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Radix Ginseng
Estrogenic-like side-effects have been reported in both premenopausal
and postmenopausal women following the use of ginseng. Seven
cases of mastalgia (98–100) and one case of vaginal bleeding in a postmenopausal
woman (101) were reported after ingestion of unspecified
ginseng products. An increased libido in premenopausal women has also
been reported (100). Specific studies on the possible hormonal side-effects
of ginseng have been carried out with a standardized ginseng extract
(102–104). Under physiological conditions, there is no interaction
of the ginseng extract with either cytosolic estrogen receptors isolated
from mature rat uterus or progesterone receptors from human myometrium
(102). Furthermore, clinical studies have demonstrated that a standardized
ginseng extract does not cause a change in male and female hormonal
status (103, 104).
Posology
Unless otherwise prescribed, daily dose (taken in the morning): dried
root 0.5–2 g by decoction; doses of other preparations should be calculated
accordingly (21, 23, 89).
References
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