Korean Red Ginseng Side Effects, Safety & Dangers

Research into Korean ginseng is still being conducted and the full range of side effects remains unknown. Asian ginseng has a long history of use spanning more than two millennia and has been historically considered a generally safe and versatile medicinal herb.

In traditional medicine practices it is used for a number of therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of fatigue and low libido.

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng, Asian Ginseng) is related to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), but each plant is a different species of the Panax genus. American and Korean ginseng both possess a class of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) called ginsenosides, which are believed responsible for ginseng’s observed medicinal properties.

To date, both American and Korean red ginseng have demonstrated antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardiotonic, prosexual, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue and other traits that are currently under investigation. Ginseng is one of the most consumed dietary supplements in North America.

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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Safety of Ginseng Supplements

Korean red ginseng side effects may be experienced by sensitive individuals, especially if the dose is too high or supplementation has continued for too long.

Possible side effects may include: menstrual irregularities, painful breasts, itchy skin, rashes, poor appetite, diarrhea, headaches, jitteriness, insomnia, hypoglycemia, moodiness and/or blood pressure changes.

Of those listed above, the most common side effect is insomnia. Many people report increased energy via ginseng supplementation, sometimes with accompanying jitteriness, anxiety and an inability to sleep restfully.

Ginseng supplementation is often recommended to be cycled: Many practitioners advise supplementing for three weeks followed by a three week rest period. This may help inhibit the development of tolerance, which in turn may help reduce the need for increased dosages and the prevalence of side effects.

In cases of excessive and prolonged use, hepatic inflammation and liver disease may occur.

Korean Ginseng Use during Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use P. ginseng without the express permission of their doctor. Additional research is necessary before the safety of ginseng use during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be established. In animal tests, birth defects have been associated with ginseng supplementation.

Korean Red Ginseng Contraindications

Korean red ginseng supplementation is not recommended for individuals suffering from some pre-existing medical conditions. Because ginseng can affect a number of bodily systems, it may not be suitable for patients who have:

• Autoimmune conditions like RA (rheumatoid arthritis), AIDS and SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). Panax ginseng may stimulate immune system activity, which may worsen autoimmune conditions;
• Bleeding disorders. Korean red ginseng may affect blood clotting;
• Diabetes. P. ginseng may lower blood glucose levels;
• Conditions which are hormone-sensitive, such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids and endometriosis;
• Insomnia. Ginseng use may lead to difficulty sleeping;
• Schizophrenia, bipolar disease and other mental illnesses;
• Organ transplants. Korean ginseng may increase immune function and cause organ rejection.

The multifaceted biological and psychological effects of P. ginseng may lead to complications and unwanted side effects in other conditions and diseases. Speak with your doctor before beginning to use ginseng supplements if you have any pre-existing health condition.

Korean Red Ginseng Side Effects & Drug Interactions

P. ginseng may increase alcohol metabolism and decrease the time necessary to regain sobriety. However, is not recommended to mix with alcohol as it may decrease tolerance in some individuals.

In other individuals, it may cause them to think they are sober when they are in fact intoxicated.

Mixing ginseng with caffeine may cause excessive jitteriness because both caffeine and ginseng excite the central nervous system. Combining the two may cause heart palpitations, which may lead to life-threatening conditions. Exercise caution when using ginseng if you have any history or cardiovascular disorders.

P. ginseng has been observed to exhibit certain anti-androgenic effects, which may lead to adverse interactions with medications that target estrogen balance. Combining estrogen agents and ginseng may weaken the effects of these medications.

Ginseng may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Korean Ginseng side effects can occur if combined with the following types of medications:

• Cytochrome P450 substrates and other medications that must be broken down by the liver;
• MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and other medications used for treating depression;
• Stimulants and other medications that affect heart performance;
• Immunosuppressant medications;
• Anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs used for treating bleeding/clotting disorders;
• Medications that target blood pressure regulation;
• Seasonal allergy medications.

Ginseng may interact with herbal supplements, including: bitter orange, country mallow, ephedra or ephedrine, willow bark, fenugreek and ginger. These are only a sample of possible interactions. It is very important to speak with your doctor before taking Korean red ginseng to make sure the supplement is safe for you.

Conclusions

The versatile medicinal properties of ginseng make it one of the most sought after herbal supplements. Supplementation should always be discussed with a doctor before use to help reduce the possible side effects associated with Korean red ginseng use.

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