Written by Irene Fischer, Markus Horneber, Katja Boehm and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated July 12, 2010

Ginseng for cancer-related fatigue

Abstract and key points

  • Asian and American ginseng (P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius) are medicinal plants.
  • There is preliminary evidence from two pilot studies to support the use of both ginseng-species for cancer-related fatigue.
  • P.ginseng and P. quinquefolius appear to be relatively safe when used as mono-substance and within the recommended dosage.
  • In-vitro studies suggest estrogenic activity of several ginsenosides

Root extracts derived from Asian and American ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and P.quinquefolius L.) are traditionally used as a tonic for strengthening and invigoration in cases of fatigue and weakness as well as for reduced performance and concentration.

Ginsenosides are considered to be the main active components; these are saponins which can principally be found in Panax species, but are also occurring in Gynostemma pentaphyllum, commonly known as Jiaogulan.

In some countries, preparations of Asian and American ginseng are licensed drugs and when used according to existing recommendations, are classified as safe and usually well tolerated. Apart from the experiences gathered over centuries from traditional Chinese medicine, two randomized controlled pilot studies suggest a benefit of ginseng in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue. An adequately powered clinical trial to confirm these results is ongoing.

Citation Irene Fischer, Markus Horneber, Katja Boehm , CAM-Cancer Consortium. Ginseng (Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolium) [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Herbal-products/Ginseng-Panax-ginseng-P.-quinquefolium. July 12, 2010.

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