Traditional Uses
- Recovery from stress
- Fatigue
- Adaptogen / tonic
Mode of Action
- Stabilizes uncontrolled reactions in
the blood, such as sugar levels
- It constricts or dilates vessels in
the direction of normalcy
- Contains ginsenosides which,
in human studies
- increased levels of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
hormone) and corticosteriod
- improved oxygen use
- enhanced antibody response
- lowered platelet aggregation (reducing blood
clotting)
Drug Interactions
- The adrenocortical responsiveness to
ginseng may be impaired by the use of amphotericin B
- Do not use at the same time as corticosteroids
- Increases activity of amphetamines
- Adds to the effects of MAOIs (monoamine
oxidase inhibitors, a class of antidepressants.)
- May have estrogenic activity
Cautions
- Safety not established for use during
pregnancy or breast feeding
- Avoid using with caffeine
- May cause insomnia, high
blood pressure, itching, palpitations
- Caution in cases of hypertension (high blood
pressure), acute illness, pre-menopausal women with unstable hormones,
controlled diabetics
Recommended Dose
- 500 mg three times a day containing 6%
ginsenosides. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)
References
- Bisset, 1994; Blumenthal, 1998; Hoffman, 1990;
Lucas, 1987; Newall, 1996; Schulz, 1998; Tyler, 1993; Tyler, 1994;
Weiner, 1994
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