panax ginseng extract(Health nutrition;chinese her

panax ginseng extract(Health nutrition;chinese herb medicine). Panax ginseng is used primarily to improve psychologic function, exercise performance, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes (Table 1) . Traditional Chinese medicine and many current research studies 5-8 often use products that combine ginseng with other herbal medicines or vitamins. Because of the use of combination products and the limitations of some studies on ginseng (e.g., poor methodologic quality, research focusing on healthy volunteers, small sample size, unstandardized ginseng preparations, varying doses), it is difficult to draw conclusions about some of the clinical effects of ginseng. Many research trials have been performed on the standardized Panax ginseng extract Ginsana (G115).The main active components of Panax ginseng are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychologic function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes. Overall, Panax ginseng appears to be well tolerated, although caution is advised about concomitant use with some pharmaceuticals, such as warfarin, oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin, and phenelzine. Panax ginseng does not appear to enhance physical performance. Products with a standardized ginsenoside concentration are available. (Am Fam Physician 2003;68:1539-42. Copyright© 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians.)Key Points About Panax ginseng :Efficacy Psychologic functioning: effective; conflicting evidencePhysical performance: ineffective Immune system: effectiveDiabetes: modest effect; evidence limitedAdverse effectsNausea, diarrhea, euphoria, insomnia, headaches, hypertension, hypotension, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, blood pressure abnormalities Interactions Caution advised about concomitant use with phenelzine (Nardil), warfarin (Coumadin), oral hypoglycemics, insulin, or caffeine, and about use in patients with hypertension or bleeding DosageStandardized extract: 200 mg per day Dry root (tea form or chewed): 0.5 to 2 g per day Bottom lineA safe, well-tolerated herbal medicine that may be used for a variety of medical conditions