Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the health condition: Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has been investigated for its potential to support the treatment of addictions such as tobacco smoking or chewing. The evidence for its efficacy in this context is primarily scientific, though it remains preliminary and limited. Some animal studies have suggested that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, might modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction, such as dopamine pathways. For example, rodent research has shown that ginseng may attenuate nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization and reduce withdrawal symptoms. A few small clinical studies and case reports in humans have also explored the use of ginseng for reducing cravings or withdrawal symptoms in smokers, with mixed results and generally modest effects.
However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low. Most studies are preclinical, with only a handful of small-scale human trials, often with methodological limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of blinding. There is also little documented use of ginseng for addiction in traditional herbal medicine systems. Current scientific findings suggest a possible benefit, but they are far from conclusive. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the potential role of ginseng in supporting smoking cessation or treating other addictions.
In summary, while there is some emerging scientific interest and preliminary data suggesting ginseng may have a role in addiction support, the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend its routine use for this purpose.
More about ginseng
More about Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
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Other health conditions supported by ginseng
Abdominal PainAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Appetite (deficient)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Body Building
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Concentration (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation (adults)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Emphysema
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Premature Ejaculation
Sex Drive (low)
Products containing ginseng
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Active Man's Formula
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ADR Formula®
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ADR Formula®
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AdrenoMend™
Designs For Health
Adrenotone™
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Adrenotone™
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Adreset
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Adreset
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CogniAid™
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EndoTrim™
Thorne
Ginseng Plus
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Designs For Health
GlucoSupreme™ Herbal
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Kidney Korrect™
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LibidoStim-F™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations
Panax Ginseng
Designs For Health
Senolytic Synergy
Metagenics
Serenagen®
Metagenics
Serenagen
Thorne
Stress Balance Phytisone
Douglas Laboratories
TestoGain™
Douglas Laboratories
TestoGain™
Integrative Therapeutics
Testosterone Formula
Designs For Health
Thyroid Synergy™
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Weight Loss Support Packets