Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Panax
For the health condition: Menopause
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, to promote general vitality and adapt to stress, including that caused by menopause. Historically, ginseng is believed to enhance energy, mood, and overall well-being, which are areas often affected during menopause. Its use in menopause is mainly based on its adaptogenic properties, with the idea that it helps the body cope with physical and emotional stressors associated with hormonal changes.
From a scientific perspective, some small studies and randomized controlled trials have investigated ginseng’s effects on menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction. However, the results are mixed and generally not robust. A 2016 systematic review (Lee et al., 2016, Journal of Ginseng Research) concluded that while there is some evidence suggesting Panax ginseng may improve sexual function and general well-being in menopausal women, the overall quality of the evidence is low, and there is insufficient data to support its effectiveness for hot flashes or other core menopausal symptoms.
In summary, the use of Panax ginseng for menopause is supported primarily by traditional use, with limited and inconclusive scientific evidence. The overall strength of evidence remains low, and ginseng is not a standard or widely recommended therapy for menopausal symptom management in evidence-based medicine.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
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