Ginseng 人蔘
Pharmaceutical nameGinseng Radix
The three axes are assessed independently and are never combined into a single score.
KTKP records the origin species as Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (= Panax schinseng Nees). It has not yet been cross-checked against the Korean Pharmacopoeia, so the identification confidence is not raised to an official code mapping. The same source species also yields 1 other separately registered drug(s) (Ginseng Nodus), which must not be conflated. The name most used for this taxon in current literature is Panax ginseng. The nomenclatural discussion for this herb was flagged for correction during verification; only the verified facts are shown here, with the details in docs/HERB_NAME_RESEARCH.md.
Tradition · what the text describes
탕액편
The sub-section within this volume has not been verified against the original text yet.
The KTKP traditional materia medica record (M0003033) gives the origin species as Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (= Panax schinseng Nees), the part used as 뿌리, and the properties as 감미고(甘微苦), 무독(無毒), 미온(微溫), 평(平). It lists 비(脾), 심(心), 폐(肺) as the channels entered. The same record cites the Donguibogam (1613) as the source for its indications.
Properties & channel entry: 감미고(甘微苦), 무독(無毒), 미온(微溫), 평(平) · 비(脾), 심(心), 폐(肺)
Source species: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (= Panax schinseng Nees) (뿌리)
Modern · documented evidence
Fatigueevidence for this indication
- An A grade requires checking that the conclusions are consistent. Read the abstracts — counts alone cannot establish an A.
- The indication was derived automatically from the Condition field of 8 registered trial(s). It reflects what is currently being studied, not a traditional use, and a curator should confirm the label is apt.
Literature
SR 5 · RCT 10 · preclinical 33
5 systematic review(s) and 10 randomized controlled trial(s) were found.
Query used
We publish the exact query behind these counts so you can reproduce them yourself.
SRC:MED AND ((TITLE_ABS:"Panax ginseng")) AND TITLE_ABS:"Fatigue"- The effect of ginseng extract on fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. (2026 · Randomized Controlled Trial; Journal Article)
- Indigenous knowledge and modern science: a comprehensive review of phytochemicals in Panax ginseng flower for nutritional and health applications. (2026 · Review; Journal Article)
- Therapeutic effects of Panax ginseng polysaccharides on qi deficiency diabetes: Insights from microbiomics and metabolomics. (2025 · Journal Article)
- Correction: Pityriasis Rosea-Like Eruption following anti-fatigue traditional herbs: Aconitum carmichaelii Debx and Panax Ginseng suspected. (2024 · Published Erratum; correction)
- Chromosome-level genome of wild-simulated Panax ginseng identifies SNP markers for germplasm and medicinal quality evaluation. (2026 · Journal Article)
- Comprehensive understanding and underlying molecular mechanisms of the adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng. (2025 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Phytochemical Insights into Panax Genus Metabolites: Evidence-Based Fatigue Intervention via Ethnopharmacological and Biomedical Perspectives. (2026 · Systematic Review; Review; Journal Article)
- Pityriasis Rosea-Like Eruption following anti-fatigue traditional herbs: Aconitum carmichaelii Debx and Panax Ginseng suspected. (2024 · Journal Article; Case Reports; case-report)
Clinical trials
- NCT00182780 — COMPLETED · NA
- NCT01712373 — COMPLETED · PHASE2
- NCT05664009 — NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NA
- NCT06137833 — RECRUITING · NA
- NCT02331589 — COMPLETED · PHASE4
Obesityevidence for this indication
- Systematic reviews were found but no RCTs. Check the search query (queryUsed).
- The indication was derived automatically from the Condition field of 8 registered trial(s). It reflects what is currently being studied, not a traditional use, and a curator should confirm the label is apt.
Literature
SR 1 · RCT 0 · preclinical 51
1 systematic review(s) and 0 RCT(s) were found. Size and consistency are not yet assessed.
Query used
We publish the exact query behind these counts so you can reproduce them yourself.
