What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Ginseng?

Ginseng, commonly called man root, is an herb traditionally used for its medicinal properties. There are eleven varieties of ginseng plants, and all are short and slow-growing with fleshy roots. Sometimes, other plants are mistaken for ginseng roots, but the only true ginseng plants are those that belong to the Panax genus. The plant is found in North America, China and other parts of Asia, such as Bhutan, Vietnam, and Korea.

Fresh ginseng plant root is fork-shaped with long stalks and oval-shaped, green leaves. Ginseng roots become solid once dried and are often used in this form in traditional medicine. Ginseng is often added to hair tonics, herbal tea, energy drinks, and cosmetic products.

1. Energy: Ginseng is believed to stimulate both physical and mental activity in people struggling with fatigue. In one study, ginseng improved the mobility of people with chronic fatigue.
2. Inflammation: Studies have suggested that ginsenosides compounds in ginseng may improve immunity and reduce inflammation in some people.
3. Cognition: According to some studies, ginseng may help treat cognitive defects and improve cognition by reducing oxidative stress. A study conducted on Alzheimer’s patients suggested that ginseng may help improve the function of the frontal lobe of the brain.
4. Erectile dysfunction: Ginseng is believed to treat erectile dysfunction in men, but more research is required to support this claim. A study conducted on 119 men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction showed that taking ginseng supplements improved overall sexual function.
5. Blood sugar: Ginsenosides in ginseng are believed to improve insulin resistance, helping to reduce blood sugar levels and treat diabetes.