. Then compare how much ginseng root or extract each daily serve provides. Blends need extra care: BMVINVOL Beet Root with Ginseng and Green Tea combines ginseng with beetroot and green tea, which can contain caffeine, so read the panel to see how much of each serve is ginseng. Prefer labels that list every ingredient amount, and choose batch-tested products if you compete in a drug-tested sport.
Where can I buy Panax ginseng online?
Order on our website and we deliver Australia-wide, usually within 2 to 8 business days, with free shipping on orders of $99.99 or more and Afterpay or Klarna available. Our ginseng range changes as stock comes in, so check this page or the product page for what is available now. You can also ask about ginseng at any of our 18 stores using the store finder. If you are comparing traditional herbs, see our ashwagandha and maca ranges too.

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