Research

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

40 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

1
Meta-analyses
1
Systematic reviews
36
RCTs
2
Other studies
Meta-analyses (3%)
Systematic reviews (3%)
RCTs (90%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2024·Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·Julienne E Bower, Christina Lacchetti, Yesne Alici, et al

Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update.

Systematic reviewEnergy

Systematic review updating ASCO guidelines on managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult survivors. Exercise, CBT, mindfulness, tai chi, qigong, and American ginseng showed benefits during treatment. Yoga, acupressure, and moxibustion helped manage CRF after treatment. Other dietary supplements did not improve CRF.

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2024·Nutritional neuroscience·Talitha Best, Jessica Miller, Wei-Peng Teo

Neurocognitive effects a combined polyphenolic-rich herbal extract in healthy middle-aged adults - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

RCTn = 52Mental Clarity Mood Brain Health

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 52 healthy middle-aged adults assessed the effects of a polyphenolic-rich supplement containing Bacopa monnieri, Panax quinquefolius ginseng, and whole coffee fruit extract over 28 days. The supplement improved positive affect, delayed recall, and prefrontal cortex activation compared to placebo.

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2021·European journal of nutrition·Lynne Bell, Adrian Whyte, Cindy Duysburgh, et al

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the acute and chronic benefits of American Ginseng (Cereboost®) on mood and cognition in healthy young adults, including in vitro investigation of gut microbiota changes as a possible mechanism of action.

RCTn = 61Mental Clarity Mood Brain Health

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 61 healthy young adults investigated the effects of American ginseng extract (Cereboost) on cognition and mood. Acute and chronic supplementation improved working memory, attention, and mood, with amplified effects after two weeks. An in vitro study suggested gut microbiome modulation as a potential mechanism.

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2020·Human psychopharmacology·David J White, David A Camfield, Anastasia Ossoukhova, et al

Effects of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) on the steady state visually evoked potential during cognitive performance.

RCTMental Clarity

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial investigated the effects of 200 mg Panax quinquefolius on steady state visually evoked potentials during cognitive tasks in middle-aged volunteers. The study found significantly reduced prefrontal SSVEP latency during working memory retrieval, suggesting increased recruitment of prefrontal brain regions.

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2017·Current vascular pharmacology·Hye W Lee, Hyun-Ja Lim, Ji H Jun, et al

Ginseng for Treating Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Meta-analysisn = 54Heart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs assessing ginseng's effects on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Korean red ginseng showed positive effects on reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while north American ginseng did not show significant effects.

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2013·Journal of the National Cancer Institute·Debra L Barton, Heshan Liu, Shaker R Dakhil, et al

Wisconsin Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind trial, N07C2.

RCTn = 364Energy

A phase III randomized, double-blind trial evaluated the efficacy of 2000mg American ginseng on cancer-related fatigue in 364 cancer survivors over 8 weeks. The ginseng group showed significant improvement in fatigue scores compared to placebo at 8 weeks, with no significant toxicities reported.

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2012·The journal of supportive oncology·Kevin P High, Doug Case, David Hurd, et al

A randomized, controlled trial of Panax quinquefolius extract (CVT-E002) to reduce respiratory infection in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

RCTn = 293Immunity

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of 293 subjects with early-stage, untreated CLL evaluated the safety and efficacy of Panax quinquefolius extract (CVT-E002) in reducing acute respiratory illness (ARI). While CVT-E002 did not significantly reduce ARI days or antibiotic use, it showed a trend toward reduced rates of moderate to severe ARI and significantly less sore throat, with increased seroconversion rates indicating enhanced antibody responses.

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2009·Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Debra L Barton, Gamini S Soori, Brent A Bauer, et al

Pilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA.

RCTn = 290Energy

This pilot RCT investigated the effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on cancer-related fatigue in 290 patients. Nonsignificant trends favored the 1,000- and 2,000-mg/day doses for improving fatigue and vitality, with no significant differences in toxicity. Further study is warranted.

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2005·CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne·Gerald N Predy, Vinti Goel, Ray Lovlin, et al

Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 279Immunity

RCT of 279 subjects aged 18-65 examining the efficacy of North American ginseng extract in preventing colds. The ginseng group had fewer colds, lower symptom severity, and fewer days with symptoms compared to placebo over 4 months.

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2021·Nutrients·Ching-Hung Lin, Yi-An Lin, Shu-Li Chen, et al

American Ginseng Attenuates Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage via the Modulation of Lipid Peroxidation and Inflammatory Adaptation in Males.

