Synopsis

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

Ginseng, Panax and Adrenal Support: Evidence Overview

Panax ginseng, often referred to simply as "ginseng," has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for centuries as an adaptogen—a substance believed to help the body resist stress and maintain homeostasis. In the context of adrenal support, the term usually refers to the ability of an herb to help modulate the body’s stress response, theoretically supporting adrenal gland function, which is central to the production of stress hormones like cortisol.

There is a moderate level of scientific evidence suggesting that Panax ginseng can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates adrenal gland activity. Several animal studies and a limited number of human clinical trials indicate that ginseng may help reduce the physiological impacts of stress, modulate cortisol levels, and improve mental and physical performance under stress. For example, a 2013 review in Journal of Ginseng Research notes the adaptogenic effects of ginseng, citing its role in regulating immune and endocrine functions.

However, while these findings are promising, the direct effect of Panax ginseng on adrenal gland health in humans is not definitively established, and more high-quality clinical trials are needed. Thus, while its use is partly based on tradition, there is a growing—though not conclusive—body of scientific validation for its role in supporting the body's stress response and, by extension, adrenal function.

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