Ginseng adverse effects

There are several botanicals that have purported immunostimulating effects. These include Panax ginseng and Echinacea purpurea (74), which have both been used as an immune stimulant. Any potential adverse effect on the pharmacological activity of immunosuppressants has not been reported in patients or evaluated in clinical studies. Given the lack of data, it would be prudent to advise against concurrent intake of these botanicals, and closely monitor changes in efficacy in patients who self-administer these botanicals. 

Thompson Coon J, Ernst E. Panax ginseng. A systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions. Drug Saf 2002 25 323-344. 

The authors of a review of the adverse effects associated with P. ginseng concluded that it is generally safe but at high doses can cause insomnia, headache, diarrhea, and cardiovascular and endocrine disorders (5). Inappropriate use and suboptimal formulations were deemed to be the most likely reason for adverse effects of ginseng. The authors of a systematic review reached similar conclusions and showed that serious adverse effects of ginseng seem to be true rarities (6). 

Xie JT, Mehendale SR, Maleckar SA, Yuan CS. Is ginseng free from adverse effects Oriental Pharm Exp Med 20022 80-6. 

Ginseng (ginseng total saponin) used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 5,000 years for many indications. controlled animal study showed prevention of development of dopamine receptor super-sensitivity induced by chronic methamphetamine administration, therefore may provide therapy for adverse effects of chronic methamphetamine use. mechanism not established, but likely related to pre-synaptic dopamine receptors. 

Isolated reports describe two patients taking phenelzine who developed adverse effects (including headache and insomnia) after taking ginseng. 

Two retrospective studies of Asian ginseng use by pregnant women have not indicated any adverse effects of Asian ginseng on mother or fetus (Chin 1991 Chuang et al. 2006). 

In a study of standardized Asian ginseng on reproduction in rats, no adverse effects of Asian ginseng were identified in either the Fj or F2 generations (Hess et al. 1982). 

The most outstanding clinical results are improved resistance to the adverse effects of antitumor medicines and protection of the blood formation system. In clinical trials, the administration of ginseng tablets for 30 days raised the WBC by 64.5% [81]. In an other trial, a ginseng decoction improved the brain and immune functions in old patients v ith cancer [82]. 

Uses Type 2 DM Action a-Glucosidase inhibitor delays digestion of carbohydrates Dose Initial 25 mg PO rid maint 50-100 mg rid (w/ 1st bite of each meal) Caution [B, —] Contra DKA, obst/inflammatory GI disorders SCr >2 mg/dL Disp Tabs SE Flatulence, D, abd pain Interactions T Effects W/ celery, coriander, juniper berries, ginseng, garlic X- effects W/ENH, niacin, intestinal absorbents, amylase, pancreatin X- effects OF digoxin, propranolol, ranitidine EMS Can X- digoxin level-monitor ECG in pts on digoxin therapy OD May cause severe adverse GI Sxs symptomatic and supportive... 

Ginseng is used for many medicinal and rejuvenating reasons domestically and abroad. Traditional Chinese medicine values ginseng as a nerve and cardiac stimulant, a treatment for impotence, to promote metabolism, and to moderate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Two or three grams are considered therapeutic. Fifty grams has been prescribed but has resulted in adverse side effects. 

Ginseng TCM diminishes adverse CNS effects of chronic methamphetamine abuse... 

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