Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)

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Synopsis

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

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has a long history of traditional use for enhancing energy and combating fatigue, especially in East Asian medicine. In recent years, scientific studies have explored its potential to support energy levels and reduce fatigue. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses suggest that ginseng supplementation can have a modest but statistically significant effect on reducing fatigue and improving subjective energy, particularly in people with chronic illness or fatigue-related conditions. Proposed mechanisms include ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, which may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, improve glucose metabolism, and have antioxidant effects, thus potentially enhancing physical and mental performance.

However, the quality of the evidence is mixed. Some studies show clear benefits, while others find little or no effect compared to placebo. Most positive research has been conducted on Panax ginseng or American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), often at doses of 200–400 mg of standardized extract per day, and over periods ranging from several weeks to a few months. Notably, effects tend to be more pronounced in people experiencing fatigue due to illness (e.g., cancer-related fatigue) than in healthy individuals. Overall, while ginseng's use for energy has roots in tradition, moderate scientific evidence supports its use, warranting a rating of 3 out of 5 for evidence strength.

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