RCTn = 12Physical Performance Inflammation

RCT with 12 physically active males examining the effects of American ginseng (AG) supplementation on eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. AG supplementation reduced plasma creatine kinase activity and lipid peroxidation markers, suggesting it alleviates muscle damage by decreasing lipid peroxidation and promoting inflammatory adaptation.

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2020·Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology·Mauro Guglielmo, Patricia Di Pede, Salvatore Alfieri, et al

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng in reducing fatigue in patients treated for head and neck cancer.

RCTn = 32Energy -

RCT evaluating the efficacy of 1000 mg American ginseng versus placebo in reducing fatigue in 32 head and neck cancer patients post-treatment. The study found no significant difference in fatigue reduction between the ginseng and placebo groups after 8 weeks.

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2015·Human psychopharmacology·Anastasia Ossoukhova, Lauren Owen, Karen Savage, et al

Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) to healthy middle-age adults.

RCTn = 52Mental Clarity

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover RCT with 52 middle-aged adults testing 200 mg of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on cognitive performance. The study found improved working memory performance at 3 hours post-administration compared to placebo, with no significant effects on mood or blood glucose levels.

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2013·Journal of ethnopharmacology·Iva Mucalo, Elena Jovanovski, Dario Rahelić, et al

Effect of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on arterial stiffness in subjects with type-2 diabetes and concomitant hypertension.

RCTn = 64Heart Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT evaluating the effect of American ginseng on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes patients with hypertension. American ginseng significantly lowered radial augmentation index and systolic blood pressure after 12 weeks compared to placebo.

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2011·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Eric Y H Chen, Christy L M Hui

HT1001, a proprietary North American ginseng extract, improves working memory in schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

RCTn = 64Mental Clarity Brain Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of HT1001, a proprietary North American ginseng extract, in 64 individuals with schizophrenia. HT1001 significantly improved visual working memory and reduced extrapyramidal symptoms compared to placebo.

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2011·Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)·E Kim, M Cameron, J Lovera, et al

American ginseng does not improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a single center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover pilot study.

RCTn = 56Energy -

This study examined the safety and efficacy of escalating doses of American ginseng over 6 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 56 subjects with multiple sclerosis and fatigue. Fatigue on ginseng was not significantly different from fatigue on placebo.

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2006·Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)·P Mark Stavro, Minna Woo, Lawrence A Leiter, et al

Long-term intake of North American ginseng has no effect on 24-hour blood pressure and renal function.

RCTn = 52Heart Health -

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover trial in 52 hypertensive individuals assessed the effect of 12-week North American ginseng intake on 24-hour blood pressure and renal function. The study found that ginseng had a neutral effect on all ambulatory blood pressure parameters and did not affect serum cystatin C levels.

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2004·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Janet E McElhaney, Stefan Gravenstein, Sharon K Cole, et al

A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVT-E002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults.

RCTn = 198Immunity

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials tested a proprietary extract of American ginseng (CVT-E002) against placebo in preventing acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults during the influenza season. The CVT-E002 group showed a significantly lower incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza and RSV illness compared to placebo, indicating an 89% relative risk reduction of ARI.

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2018·European journal of nutrition·Vladimir Vuksan, Zenith Zheng Xu, Elena Jovanovski, et al

Efficacy and safety of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial.

RCTn = 24Heart Health Inflammation Nutrition

Double-blind, cross-over RCT of 24 individuals with type 2 diabetes evaluating American ginseng extract as an add-on therapy. AG significantly reduced HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure, and improved lipid profiles without affecting safety parameters.

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2017·European journal of nutrition·Alexandra L Jenkins, Linda M Morgan, Jacqueline Bishop, et al

Co-administration of a konjac-based fibre blend and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on glycaemic control and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled, cross-over clinical trial.

RCTn = 39Nutrition Heart Health

This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial studied the co-administration of konjac-glucomannan-based fibre blend and American ginseng in 39 participants with type 2 diabetes. The intervention led to a moderate reduction in HbA1c and lipid concentrations over 12 weeks, suggesting improved diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors.

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2016·Biomedical chromatography : BMC·Jin-Yi Wan, Chong-Zhi Wang, Qi-Hui Zhang, et al

Significant difference in active metabolite levels of ginseng in humans consuming Asian or Western diet: The link with enteric microbiota.

