Ginseng is another widely used herbal medicine with a long history in Asia. People interested in taking ginseng must choose between at least three types:

• Asian (Chinese or Korean) ginseng (Panax ginseng) -- Probably the most widely studied form, used for thousands of years as a tonic to increase energy and vitality.
• American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) -- A related herb, native to North America. Some believe that its effects are milder than the Asian form.
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) -- Despite the name, this is a different plant, which does not contain the same active components as the other two. Some of its effects are similar, however. A cheaper substitute, it is sometimes combined with other types of ginseng or sold alone. Also known as eleuthero.

The active components of Asian and American ginseng are chemicals called ginsenosides. Standardized preparations contain 4% ginsenosides but buyers must be cautious because some products have been found to contain little or no active ingredient.

The name "Panax" shares the same roots as the word "panacea," which means "cure-all." Ginseng traditionally has been used to treat many ailments, including memory loss, and it is said to help people deal with stress. There is little or no evidence for these effects in humans, however.

People with seizures may be advised to avoid ginseng, because ginsenosides increase the levels of hormones such as ACTH and corticosteroids in the blood, and corticosteroids can raise the likelihood of seizures.

Do not take ginseng without checking with your doctor. Ginseng interacts with some antidepressant and antipsychotic medications and with anticoagulants such as Coumadin. It also may be harmful for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Read more about Asian ginseng, American ginseng, and Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) in the "About Herbs" section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website. (If you have not visited the site before, the information on ginseng will be preceded by a Disclaimer.)

Much of the information in this article is based on Spinella M: Herbal medicines and epilepsy: The potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy Behav 2001; 2(6):524-532. (PMID 12609386)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:1/2/07