Safety Analysis of Panax Ginseng in Randomized Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

The systematic review from 2015 analyzed the safety of Panax ginseng through 44 randomized clinical trials involving 3,092 participants over the past 10 years. The trials, which varied in dosage and duration, assessed ginseng's effects on health conditions such as cardiovascular function, glucose metabolism, sexual function, and hair density. While 29 studies reported positive effects, 15 found no significant impact. Adverse events were generally mild and included symptoms like hot flushes, insomnia, and dyspepsia, with no serious or severe adverse events reported. The review concluded that Panax ginseng appears to be safe, with potential health benefits, but emphasized the need for larger, higher-quality clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety. Additionally, the review noted the possibility of drug interactions, particularly with warfarin, suggesting caution in patients on certain medications.