Ginseng, Panax
Patient Counselling
How does it work?
Panax Ginseng contains ingredients called ginsenosides, which are found in higher concentrations in the root5. Specifically ginsenoside Rb1 mimics the effects of a hormone in your body called estrogen[1,2]. Mimicking the effect of estrogen is thought to have an effect on hot flashes in menopause.
When do I take it?
Dosing instructions vary depending on the product. Follow the product labelling. Choose a product with a standardized formulation of Panax Ginseng, C.A. Meyer extract G115, which has been studied to demonstrate safety.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Ginseng is fairly well tolerated, with the number one side effect being insomnia. Ginseng may potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetic medication including oral antihypoglycemics and insulin. There is a low/moderate risk of potentiation of antiplatelet/anticoagulation effects. Overall, Ginseng is fairly well tolerated, and appears to be safe to use in patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Possible side effects include most commonly: insomnia, headache and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Who should not take evening primrose oil?
There are no absolute contraindications to Panax Ginseng, however there are some potential safety effects to be aware of. It may have moderate immunosuppressant activity, and so is not recommended in immunocompromised individuals. Ginseng is possible unsafe in pregnancy, since a constituent of ginseng has been shown to be teratogenic.
Follow-up and Monitoring:
Studies have not shown benefit, so data with respect to onset of effect and duration of therapy is not available[4,5]. Stress the importance of non-pharmacological measures to manage hot-flashes such as staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, dressing in layers, using paced respiration, and exercising regularly.
References:
1Lee YJ, Jin YR, Lim WC, et al. Ginsenoside-Rb1 acts as a weak phytoestrogen in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26:58-63.
2Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
Panax Ginseng contains ingredients called ginsenosides, which are found in higher concentrations in the root5. Specifically ginsenoside Rb1 mimics the effects of a hormone in your body called estrogen[1,2]. Mimicking the effect of estrogen is thought to have an effect on hot flashes in menopause.
When do I take it?
Dosing instructions vary depending on the product. Follow the product labelling. Choose a product with a standardized formulation of Panax Ginseng, C.A. Meyer extract G115, which has been studied to demonstrate safety.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Ginseng is fairly well tolerated, with the number one side effect being insomnia. Ginseng may potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetic medication including oral antihypoglycemics and insulin. There is a low/moderate risk of potentiation of antiplatelet/anticoagulation effects. Overall, Ginseng is fairly well tolerated, and appears to be safe to use in patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Possible side effects include most commonly: insomnia, headache and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Who should not take evening primrose oil?
There are no absolute contraindications to Panax Ginseng, however there are some potential safety effects to be aware of. It may have moderate immunosuppressant activity, and so is not recommended in immunocompromised individuals. Ginseng is possible unsafe in pregnancy, since a constituent of ginseng has been shown to be teratogenic.
Follow-up and Monitoring:
Studies have not shown benefit, so data with respect to onset of effect and duration of therapy is not available[4,5]. Stress the importance of non-pharmacological measures to manage hot-flashes such as staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, dressing in layers, using paced respiration, and exercising regularly.
References:
1Lee YJ, Jin YR, Lim WC, et al. Ginsenoside-Rb1 acts as a weak phytoestrogen in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26:58-63.
2Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.