Ginseng Supplementation: Uses, Effectiveness, and Safety

Course overview

The popular herb Ginseng is valued as a general tonic and for the ability to help the body cope with stress. There are two primary types of ginseng: Asian ginseng, also called Panax, Chinese, or Korean ginseng, and American ginseng. The active principles in ginseng are the ginsenosides. The quantity and type of ginsenoside differs between the types of ginseng, explaining the different properties of Asian versus American ginseng. Asian ginseng is classified as possibly effective for the following conditions - Alzheimers disease, chronic pulmonary disease, cognitive function, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, sexual arousal in women, influenza, and multiple sclerosis related fatigue. American ginseng is classified as possibly effective for diabetes and respiratory tract infections. This course helps pharmacists assisting patients in the appropriate use, dosing, adverse effects, interactions, and product quality of ginseng.