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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Aralia Quinquefolia, Humulus Lupulus, Adrenalinum, Cortisone Aceticum, Selenium Metallicum, Thyroidinum (suis), Arsenicum Album, Calcarea Carbonica, Convallaria Majalis, Crotalus Horridus, Ferrum Metallicum, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Sepia, Phosphoricum Acidum
Brand Name
Adrenal Support
Generic Name
Aralia Quinquefolia, Humulus Lupulus, Adrenalinum, Cortisone Aceticum, Selenium Metallicum, Thyroidinum (suis), Arsenicum Album, Calcarea Carbonica, Convallaria Majalis, Crotalus Horridus, Ferrum Metallicum, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Sepia, Phosphoricum Acidum
Active Ingredient
American GinsengCategory
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
3
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 [hp_X]/mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 43742-2063 |
| 3 [hp_X]/mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 43742-1247 |
| 3 [hp_X]/mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 43742-1248 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Adrenal Support, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Adrenal Support
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a botanical agent classified as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC] and used for its adaptogenic and glycemic-modulating properties.
Dosage for American Ginseng varies significantly based on the intended use and the concentration of bioactive ginsenosides. Because it is often sold as a non-standardized product, patients must pay close attention to the label and consult a healthcare provider.
American Ginseng is not generally recommended for use in children under the age of 18. There is a lack of robust clinical data regarding the safety and long-term developmental effects of ginsenosides in the pediatric population. In rare cases where a pediatric allergist uses American Ginseng as an allergenic extract for testing, the dosage is strictly controlled and administered in a clinical setting. Do not administer American Ginseng supplements to children without direct medical supervision.
Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (kidney disease) should exercise caution. Since metabolites are partially cleared through the kidneys, a reduction in dose or increased monitoring of blood pressure and glucose may be necessary. Specific GFR-based (Glomerular Filtration Rate) dosing has not been established, but starting at the lowest possible dose is advised.
Because the liver is involved in the metabolism of ginsenosides, patients with hepatic dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis) may experience higher systemic levels of the compound. Close monitoring for side effects like insomnia or hypertension is required.
Geriatric patients (aged 65 and older) may be more sensitive to the effects of American Ginseng. There is an increased risk of interactions with other medications (polypharmacy) and a higher likelihood of underlying cardiovascular conditions. Lower starting doses (e.g., 100-200 mg) are recommended to assess tolerance.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular routine. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects like heart palpitations or jitteriness.
Signs of an American Ginseng overdose (sometimes referred to as 'Ginseng Abuse Syndrome') may include:
In the event of a suspected overdose, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Emergency measures typically involve supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and medications to stabilize blood pressure or heart rhythm.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance, especially if you are taking medications for diabetes or high blood pressure.
While American Ginseng is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, some individuals may experience mild to moderate side effects. The most frequently reported issues include:
American Ginseng is a potent pharmacological agent that can influence multiple organ systems. It is not 'just a herb' and must be treated with the same caution as any pharmaceutical drug. Patients with underlying medical conditions, particularly those involving the cardiovascular, endocrine, or immune systems, must consult a physician before use.
There are no FDA black box warnings for American Ginseng when used as a dietary supplement. However, as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC], healthcare providers are warned about the potential for life-threatening anaphylaxis during skin testing. Emergency equipment, including epinephrine, must be available when American Ginseng is administered in an allergenic extract capacity.
American Ginseng must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
There is insufficient data to determine if ginsenosides pass into human breast milk. Because of the potential for American Ginseng to act as a stimulant and its estrogen-like effects, the risk to a nursing infant is unknown but potentially significant (e.g., irritability, sleep disturbances). It is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid use to ensure infant safety.
American Ginseng is not approved for use in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established. There are concerns that the hormonal and CNS-stimulating effects could interfere with normal growth and development. In cases of accidental ingestion by a child, monitor for extreme irritability, diarrhea, and rapid heart rate.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) exerts its effects through a multi-targeted approach. The primary active constituents, ginsenosides, are divided into two main groups: protopanaxadiols (e.g., Rb1, Rc, Rd) and protopanaxatriols (e.g., Re, Rf, Rg1).
Common questions about Adrenal Support
American Ginseng is primarily used for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage physical and mental stress. Clinically, it is most recognized for its ability to lower post-meal blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is also used to enhance cognitive functions like memory and mental clarity, and to boost the immune system to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally, it serves as a diagnostic tool in the form of a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract to identify plant-based allergies. Always consult a healthcare provider before using it for any of these purposes.
The most common side effects include insomnia, especially if taken late in the day, and mild headaches during the initial phase of use. Some individuals experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps. Nervousness and a 'jittery' feeling similar to excessive caffeine intake are also frequently reported. In women, it may cause breast tenderness or menstrual changes due to its mild estrogen-like effects. Most mild side effects resolve once the body adjusts to the supplement or the dose is reduced.
It is generally recommended to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking American Ginseng. Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels, either raising or lowering them, which can complicate the glycemic-modulating effects of the ginseng. Furthermore, both substances can affect the central nervous system; alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness or unpredictably alter the stimulatory effects of the ginsenosides. Combining the two may also increase the metabolic load on the liver. Discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your doctor before starting this supplement.
No, American Ginseng is considered likely unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Research, including animal studies, has linked a specific component called Ginsenoside Rb1 to developmental birth defects. There are also concerns that the herb's estrogen-like properties could disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Because there is no established safe dose for pregnant women, medical professionals advise complete avoidance. If you discover you are pregnant while taking American Ginseng, stop use immediately and contact your obstetrician.
