Panax Ginseng vs American Ginseng: Evidence | Dose Track
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Panax ginseng vs American ginseng: how do they differ?

Different plants · Trials · Interactions

Short answer: They are related but different plants, studied separately. NIH says most Asian ginseng trials were small and short, with possible small benefits for general fatigue and thinking in middle age.1 American ginseng improved cancer-related fatigue at 8 weeks in a 364-person trial.2 Both may affect blood sugar, and American ginseng lowered warfarin's effect.34

How do Panax ginseng and American ginseng compare side by side?

From NIH NCCIH, the NIH exercise fact sheet and randomized trials.
Panax (Asian) ginsengAmerican ginseng
PlantPanax ginseng; red and white are two preparations1Panax quinquefolius2
FatigueSmall benefit for general fatigue in a 2023 review; no overall effect across all types52,000 mg a day: better fatigue scores at 8 weeks, not significant at 4 (364 people)2
Other studied usesThinking in middle age, blood sugar, erectile dysfunction1Fewer colds (0.68 vs 0.93 per person over 4 months)6
Athletic performanceMostly no effect7Not covered in the sources checked
Blood sugarMight lower it; ask your provider if you have diabetes13 g before glucose lowered the rise 18% to 22%3
Side effects and interactionsInsomnia most common; may affect clotting1Lowered warfarin levels and INR in 20 adults4

Reviewed . Half-life figures are shown only where the value Dose Track uses agrees with the cited source.

What has each been studied for?

Asian ginseng: NIH says most trials had fewer than 200 people and lasted under 3 months. Small amounts of research suggest it may help thinking in middle-aged adults (not young adults), may help general fatigue a little, and may improve sexual function in erectile dysfunction; blood sugar results conflict, and most research shows no athletic benefit.17

American ginseng: in 364 fatigued cancer survivors, 2,000 mg a day improved fatigue more than placebo at 8 weeks, more so during active cancer treatment.2 In 4 months of an extract, adults with frequent colds had fewer colds and fewer symptom days.6

No trial compared the two. These are study protocols, not personalized advice; confirm any dosing with your prescriber.

What are the safety points?

  • Asian ginseng: NIH says up to 6 months appears safe for most people; insomnia is the most common side effect, and it may worsen autoimmune disorders, interfere with clotting and lower blood sugar. It may be unsafe in pregnancy.1
  • American ginseng: in 20 healthy adults it lowered warfarin's blood levels and effect on INR.4 The blood sugar study authors suggest people without diabetes take it with a meal to avoid low blood sugar.3

More detail: Ashwagandha vs rhodiola: how do the two herbs compare?, and the Panax Ginseng (Asian or Korean Ginseng) and American Ginseng guides.

This page summarizes labels and published studies. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm any dose or change with your prescriber.
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Frequently asked questions

Is American ginseng the same as Korean ginseng?+
No. Korean or Asian ginseng is Panax ginseng; American ginseng is Panax quinquefolius, a related but different plant.12
Which ginseng is better for energy?+
No trial compared them. Asian ginseng showed a small benefit for general fatigue in one review; American ginseng helped cancer-related fatigue at 8 weeks.52
Does ginseng interact with warfarin?+
American ginseng lowered warfarin's effect in a trial, and NIH says ginseng can reduce warfarin's effect.47
Can ginseng affect blood sugar?+
Yes. Both have been linked to lower blood sugar; ask your provider if you have diabetes.13
Can I track these in Dose Track?+
Yes. Log each with reminders and add energy or sleep notes.

Sources

  1. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Asian ginseng (updated February 2025).
  2. Barton DL, et al. Wisconsin ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind trial, N07C2. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(16):1230-1238.
  3. Vuksan V, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(7):1009-1013.
  4. Yuan CS, et al. American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2004;141(1):23-27.
  5. Li X, et al. Ginseng and ginseng herbal formulas for symptomatic management of fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Complement Med. 2023;29(8):468-482.
  6. Predy GN, 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. CMAJ. 2005;173(9):1043-1048.
  7. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance, fact sheet for health professionals (updated April 1, 2024).

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