Evidence supporting the use of: Oriental Ginseng
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oriental Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine for a wide range of health concerns, including enhancing vitality, alleviating fatigue, and supporting emotional balance. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered an adaptogen—an agent thought to help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stress. Its use for anxiety and related disorders is based primarily on this adaptogenic concept, with the idea that ginseng helps the body cope with stressors and restore balance, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety.
However, the direct scientific evidence supporting Oriental Ginseng as a treatment for clinical anxiety disorders is limited and not robust. Some preclinical (animal) studies and small human studies suggest that ginsenosides—the active compounds in ginseng—may influence neurotransmitter systems involved in stress and anxiety, such as GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. A few small-scale clinical trials have reported potential anxiolytic effects, but these studies often suffer from methodological weaknesses, small sample sizes, or use of ginseng in combination with other herbs.
Overall, while traditional use is well-documented and there is some preliminary scientific interest, strong clinical evidence is lacking. Most recommendations for ginseng in anxiety are rooted in traditional practice rather than clear, consistent scientific validation.
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 Oriental Ginseng
Adrenal FatigueAge Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Indigestion