Evidence supporting the use of: Genseng (not specified)
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the Spleen system. In TCM, the "Spleen" does not correspond exactly to the anatomical spleen but rather refers to a functional concept encompassing aspects of digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy (Qi) production. Ginseng is classified as a "Qi tonic," believed to strengthen Spleen Qi, address fatigue, and improve overall vitality. Classical TCM texts frequently mention ginseng (ren shen) as a principal herb for "Spleen deficiency," often characterized by symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, and tiredness.
Modern scientific research on ginseng has focused on its general adaptogenic effects, cognitive enhancement, and potential immunomodulatory actions. While studies demonstrate some benefits for energy and fatigue, there is limited direct scientific investigation of ginseng's effects on the anatomical spleen or its functions as described in Western medicine. The evidence base for ginseng specifically supporting the "Spleen" as defined in TCM is thus primarily traditional, though some pharmacological actions (such as improved glucose metabolism and gastrointestinal function) may overlap with TCM's concept of Spleen support. Overall, ginseng's use for the Spleen system remains grounded in traditional frameworks rather than robust clinical trials directly linking it to spleen health in biomedical terms.
Other ingredients that support Spleen
green chirettaapple
apricot
artichoke
astragalus
myrobalan
Beta-Glucan
black garlic
blackberry
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
rice
bupleurum falcatum
catechins
catjang cowpea
cauliflower
chaga mushroom
chamomile
chen pi
collard
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dyer’s woad root
eleuthero
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gardenia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
grape
onion
green tea
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
jujube
kale
kelp
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maitake mushroom
mango
mangosteen
moringa
oleanolic acid
ophiopogon root
orange
parsley
perilla
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quinoa
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spinach
strawberry
triphala
almond fruit
turkey tail mushroom
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
seaweed
water
mulberry
red clover
jiaogulan
chickweed
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
mugwort
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
morus
root tuber
silk tree
flowering quince
dioscorea
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
trace minerals
coix
wheat germ
noni
millet seed
algae
ashitaba
Aralia
Alpha Glucans
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ankaflavin
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Abrus
Amomum
Albizia
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Adenophora
Artemisia Anomala
Anemarrhena
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Atractylone
Animal protein
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
bergenin
Breadnut
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bok Choy
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Bael
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Cumin
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Calycosin
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Codonopsis
Capillary Artemisia
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Capers
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
Carob
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chinese Thoroughwax
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Ceanothus integerrimus
Chebulinic acid
Costus
Cynanchum
Danshen
Dendrobium
Dolichos
Deoxyandrographolides
Dulse
Erodium cicutarium
eggplant
Egg
Emblicanin
Elkweed
Emodin
Enokitake
Goldthread
Garlic
Lotus
Orchid
Sumac
walnut
Other body systems supported by Genseng (not specified)
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Adrenal Medulla
Arteries
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Cortisol
Digestive System
Dopamine
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Lungs
Male Reproductive System
Mitochondria
Muscles
Nerves
Pancreas Head
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Pituitary
Respiratory System
Spleen
Stomach
Sympathetic Nervous System
Testes
Thymus
Thyroid Gland