Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an adaptogen—an agent thought to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stress. Adaptogens are often believed to support the adrenal cortex, the part of the adrenal gland responsible for producing corticosteroids like cortisol. The rationale is that ginseng may help modulate the body’s response to stress, thereby indirectly supporting adrenal function.

Scientifically, animal and in vitro studies suggest that ginsenosides (active compounds in ginseng) may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by modulating stress hormone release and improving resilience to stressors. Some human studies indicate that ginseng supplementation can reduce self-reported fatigue and improve subjective well-being, which may be related to stress adaptation. However, direct clinical evidence that ginseng specifically supports the adrenal cortex or improves adrenal hormone output in healthy individuals is limited. Most studies focus on general stress adaptation or fatigue rather than direct adrenal cortex function.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis and some preliminary scientific evidence that ginseng may help the body adapt to stress—which could involve the adrenal cortex—the direct scientific validation for its use specifically to support adrenal cortex function is moderate. The evidence is stronger for general adaptogenic effects rather than specific adrenal support.

More about ginseng
More about Adrenal Cortex