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The herb ginseng has been used for thousands of years for everything from aphrodisia to heart disease.

(April 2001)

Here are claims on packages of ginseng sold in United States.

- promotes efficient oxygen utilization

- helps support a healthy lifestyle

- enhances physical endurance

- maintains natural energy

- provides an overall healthy feeling of well being

- an energizing dietary supplement

- enhances physical and mental resistance to environmental stress

- increases energy and improves overall health

- boosts your energy and performance

It has also been touted for prevention or treatment of heart disease and cancer, especially in China (but not in the United States), and also for treatment of asthma and stomach disorders.

With ginseng, this much is clear - it has not been shown to prevent or cure any disease. There is also no persuasive evidence to support claims that ginseng is an aphrodisiac.

Could it be a gentle tonic? It could be; unfortunately, the evidence is really not impressive.

Some urge ginseng takers to be wary if they have high blood pressure, and some suggest that those who use ginseng for long periods should alternate with two weeks on ginseng, then one week off. The rationale for this is not clear.

Users should realize that a lot of what is sold as ginseng may contain very little, if any, active ingredient. However, increasingly in the United States, ginseng is standardized and does contain the indicated concentration of active ingredient.

Nevertheless, a recent study of 22 brands of ginseng showed that 13 either had too little ginseng or were contaminated by pesticides.

Ratings:

for any claim of preventing or curing any disease.

for evidence it really does act as a general tonic, or increases endurance or energy.

Ginseng probably is reasonably safe, but also remember there is no clear evidence of efficacy. Excessive dosage could possibly be dangerous.

There is also a concern it should not be taken together with prescription drug thinners because it may interfere with the activity of the blood thinners. Here, again, a major problem is lack of supervision of the Food and Drug Administration for either effectiveness or safety.