Korean Ginseng Powder Doses, Safety & Research Overview

Korean ginseng powder (Panax ginseng) is currently one of the most common dietary supplements.

P. ginseng has been used for thousands of years for a variety of therapeutic purposes across a number of different medical traditions.

The ground powder is produced from the roots of the ginseng plant, which are first dried to allow for increased concentration of active ingredients.

Today, it is more common to use this supplement in capsule form, but the bulk powder can also be used to prepare teas or more concentrated extracts. It is also sometimes mixed into other drinks such as smoothies.

The stringy roots of ginseng plants have long been harvested and used for their medicinal properties. It has been historically used to stimulate sexual libido and treat a variety of conditions, including: fatigue, cancer, the common cold and unnatural vaginal bleeding.

In scientific studies P. ginseng has been observed to exhibit immunomodulating, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Korean ginseng powder is currently used for a wide variety of purposes, including combating fatigue and stress, as well as helping improve memory, immune function, athletic performance and anxiety.

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogen

Energy

Immune Function

Well- Being

How It Works:

• Boosts energy & mental focus
• Supports immune system & restores balance
• Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Korean vs. American vs. Siberian Ginseng

Korean ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng) is a different species of plant than what is commonly referred to as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

However, the two plants are from the same genus, share a number of common constituents and are thought to exhibit similar medicinal properties.

Although American and Asian ginseng share many similar qualities, it is important to not group the two with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is from an entirely different genus and does not share the same constituents with American and Asian ginseng.

In sum, the term “ginseng” can refer to either Asian (Korean) ginseng or American ginseng, but usually not Siberian ginseng.

Uses of Korean Ginseng Powder

Although Korean ginseng powder and tea is very popular, adequate scientific evidence to reinforce the majority of its therapeutic uses is lacking. In particular, ginseng was historically used in combination with a number of different herbs and many of the contemporary studies have focused on the use of ginseng with other herbal extracts.

This fact makes it difficult to understand the isolated effect of ginseng. Other studies have been criticized because of their use of non-standardized dosing, equipment and/or supplements. Research is ongoing.

Despite the variability in scientific support, ginseng is used for a variety of functions, including:

• Boosting the immune system and helping ward off viral and bacterial infections and diseases;
• Decreasing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol;
• Scavenging free radical agents and preventing damage to DNA;
• Alleviating high or low blood pressure (this particular effect seems to be dose dependent);
• Lowering glucose levels in the blood, which may help manage the symptoms of type II diabetes;
• Improving mental performance, reasoning, concentration and learning;
• Improving reaction times and increasing athletic endurance;
• Enhancing the body’s capacity to deal with mental, physical and environmental stress;
• Increasing spermatogenesis, improving infertility symptoms and increasing libido;
• Reducing the risk of developing some cancers, including: ovarian, prostate, stomach, pancreatic, lung and liver;
• Alleviating some symptoms of menopause, including depression, poor sense of well-being and sleep abnormalities.

Given the wide-variety of uses, ginseng exhibits varying levels of effectiveness. The full range of therapeutic uses for Korean ginseng powder supplementation has yet to be established.

Korean Ginseng Powder Side Effects

Korean ginseng powder is not recommended for pediatric use. There is not enough clinical data concerning its effects on children to warrant safe usage. Also, do not use when pregnant or nursing without your doctor’s direct permission.

For adults, it is best to discuss Korean ginseng powder supplementation with an experienced healthcare practitioner or doctor. There may be other plant extracts to combine with ginseng to maximize its therapeutic potential.

Your unique health profile and goals will determine your optimal dosage. There are no standardized recommendations for ginseng powder dosages. However, in supplements it is common to take 500 mg up to twice a day of a 10:1 extract potency.

Korean ginseng powder and capsules are generally well tolerated by adults. Mild side effects may include sleeplessness, anxiety, menstrual issues, diarrhea, itchy skin, racing heart, blood pressure alterations, headaches, poor appetite, moodiness, rash, breast pain and/or dizziness.

In very rare cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe rash), strong allergic reaction and/or liver damage have resulted from excessive and prolonged ginseng use.

Ginseng should not be used for prolonged periods and intermittent supplementation is often recommended. In all cases, be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning ginseng supplementation.

Korean Ginseng Drug Interactions

Ginseng is a versatile medicinal substance and may alter the performance of a number of different medications. The use of potent herbs like ginseng can induce reactions with a number of prescription pharmaceuticals, as well as other botanical agents.

Do not use Korean ginseng powder supplements with the following medicine types without your prescribing physician’s express approval:

• Antidiabetic medications to help manage blood glucose (sugar) levels;
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting pharmaceuticals that affect blood pressure;
• Bipolar medications meant to stabilize manic-depressive cycling;
• Medications used to treat long-term symptoms of breast and other estrogen-dependent cancers;
• Heart medications, such as Norvasc, Procardia and Cardizem;
• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications used to treat clotting and bleeding disorders;
• Immunosuppressant drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases;
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used to treat depression and anxiety;
• Caffeine and other agents that stimulate the central nervous system;
• Diuretic agents, such as Lasix, which help lower excessive fluid levels in the body;
• Morphine. Korean ginseng may block its analgesic effects.

In healthy individuals who are not taking prescription medications, Asian and/or American ginseng is generally well tolerated, but should not be used for extended periods. Speak with your physician before beginning routine Korean ginseng powder use.

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