Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Oriental
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ginseng, Oriental (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine for enhancing mental and physical vitality, including cognitive function. In recent decades, its effects on concentration and cognitive performance have been investigated in scientific studies. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that Panax ginseng supplementation may have modest, short-term benefits on aspects of cognitive function, such as attention, memory, and mental performance, particularly in healthy adults and elderly populations.
The proposed mechanisms include ginsenosides (the active compounds in ginseng) influencing neurotransmitter activity, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating brain function. For example, a 2010 systematic review in the journal Journal of Ginseng Research reported that several clinical trials demonstrated improvements in working memory and mental arithmetic after ginseng supplementation. However, results across studies are mixed, with some failing to find significant effects or noting that benefits diminish with prolonged use.
While there is moderate-quality evidence suggesting potential cognitive benefits, especially for acute use, the effects are generally small and not consistently replicated. More rigorous, long-term studies are needed. Nonetheless, the use of Oriental Ginseng for poor concentration is supported by both traditional use and a growing, though still limited, body of scientific evidence.
More about Ginseng, Oriental
More about Concentration (poor)
Other ingredients used for Concentration (poor)
acetyl l-carnitineamino acids
ashwagandha
black tea
blueberry
caffeine
citicoline
coffee fruit
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fish oil
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
lion's mane
mackerel
matcha
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
polygala root
rhodiola
vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin D
zinc
gastrodia
yerba mate
cocoa
DMPX
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Alpha glyceryl
Adrafinil
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Brahmi
bacoside
Coca
Chocolate
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Fish
glucose
Glycine
Other health conditions supported by Ginseng, Oriental
Addictions (general remedies for)Adrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Body Building
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (general)
Concentration (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Strokes
Wrinkles