SRC:MED AND ((TITLE_ABS:"Panax ginseng")) AND TITLE_ABS:"Obesity"- Anti-obesity Effects of Panax ginseng-derived exosomes via AMPK-mediated inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. (2026 · research-article; Journal Article)
- The potential of medicinal food plant Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. in managing chronic diseases via gut microbiota regulation: a systematic review of mechanisms and evidence. (2025 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. Targeting Pyroptosis for Treatment of Diabetes Related Metabolic Diseases: A Review of Potential Therapeutic Strategies. (2025 · Review; Journal Article)
- Rare ginsenosides transformed from stems and leaves of Panax ginseng reverse obesity by promoting browning of white fat through PKA/CREB pathway via REGγ negative regulation. (2025 · research-article; Journal Article)
- Mechanistic insights into the regulation of glucose‒lipid metabolism by the bioactive constituents of ginseng. (2026 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Ginseng Promotes White Adipose Tissue Browning: A Network of Thermogenic Pathways and Gut Microbiota Modulation. (2026 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Ginsenosides From Panax ginseng Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorders in HFD-Fed Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Cholesterol Metabolism Signaling Pathways. (2025 · Journal Article)
- Protopanaxadiol stimulates glucose consumption by modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in myotubes, hepatoma cells, and adipocytes. (2025 · research-article; Journal Article)
Clinical trials
- NCT00401089 — COMPLETED · PHASE1, PHASE2
- NCT01616134 — COMPLETED · NA
- NCT01734005 — COMPLETED · NA
- NCT02185638 — COMPLETED · NA
- NCT02298426 — COMPLETED · NA
Hypertensionevidence for this indication
- The indication was derived automatically from the Condition field of 7 registered trial(s). It reflects what is currently being studied, not a traditional use, and a curator should confirm the label is apt.
Literature
SR 2 · RCT 2 · preclinical 19
2 systematic review(s) and 2 RCT(s) were found. Size and consistency are not yet assessed.
Query used
We publish the exact query behind these counts so you can reproduce them yourself.
SRC:MED AND ((TITLE_ABS:"Panax ginseng")) AND TITLE_ABS:"Hypertension"- Challenges and opportunities for ginseng-based medicines in treating cardiac fibrosis from mechanistic insights to clinical translation. (2026 · Review; Journal Article)
- Pharmacological targeting of ferroptosis in hypoxia-induced pulmonary edema: therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg3 through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. (2025 · research-article; Journal Article)
- Ginsenoside Rg1, lights up the way for the potential prevention of Alzheimer's disease due to its therapeutic effects on the drug-controllable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease. (2024 · Systematic Review; Journal Article)
- Effects of Panax ginseng on hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2022 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Ginsenoside Rb1 in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: A review of therapeutic potentials and molecular mechanisms. (2024 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- [Connotation of deficiency-induced chest impediment and Renshen Decoction based on severe cases and modern pathophysiological mechanisms and its application in treatment of coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, heart failure, hypotension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and other critical illnesses]. (2025 · Review; Journal Article; English Abstract)
- Pharmacological properties, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg3 as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. (2022 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Recent advances in ginsenosides against respiratory diseases: Therapeutic targets and potential mechanisms. (2023 · Review; Journal Article)
Clinical trials
- NCT00728221 — COMPLETED · PHASE2
- NCT00730951 — COMPLETED · PHASE2
- NCT04069715 — COMPLETED · PHASE2
- NCT02428998 — COMPLETED · NA
- NCT00219960 — COMPLETED · PHASE3
Safety
auto-proposed · unreviewed
- This signal was read off the NCCIH text by keyword rules. A curator must read the source and confirm it.
- The KTKP record states the following traditional contraindication: (1) 조열골증(潮熱骨蒸), 폐열해수(肺熱咳嗽), 담옹기급(痰壅氣急), 간양상항(肝陽上亢), 화울실열(火鬱實熱) 등에는 복용을 기(忌)한다. 폐열(肺熱)에 기(忌)한다는 내용이 많은 문헌에 등장하나, 이는 허로(虛勞)에 조화(助火)하여 더 큰 손실을 일으킬 수 있음을 설명한 것이다. (2) 특히 간양상승(肝陽上昇)으로 인한 두운목적자(頭暈目赤者)에 신용(愼用)하여야 하는데, 
 1) 소량의 인삼(人蔘)은 혈관을 수축하여 혈압을 상승시킨다, 2) 기성자(氣盛者) 실자(實者)의 경우에는 불면증(不眠症)을 더욱 심하게 하여 수면(睡眠)방해가 된다, 3) 고혈압환자에게 다량을 사용할 때에는 뇌충혈(腦充血)을 일으킨다. 그래서 180㎜Hg이상에는 신중을 기하는 것이 좋다(최근에 들어 중국의 고혈압처방에 인삼이 거의 사용되어 있지 않음에 유의)
 (3) 장기간 복용시, 1) 두통(頭痛) 부면(不眠) 동계(動悸) 혈압상승(血壓上升)이 올 수 있으므로 주의하고 이런 경우에 복용을 중지하면 정상회복된다, 2) 복용하여 열성(熱性)이 심해질 경우가 있으므로 맥문동(麥門冬)이나 천문동(天門冬)을 가하여 쓰도록 한다. 특히 여름에는 열(熱)을 조장할 우려가 있으므로 되도록이면 겨울에 상용(常用)하도록 한다. (4) 외감(外感)과 내상(內傷) 특히 습조열성(濕阻熱盛)의 경우에 신용(愼用)한다. 중풍열(中風熱) 상한열증(傷寒熱證)의 감모(感冒) 전염병성열증(熱證)등에는 조심한다. 
