Evidence supporting the use of: American Ginseng
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has a long history of use in North American indigenous medicine and in traditional herbalism. It is primarily valued as an "adaptogen," a class of herbs believed to help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stressors. The concept of "adrenal fatigue" itself is not widely recognized in conventional medicine, but in alternative and naturopathic circles, it refers to a collection of nonspecific symptoms thought to result from chronic stress and purportedly suboptimal adrenal function.
Traditional use of American Ginseng includes supporting energy, reducing fatigue, and helping the body cope with stress—attributes that overlap with the rationale for using it in cases described as "adrenal fatigue." However, while several animal and in vitro studies suggest American Ginseng may influence stress hormones and support energy metabolism, robust clinical evidence in humans directly addressing "adrenal fatigue" is lacking. Most research focuses on related symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive function, rather than adrenal hormone regulation or "adrenal fatigue" as a condition.
In summary, the use of American Ginseng for "adrenal fatigue" is primarily rooted in traditional and historical practice, supported by a limited body of scientific evidence for general fatigue and stress adaptation, but not specifically for "adrenal fatigue" as a medical diagnosis.
Other health conditions supported by American Ginseng
Abdominal PainAdrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)