Ginseng
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
The term “ginseng” refers to several diverse species of the genus Panax, such as Panax quinquefolius (also known as American ginseng). American ginseng is a herb whose roots are used to create medicine, which is often used to fight the common cold. According to Natural Standard, the use of American ginseng as an immune enhancer receives a grade of B, which means its level of scientific evidence is “good;” Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database gives it a “Possibly Effective” standing. Nevertheless, there is limited research that suggests that ginseng may stimulate the immune system. In a few research studies, Cold-fX, which contains an active ingredient from the root of Panax quinquefolius, did not show much of a significant effect on the number of colds, but cold duration was reduced and cold symptoms were slightly improved. Cold-fX needs to be taken for at least four months before the cold and flu season at a dose of 400mg daily to see these potential beneficial effects. The main side effect was gastrointestinal upset. However, other research studies demonstrated mixed or negative results. As well, all of the research studies conducted have been performed on healthy, adult individuals, so additional research is needed in other patient populations, such as children and individuals with multiple co-morbidities. In conclusion, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend ginseng for the prevention or treatment of the common cold.
References:
1. Lynch T. Respiratory Disorders: Viral Rhinitis. In: Gray Jean, editor. e-Therapeutics+ [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2007 [updated Sep 2006; cited 2014 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.e-therapeutics.ca.
2. Natural Standard. Ginseng. 2013 [cited 2014 March 28]. Available from: http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/patient-ginseng.asp
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. American Ginseng. 16 December 2013 [cited 2014 March 26]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/967.html
4. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Ginseng. 2014 [cited 2014 March 18]. Availble from: http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/HerbsandSupplements.aspx
5. Roy, H. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis. In: Patient Self Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, On: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 187-203.
The term “ginseng” refers to several diverse species of the genus Panax, such as Panax quinquefolius (also known as American ginseng). American ginseng is a herb whose roots are used to create medicine, which is often used to fight the common cold. According to Natural Standard, the use of American ginseng as an immune enhancer receives a grade of B, which means its level of scientific evidence is “good;” Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database gives it a “Possibly Effective” standing. Nevertheless, there is limited research that suggests that ginseng may stimulate the immune system. In a few research studies, Cold-fX, which contains an active ingredient from the root of Panax quinquefolius, did not show much of a significant effect on the number of colds, but cold duration was reduced and cold symptoms were slightly improved. Cold-fX needs to be taken for at least four months before the cold and flu season at a dose of 400mg daily to see these potential beneficial effects. The main side effect was gastrointestinal upset. However, other research studies demonstrated mixed or negative results. As well, all of the research studies conducted have been performed on healthy, adult individuals, so additional research is needed in other patient populations, such as children and individuals with multiple co-morbidities. In conclusion, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend ginseng for the prevention or treatment of the common cold.
References:
1. Lynch T. Respiratory Disorders: Viral Rhinitis. In: Gray Jean, editor. e-Therapeutics+ [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2007 [updated Sep 2006; cited 2014 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.e-therapeutics.ca.
2. Natural Standard. Ginseng. 2013 [cited 2014 March 28]. Available from: http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/patient-ginseng.asp
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. American Ginseng. 16 December 2013 [cited 2014 March 26]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/967.html
4. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Ginseng. 2014 [cited 2014 March 18]. Availble from: http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/HerbsandSupplements.aspx
5. Roy, H. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis. In: Patient Self Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, On: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 187-203.