Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the health condition: Hangover

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for a variety of health conditions, including fatigue and recovery from illness. Its use for hangover relief, however, is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than longstanding traditional claims. Several modern studies have investigated the effects of ginseng on alcohol metabolism and hangover symptoms. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology (2004) found that red ginseng extract significantly reduced blood alcohol levels and alleviated certain hangover symptoms in healthy volunteers compared to placebo. The proposed mechanisms include ginseng’s antioxidant properties and its role in enhancing alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, enzymes involved in alcohol breakdown. Another study in Journal of Ginseng Research (2014) supported these findings, showing reduced severity of hangover symptoms and faster elimination of alcohol metabolites.

Despite these promising results, the overall body of evidence is still limited, with few high-quality, large-scale clinical trials. The evidence is thus rated as 2 out of 5, indicating preliminary but insufficient support for its use. Further research is needed to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety. In summary, while there is some scientific validation for ginseng’s use in treating hangover symptoms, the evidence is not robust enough for firm clinical recommendations.

More about ginseng
More about Hangover