Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the body system: Cortisol

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Synopsis

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

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, has a long history in traditional medicine for supporting vitality and stress resilience. In recent decades, scientific studies have begun to investigate its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol regulation. Several preclinical studies demonstrate that ginsenosides, the primary active compounds in ginseng, can modulate the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and reduce excessive cortisol secretion in animal models subjected to stress. Human studies are more limited but some randomized controlled trials suggest that ginseng supplementation may improve subjective feelings of stress and fatigue, with correlating reductions in cortisol levels or normalization of diurnal cortisol rhythms. For instance, a 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Korean Red Ginseng reduced self-reported stress and modulated salivary cortisol in healthy volunteers under chronic stress. However, results across studies are not always consistent, and differences in ginseng species, extract standardization, and dosing complicate interpretations. Overall, while there is promising evidence—both traditional and emerging scientific—that ginseng may support healthy cortisol regulation and the body’s stress response, more rigorous and large-scale human trials are required to firmly establish efficacy and clarify mechanisms.

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