Panax ginseng, also known as Asian or Korean ginseng, is a frequently utilised and studied herbal remedy. Ginseng's biological activity is attributed to a group of compounds known as ginsenosides, recognised for a range of positive effects, such as combating inflammation and neutralising damaging free radicals (1). Studies in animals have indicated that ginseng extracts can positively influence brain chemistry, potentially enhancing the production of certain neurotransmitters (2). These changes have been linked to improvements in learning, memory, and the management of anxiety-like behaviours.
In healthy young adults, panax ginseng has been shown to improve focus. A 200mg dose led to increased scores across multiple parameters (3). Another randomised controlled trial also demonstrated improved mental maths performance at a 400mg dose (4).
Multiple studies have demonstrated a subjective increase in quality of life following supplementation with ginseng (5,6). These effects were validated through the use of multiple quality of life scales. Another previously examined study also indicated positive effects on mental calmness (4).
Panax ginseng is safe to use, with significant side effects only reported at massive doses of more than 2.5grams per day (1).
Nootropic for:
Concentration, Mood
Mechanism of Action:
Upregulation of neurotransmitters
Suggested Dose:
200mg once or twice daily
Good to Know:
Ginseng extract is popular as an addition to coffee-based drinks
Mancuso C, Santangelo R. Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology. Food Chem Toxicol [Internet]. 2017 Sep 1 [cited 2025 Jun 2];107:362–72. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691517303915
Shin K, Guo H, Cha Y, Ban YH, Seo DW, Choi Y, et al. CereboostTM, an American ginseng extract, improves cognitive function via up-regulation of choline acetyltransferase expression and neuroprotection. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol [Internet]. 2016 Jul 1 [cited 2025 Jun 2];78:53–8. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230016300952
Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB. Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity. J Psychopharmacol [Internet]. 2005 Jul [cited 2025 Jun 2];19(4):357–65. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15982990/
Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol [Internet]. 2010 Aug [cited 2025 Jun 2];25(6):462–71. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20737519/
Wiklund I, Karlberg J, Lund B. A double-blind comparison of the effect on quality of life of a combination of vital substances including standardized ginseng G115 and placebo. Curr Ther Res [Internet]. 1994 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Jun 2];55(1):32–42. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011393X0580075X?via%3Dihub
Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract - PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 2]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9034759/
