Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Panax
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Panax ginseng has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, where it has been valued as an adaptogen—a substance believed to help the body resist various stressors, including psychological stress. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is reputed to "calm the spirit" and alleviate nervousness, though it is more broadly used to improve vitality and resilience rather than specifically prescribed for anxiety disorders as defined in modern psychiatry.
Scientific evidence for Panax ginseng’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders is limited and of generally low quality. A few animal studies have suggested that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, may exert anxiolytic-like effects, possibly through modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin. However, well-designed clinical trials in humans are scarce. A handful of small, preliminary human studies suggest potential benefits for mood and subjective well-being, but these are not robust, and anxiety is often not the primary outcome measured. As such, while traditional use for stress and anxiety-like symptoms exists, scientific validation remains weak. More rigorous clinical research is needed to determine whether Panax ginseng is effective or safe for anxiety disorders by modern standards.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Ginseng, Panax
Addictions (general remedies for)Adrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Parkinson's Disease
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Weight Loss