Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginseng has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is valued as an adaptogen—an agent believed to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors, including psychological stress and anxiety. The roots of both Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) have been used for centuries to promote vitality, reduce fatigue, and support mental health. In TCM, ginseng is thought to “calm the spirit” and is included in formulas for nervousness and related symptoms.

Scientific evidence for ginseng’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders is limited and mixed. Some preclinical studies suggest that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, may have anxiolytic effects by modulating neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin in animal models. A few small human studies suggest possible benefits on mood and stress, but these are generally low-quality, with small sample sizes and inconsistent results. Systematic reviews typically conclude that there is insufficient robust clinical evidence to recommend ginseng as a primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Thus, while its use is rooted in tradition and there is some biological plausibility, current scientific validation is weak, giving it a moderate evidence rating primarily based on traditional usage.

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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
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amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
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catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
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cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
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shen-chu
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velvet bean
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vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
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