RCTn = 6

The study investigated the effects of different diet types on gut microbiota metabolism of American ginseng saponins in six healthy adults. Significant differences in ginsenoside Rb and compound K levels were observed between subjects on Asian and Western diets, suggesting potential differences in cancer prevention effects.

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2015·International journal of food sciences and nutrition·Yim Tong Szeto, Yuk Shan Pauline Sin, Sok Cheon Pak, et al

American ginseng tea protects cellular DNA within 2 h from consumption: results of a pilot study in healthy human volunteers.

RCTn = 14Longevity

Pilot study investigating the genoprotective effect of American ginseng tea in 14 healthy volunteers. Participants consuming American ginseng tea showed a significant decrease in DNA damage after 2 hours, compared to the control group.

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2011·The American journal of Chinese medicine·Chong-Zhi Wang, Karen E Kim, Guang-Jian Du, et al

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of ginsenoside metabolites in human plasma.

RCTn = 6

The study used ultra-performance liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze ginsenoside metabolites in human plasma after oral administration of American ginseng. It found that ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Rg2, and compound K were detected in plasma, with Rb1 peaking at 4 hours and C-K detected from 7 to 12 hours, supporting the role of enteric microbiota in transforming Rb1 to C-K.

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2010·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·Tung-Kwang Lee, Kevin F O'Brien, Weidong Wang, et al

Radioprotective effect of American ginseng on human lymphocytes at 90 minutes postirradiation: a study of 40 cases.

RCTn = 40

This study investigated the effect of a standardized North American ginseng extract (NAGE) on DNA damage in human lymphocytes at 90 minutes postirradiation. NAGE reduced micronuclei yield and reactive oxygen species while increasing total antioxidant capacity, suggesting its radioprotective potential.

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2010·Psychopharmacology·Andrew Scholey, Anastasia Ossoukhova, Lauren Owen, et al

Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

RCTn = 32Mental Clarity

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial assessed the acute effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on mood, neurocognitive function, and glycaemic response in 32 healthy young adults. The study found significant improvements in working memory performance and choice reaction time accuracy, with no changes in blood glucose levels.

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2009·Journal of the American College of Nutrition·Jonathan R Dickman, Ryan T Koenig, Li Li Ji

American ginseng supplementation induces an oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.

RCTn = 25Inflammation

Double-blinded parallel study with 25 postmenopausal women examining the effects of American ginseng supplementation. The ginseng group showed increased oxidative stress markers and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting that chronic supplementation may induce oxidative stress.

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2008·Pediatrics·Sunita Vohra, Bradley C Johnston, Keri L Laycock, et al

Safety and tolerability of North American ginseng extract in the treatment of pediatric upper respiratory tract infection: a phase II randomized, controlled trial of 2 dosing schedules.

RCTn = 46

Phase II randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of American ginseng extract in children with upper respiratory tract infections. The study compared two weight-based dosing schedules to placebo and found no significant differences in adverse events among the groups. Standard doses were well tolerated.

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2008·BMC complementary and alternative medicine·Adriana S A Andrade, Craig Hendrix, Teresa L Parsons, et al

Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir.

RCTn = 13Nutrition -

RCT evaluating pharmacokinetic interactions between indinavir and American ginseng in healthy volunteers. American ginseng did not significantly affect indinavir pharmacokinetics or improve indinavir-induced insulin resistance.

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2008·Journal of clinical pharmacology·Lawrence S Lee, Stephen D Wise, Clark Chan, et al

Possible differential induction of phase 2 enzyme and antioxidant pathways by american ginseng, Panax quinquefolius.

RCTn = 10Inflammation

RCT with 10 healthy volunteers assessing the effects of American ginseng on zidovudine pharmacokinetics and oxidative stress markers. American ginseng did not significantly alter zidovudine pharmacokinetics but reduced oxidative stress markers.

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2006·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·Janet E McElhaney, Vinti Goel, Benjamin Toane, et al

Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial.

RCTn = 43Immunity

RCT of 43 community-dwelling adults aged 65+ comparing COLD-fX (North American ginseng extract) to placebo for 4 months. During the last 2 months, significantly fewer subjects in the COLD-fX group reported acute respiratory illness, and symptom duration was shorter compared to placebo.

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2005·Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)·P Mark Stavro, Minna Woo, Tibor F Heim, et al

North American ginseng exerts a neutral effect on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

RCTn = 16Heart Health -

A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial investigated the effect of North American ginseng on blood pressure in 16 hypertensive individuals. The study found that North American ginseng exerted a neutral acute effect on blood pressure compared to placebo.

