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Radix Ginseng
Antidiabetic activity
Radix Ginseng has been shown in clinical studies to have beneficial effects
in both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients
(86, 87). Oral administration of ginseng tablets (200 mg daily for 8 weeks)
to 36 non-insulin-dependent patients elevated mood, improved physical
performance, reduced fasting blood glucose and serum aminoterminal
propeptide of type III procollagen concentrations, and lowered glycated
haemoglobin (87).
Impotence
Ginseng extracts improved sperm production in men and may have some
usefulness in treating impotence (32). The ginsenosides, which appear to
be the active components, are thought to depress blood prolactin levels,
thereby increasing libido (32). In one clinical study, 90 patients with erectile
dysfunction were treated with ginseng saponins (600 mg orally per
day). Treatment improved rigidity, tumescence, and libido, but not the
frequency of coitus (88).
Contraindications
None (21, 50, 89, 90).
Warnings
No information available.
Precautions
General
Diabetic patients should consult a physician prior to taking Radix Ginseng,
as ginseng intake may slightly reduce blood glucose levels (86, 87).
Drug interactions
There are two reports of an interaction between Radix Ginseng and phenelzine,
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (91, 92). The clinical significance of
this interaction has not been evaluated.
Drug and laboratory test interactions
None reported.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
Radix Ginseng is not carcinogenic or mutagenic in vitro, and does not
have any effect on fertility (90).
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