In addition to its longer-term effects on stress and fatigue, Asian Ginseng has been shown to influence cognitive performance following short-term use. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, healthy adults who consumed a single dose of Panax ginseng demonstrated improvements in memory-related outcomes, particularly measures of secondary memory. These findings suggest that ginsenosides may acutely modulate brain function, reinforcing Asian Ginseng’s role as a central nervous system–active adaptogen.
In a 2021 randomized, double-blind study on Red Ginseng, researchers explain that supplementation may boost the immune system. A group of 100 adults took 2 grams of Korean Red Ginseng daily for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the participants had higher counts of immune cells when compared to the placebo group. Specifically, their T-cell, B-cell and white blood cell counts were higher, all without any notable side effects.
In a 2022 review of Asian Ginseng’s effect on age-related disorders, researchers share that the plant’s ginsenoside content may reduce inflammation throughout the body and help with metabolic conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Available data also suggests that Asian Ginseng improves the mood and quality of life for cancer patients. It may even alleviate symptoms like anxiety, nausea, shortness of breath, and general fatigue related to cancer.
Six studies in a 2018 review on Ginseng as a treatment for fatigue focus on Asian Ginseng. The ginsenosides in all forms of Ginseng act on the nervous system by scavenging free radicals, reducing inflammation and regulating cortisol -- all factors that may reduce fatigue. Researchers gave participants dosages between 80 and 2,000 milligrams per day for up to three months. These people experienced “significant” reductions in their fatigue related to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, functional fatigue and cancer. Participants did not report any serious side effects.
Asian Ginseng’s anti-inflammatory properties show promise to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In a 2023 review of Red Ginseng on neuroinflammation, researchers explain that neuroinflammation is the root of these neurodegenerative diseases. Ginseng may regulate the brain’s inflammatory response, however most if not all studies on the topic are either in vitro or in vivo on rats. Clinical study on humans is needed to determine appropriate dosages, side effects and other usage considerations.
A 2022 review on Asian Ginseng as a treatment for prediabetes and diabetes reveals that the supplement does have an impact on blood sugar levels. Over 20 studies were included in the review. The researchers explain that the active compounds in Asian Ginseng modulate how the pancreas secretes insulin, and how glucose is transported in the cells and metabolized by the body.
