Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Panax ginseng, commonly referred to as Oriental or Asian ginseng, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine as an adaptogen—a substance thought to help the body cope with stress and promote overall balance, including support for the adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. While much of ginseng's reputation arises from traditional use in Chinese and Korean medicine, modern scientific studies provide some support for its adaptogenic properties.

Research indicates that compounds called ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system that governs the stress response and adrenal gland function. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest that ginseng extracts can reduce stress-induced physiological changes and modulate hormone levels related to the adrenal glands. Limited clinical trials in humans have shown that ginseng supplementation may decrease fatigue and improve subjective feelings of well-being, effects often linked to adrenal support.

However, direct evidence specifically linking ginseng to improved adrenal gland health or function in humans is modest and not robust. Most human research focuses on general anti-fatigue and anti-stress effects rather than direct adrenal metrics. Thus, while there is some scientific basis for using Oriental ginseng to support the body's stress response—potentially benefiting adrenal health—the strength of the evidence is moderate and not definitive.

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