Ginseng: Research · Nutrient Desk

Could it help when you feel worn out?

NCCIH’s summary of a 2023 review covering 19 studies and 2,413 participants describes a possible small benefit of Asian ginseng alone for general fatigue. Results were not consistent across the research. Benefits reported for some multi-herb formulas in chronic fatigue cannot be attributed to ginseng alone. 1 2

The overall pooled fatigue result in that review was not statistically significant; the encouraging general-fatigue finding came from a subgroup. 2

Physical EnergyMixed

A small reduction in general fatigue is possible, but findings vary and formulas are not equivalent to ginseng alone. 1 2

What happens to blood sugar?

A 2022 analysis of 20 trials in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes found improvements in fasting glucose and insulin resistance, alongside changes in some cholesterol and inflammatory measures. Not every marker moved favorably: heart rate and the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha increased. This is a mixed set of laboratory outcomes rather than proof of fewer diabetes complications. 3

An earlier review of 16 trials found a modest reduction in fasting glucose, but no significant overall improvement in HbA1c, the measure of longer-term blood sugar. Many studies were short. The findings justify further research without establishing a replacement for diabetes treatment. 4

Blood sugarMixed

Some glucose measures improve, but results across measures and studies are inconsistent. 3 4

InflammationMixed

Inflammatory markers did not all change in the same direction; a general anti-inflammatory benefit would overstate these results. 3

Will it improve focus or reduce stress?

Small studies suggest possible improvements in certain thinking tasks in middle-aged adults, with no comparable benefit established in young adults. Memory findings described by NCCIH appeared to depend on adding ginkgo. Those combinations cannot tell us what ginseng alone does. 1

Stress and anxiety remain research interests. The adaptogen hypothesis is relevant to those questions, but NCCIH finds too little reliable information to establish an anxiety benefit. 1

Focus And AttentionToo little evidence

Early cognitive findings are specific to certain tasks and populations. 1

StressToo little evidence

The proposed stress-response role remains a research question rather than a demonstrated everyday benefit. 1

Does it help immunity or sports performance?

Very limited preliminary research suggests fewer cases of flu with Asian-ginseng extract, without shorter or milder illness. That signal concerns infection risk, not a broad improvement in immunity. Most research summarized by NCCIH finds no improvement in athletic performance. 1

Immune SupportToo little evidence

A small preliminary flu-prevention signal needs stronger confirmation. 1

Endurance and staminaNot supported

Most Asian-ginseng research does not show improved athletic performance. 1