 5. 일반적으로 인삼복용시 나복(蘿菔)과 다엽(茶葉)을 손기(損氣)의 이유로 기(忌)하며, 려로(藜蘆)와는 상반(相反)한다.
- NCCIH states: However, questions have been raised about its long-term safety, and some experts recommend against its use for infants, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- NCCIH states: It might cause side effects such as irritation and burning.
- NCCIH states: · Insomnia (trouble sleeping) is the herb’s most common side effect.
- NCCIH states: Uncommon side effects that have been reported include severe rash, liver damage, and severe allergic reactions.
- NCCIH states: · Asian ginseng might interact with certain medications.
- NCCIH states: · Some studies of Asian ginseng suggest it may be unsafe when taken orally during pregnancy.
- NCCIH states: If you’re considering using Asian ginseng while pregnant, consult your health care provider.
- NCCIH states: Little is known about whether it’s safe to use Asian ginseng while breastfeeding.
Adverse-event and toxicity literature
This is not a finding of harm — it lists literature that is retrievable. Read the papers to decide.
- Protective Effects of Ginsenosides on Drug-induced Cardiotoxicity: A New Therapeutic Approach with Focus on Molecular Mechanisms in Cardio-oncology Field. (2026 · Review; Journal Article)
- The effect of ginseng extract on fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. (2026 · Randomized Controlled Trial; Journal Article)
- Evaluation of Ginsenosides and Their Derivatives From Panax ginseng as Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Treatment-An in silico study. (2026 · research-article; Journal Article)
- Protective effects of polysaccharides derived from Panax ginseng and Codonopsis pilosula against doxorubicin-induced myocardial senescence. (2026 · Journal Article)
- Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity in mice by suppressing inflammation, fibrosis, and EMT via multiple signalling pathways. (2026 · Journal Article)
Interaction literature
This lists literature that is retrievable — it is not a judgement that an interaction exists. Read the papers to decide.
- Medicinal Plants for Major Depressive Disorder. (2026 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility. (2026 · Review; Journal Article)
- Ginseng and its active compounds in ovarian aging: mechanistic basis and translational prospects. (2026 · review-article; Review; Journal Article)
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Rh2 and aPPD ginsenosides in prostate cancer: a drug interaction perspective. (2023 · Review; Journal Article)
- Preclinical Herb-Drug Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Panax ginseng Extract and Selegiline in Freely Moving Rats. (2020 · research-article; Journal Article)
Sources
- KTKP materia medica (15002148) (fetched 2026-08-27)
- Europe PMC REST (fetched 2026-08-28)
- ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 (fetched 2026-08-28)
- Europe PMC REST (fetched 2026-08-28)
- ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 (fetched 2026-08-28)
- Europe PMC REST (fetched 2026-08-28)
- ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 (fetched 2026-08-28)
- KTKP materia medica (15002148) (fetched 2026-08-27)
- NCCIH Herbs at a Glance (fetched 2026-08-27)
Bridges from here
- In formulas
- 성비산 · 영지원 · 오증탕 · 자음건비탕 · 경험이방음 · 신성복기탕 · 오복화독단 · 삼호온담탕 · 시호계지탕 · 익기안신탕 · 자혈양근탕 · 삼미삼유탕 · 속사단 · 사수음 · 거풍지보단 · 침향강기산 · 시호방귀탕 · 청신익기탕 · 내탁천금산 · 대아교원 · 대온경탕 · 단삼음자 · 천왕보심단 · 우황청심원 · 십육미류기음
- Related patterns
- Wilting disorder · Neck stiffness disorder · Crane-knee arthritis disorder · Food retention disorder · Vomiting and diarrhea disorder · Pudendal cold disorder · Wind-heat pattern · Dampness-heat pattern · Middle yang stage pattern · Middle yin stage pattern · Late yin stage pattern · Qi deficiency pattern · Qi stagnation pattern · Yang deficiency pattern · Yang collapse pattern · Qi-blood deficiency pattern · Heart deficiency patterns · Heart blood deficiency pattern · Spleen qi deficiency pattern · Lung excess patterns · Gallbladder heat pattern · Heart and gallbladder qi deficiency pattern · Heart and spleen deficiency pattern