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2005·World journal of gastroenterology·Cheng-Chen Hsu, Min-Chen Ho, Li-Chin Lin, et al

American ginseng supplementation attenuates creatine kinase level induced by submaximal exercise in human beings.

RCTn = 13Physical Performance

RCT with 13 physically active male college students examining American ginseng supplementation for 4 weeks before exhaustive running exercise. The study found that American ginseng reduced plasma creatine kinase levels, indicating decreased muscle damage, but did not improve aerobic work capacity.

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2004·Annals of internal medicine·Chun-Su Yuan, Gang Wei, Lucy Dey, et al

Brief communication: American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled Trial.

RCTn = 20

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the interaction between American ginseng and warfarin in 20 healthy patients. The study found that American ginseng significantly reduced the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, as indicated by decreased INR and plasma warfarin levels.

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2003·European journal of clinical nutrition·J L Sievenpiper, J T Arnason, L A Leiter, et al

Variable effects of American ginseng: a batch of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) with a depressed ginsenoside profile does not affect postprandial glycemia.

RCTn = 12Nutrition -

Randomized, single-blind study with 12 normal subjects testing the effect of a batch of American ginseng with a depressed ginsenoside profile on postprandial glycemia following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. The study found no significant effect on plasma glucose or insulin levels, suggesting the ginsenoside profile may influence hypoglycemic effects.

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2001·The American journal of clinical nutrition·V Vuksan, J L Sievenpiper, J Wong, et al

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) attenuates postprandial glycemia in a time-dependent but not dose-dependent manner in healthy individuals.

RCTn = 12Nutrition

Randomized crossover trial with 12 healthy individuals testing the effects of American ginseng on postprandial glycemia. Ginseng reduced glycemia in a time-dependent manner, with significant effects when administered 40 minutes before a glucose challenge, but not dose-dependent within the 1-3 g range.

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2000·Archives of internal medicine·V Vuksan, J L Sievenpiper, V Y Koo, et al

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

RCTn = 19Nutrition

RCT assessing the effect of American ginseng on postprandial glycemia in 10 nondiabetic subjects and 9 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ginseng reduced postprandial glycemia when taken 40 minutes before a glucose challenge in nondiabetic subjects and reduced glycemia in diabetic subjects regardless of timing.

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2000·Diabetes care·V Vuksan, M P Stavro, J L Sievenpiper, et al

Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes.

RCTn = 10Nutrition

RCT investigating the effect of different doses and administration times of American ginseng on postprandial glycemia in 10 type 2 diabetic patients. American ginseng reduced postprandial glycemia irrespective of dose and time of administration, with no more than 3 g required to achieve reductions.

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2000·Journal of the American College of Nutrition·V Vuksan, M P Stavro, J L Sievenpiper, et al

American ginseng improves glycemia in individuals with normal glucose tolerance: effect of dose and time escalation.

RCTn = 10Nutrition

RCT studying the effect of escalating doses and administration times of American ginseng on glucose tolerance in 10 nondiabetic individuals. Doses of 3, 6, and 9 g improved postprandial glucose levels compared to placebo, with no additional effect from varying administration times.

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2009·Brain and cognition·Tiffany M Y Lee, Li-guo Guo, Hong-zhi Shi, et al

Neural correlates of traditional Chinese medicine induced advantageous risk-taking decision making.

RCTn = 14

This fMRI study examined the neural correlates of improved advantageous risk-taking behavior following a 60-day course of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recipe. The TCM recipe was administered to seven participants in the experimental group, and significant neural activity changes were observed in regions involved in risk-taking decision making.

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2025·Nutritional neuroscience·Lynne Bell, Pascale Fança-Berthon, Romain Le Cozannet, et al

Effects of American ginsengextract on human neurocognitive function: a review.

ReviewMood Mental Clarity Focus Brain Health

This review examines the effects of American ginseng extract on mood, mental fatigue, and cognitive function. Clinical trials show improvements in attentional and working memory performance, particularly at doses of 100mg-400mg. Potential mechanisms include activation of frontoparietal neural circuits and alterations in the gut microbiome.

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2020·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Liu Yang, Ajiao Hou, Jiaxu Zhang, et al

Panacis Quinquefolii Radix: A Review of the Botany, Phytochemistry, Quality Control, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Industrial Applications Research Progress

Review

This narrative review covers the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, toxicity, and industrial applications of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix (PQR). It highlights PQR's functions in replenishing qi, nourishing Yin, and its pharmacological effects such as hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-fatigue, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties.

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