The time it takes for American Ginseng to work depends on the condition being treated. For blood sugar management, effects can be seen within 40 to 60 minutes after a single dose. However, for more general benefits like improved energy, reduced stress, or enhanced immune function, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use. Some patients may not notice significant cognitive improvements until after a month of therapy. It is important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to achieve the best results.
While American Ginseng does not cause a dangerous withdrawal syndrome like some prescription medications, it is best not to stop it abruptly if you have been taking high doses for several months. Sudden discontinuation can lead to a temporary 'slump' in energy levels or a rebound increase in blood sugar for diabetic patients. A gradual taper, where you reduce the dose over the course of one week, is the preferred method for stopping. Always inform your healthcare provider before discontinuing any supplement you use for a chronic condition.
If you miss a dose of American Ginseng, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed, as this can increase the risk of side effects like heart palpitations, insomnia, or high blood pressure. If you are taking it specifically for blood sugar control before a meal and you forget, it is usually better to skip that dose and resume with the next meal.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that American Ginseng causes weight gain. In fact, some studies suggest it may assist with weight management by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism. However, because it can affect hormones and the adrenal system, individual responses may vary. If you notice unusual weight changes while taking this supplement, it could be due to other factors such as changes in appetite or water retention. Consult your doctor to investigate any significant weight fluctuations.
American Ginseng has a high potential for drug interactions and should be used cautiously with other medications. It is particularly dangerous when combined with blood thinners like warfarin, as it can reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of clots. It also interacts with diabetes medications, potentially causing dangerously low blood sugar. Other interactions include MAO inhibitors for depression and immunosuppressant drugs. You must provide your healthcare provider with a full list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and other herbs you are taking before starting American Ginseng.
American Ginseng is not a prescription drug, so the concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' does not apply in the traditional sense. It is available as a dietary supplement from many different manufacturers. However, quality can vary significantly between brands. It is recommended to look for products that have been third-party tested by organizations like USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia), NSF International, or ConsumerLab to ensure the product contains the ingredients listed on the label without harmful contaminants. For the allergenic extract form, various laboratory suppliers produce standardized versions for clinical use.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (American Ginseng)
> Warning: Stop taking American Ginseng and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms:
Prolonged use of American Ginseng (beyond 3-6 months) without breaks may lead to Ginseng Abuse Syndrome. This condition is characterized by a combination of hypertension, nervousness, sleeplessness, skin eruptions, and morning diarrhea. Long-term use may also affect hormonal balance due to the interaction of ginsenosides with steroid hormone receptors, potentially leading to changes in libido or menstrual cycles.
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for American Ginseng. However, the FDA does require that allergenic extracts carry warnings regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) when used for diagnostic testing or immunotherapy. For dietary supplement forms, the primary regulatory concern is the lack of standardization and the potential for contamination with other substances.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Monitoring your body's response is essential, especially during the first two weeks of therapy.
If you are taking American Ginseng long-term, your healthcare provider may recommend the following monitoring:
For most people, American Ginseng does not cause impairment. However, if you experience dizziness, nervousness, or blurred vision (a symptom of low blood sugar), you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the supplement affects you.
Alcohol may increase the sedative or stimulatory effects of American Ginseng unpredictably. Furthermore, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels, which may complicate the glycemic-modulating effects of the ginseng. It is generally advised to limit alcohol consumption while using this supplement.
Do not stop taking American Ginseng suddenly if you have been using it in high doses for a long period. While it does not have a traditional 'withdrawal syndrome,' sudden cessation may lead to a rebound effect in blood sugar or a temporary 'crash' in energy levels. Tapering the dose over one week is often recommended.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting American Ginseng, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers.
For each major interaction, the mechanism often involves CYP3A4 induction or pharmacodynamic synergism (where two substances have similar effects that add together). The clinical consequence is typically either increased toxicity of the ginseng or reduced efficacy of the co-administered drug.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. A complete medication review is the only way to prevent dangerous interactions.
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a healthcare provider include:
Patients should be aware of potential cross-sensitivity with:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of autoimmune disease or hormonal imbalances, before prescribing or recommending American Ginseng.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for adverse effects from American Ginseng. Age-related declines in renal and hepatic clearance mean that standard doses may stay in the system longer. Furthermore, the elderly are more likely to be taking anticoagulants (like Eliquis or Xarelto) or heart medications, significantly increasing the risk of dangerous drug interactions. Geriatric patients should always start with a very low dose (e.g., 100 mg) and have their blood pressure monitored weekly.
In patients with a GFR below 30 mL/min, the excretion of ginsenoside metabolites is significantly slowed. This can lead to an accumulation of the drug, increasing the risk of 'Ginseng Abuse Syndrome.' While no specific dose-reduction formula exists, a 50% reduction in the standard dose is often suggested for those with Stage 4 or 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C hepatic impairment should avoid American Ginseng. The liver's reduced ability to process triterpene saponins can lead to unpredictable blood levels and potential hepatotoxicity. If use is deemed necessary, liver enzymes (ALT, AST) should be checked every 4 weeks.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Never start a botanical regimen in these groups without consulting a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | < 5% (Oral) |
| Protein Binding | 70% - 90% (Albumin) |
| Half-life | 2 - 18 hours (Variable by ginsenoside) |
| Tmax | 1.5 - 2.5 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP3A4, CYP2C9) and Intestinal Microbiota |
| Excretion | Renal 20%, Fecal 80% |
American Ginseng is classified as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. It is related to other adaptogens like Asian Ginseng and Ashwagandha, but its specific regulatory classification as an allergenic extract places it in a unique category of diagnostic and therapeutic agents.