Nootropic profile
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng (Korean/Asian Ginseng) is one of the most extensively researched adaptogenic herbs. Its active compounds, ginsenosides, support cognitive function, reduce fatigue, modulate the stress response, and may enhance sexual health.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Panax Ginseng?
Panax Ginseng, also known as Korean Ginseng, is a perennial plant used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for over 2,000 years. The name "Panax" derives from the Greek for "all-healing".
What it does for you
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How to take it
- General Cognitive: 200–400 mg daily of standardised extract (4–7% ginsenosides).
- Fatigue: 400 mg daily of standardised extract.
- Sexual Health: 600 mg three times daily (1,800 mg total) of red ginseng for 12 weeks.
Watch out for
- Common Side Effects: Insomnia, headache, GI disturbances, nervousness. Typically mild.
- Drug Interactions: Caution with warfarin, oral hypoglycaemics, MAOIs, and stimulants including caffeine.
- Contraindications: Not recommended for uncontrolled hypertension, acute asthma, or excessive bleeding conditions.
- Hormonal Effects: May have oestrogenic effects. Consult provider if hormone-sensitive conditions exist.
The science, if you're curious.
- Ginsenoside Rb1 increases acetylcholine release and upregulates choline acetyltransferase and NGF expression.
- Modulates dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, influencing mood, motivation, and attention.
- Normalises cortisol secretion during chronic stress as a classical adaptogen.
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Reduces amyloid-beta accumulation.
Where to find it
- White Ginseng: Peeled and air-dried root. Milder effect, commonly used in teas.
- Red Ginseng: Steamed then dried, converting ginsenosides to more bioactive forms. More potent.
- Standardised Extracts: Capsules with 4–7% ginsenosides. G115 is one of the most clinically validated.
- Fermented Ginseng: Enzyme-treated for improved bioavailability.
The research
Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity
Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB - Journal of Psychopharmacology
Panax ginseng (200mg) acutely improves mental performance and reduces fatigue during sustained cognitive tasks.
Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA - Physiology and Behavior
Panax ginseng improved working memory while Ginkgo biloba enhanced attention, with complementary benefits when combined.
Frequently asked
Panax Ginseng (Korean/Asian Ginseng) is one of the most extensively researched adaptogenic herbs. Its active compounds, ginsenosides, support cognitive function, reduce fatigue, modulate the stress response, and may enhance sexual health.
The main benefits people report from Panax Ginseng are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Libido, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Motivation, Stress Relief.
General Cognitive: 200–400 mg daily of standardised extract (4–7% ginsenosides).Fatigue: 400 mg daily of standardised extract.Sexual Health: 600 mg three times daily (1,800 mg total) of red ginseng for 12 weeks.
Common Side Effects: Insomnia, headache, GI disturbances, nervousness. Typically mild.Drug Interactions: Caution with warfarin, oral hypoglycaemics, MAOIs, and stimulants including caffeine.Contraindications: Not recommended for uncontrolled hypertension, acute asthma, or excessive bleeding conditio...
Ginsenoside Rb1 increases acetylcholine release and upregulates choline acetyltransferase and NGF expression.Modulates dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, influencing mood, motivation, and attention.Normalises cortisol secretion during chronic stress as a classical adaptogen.Anti-inflammatory,...
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