Red Ginseng Monograph

The document provides a comprehensive review of the health benefits and safety of red ginseng. It reports that red ginseng intake has been associated with various health improvements, such as enhanced immunity, fatigue relief, memory improvement, better blood circulation, antioxidation, and mitigation of menopausal symptoms. Red ginseng has also shown potential anticancer effects and benefits for men's health, including erectile dysfunction and improved sperm function. For women, it has been found to decrease menopausal symptoms without affecting hormone levels. In terms of hair health, red ginseng increased hair density and thickness after 24 weeks of intake. The review also addresses the safety of red ginseng, indicating that it is generally safe with mild adverse events similar to placebo, and does not significantly affect hormone levels or estrogen receptors. Additionally, red ginseng does not have clinically significant effects on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity or drug interactions, including with antidiabetic agents, though precautions are advised due to its blood glucose-lowering effects. The document suggests that red ginseng is a potentially beneficial health functional food with a good safety profile.