Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng (unspecified)
For the body system: Adrenal Glands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Korean herbal medicine. In these traditions, ginseng is considered an "adaptogen," a substance believed to help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stressors. The adrenal glands, responsible for producing hormones like cortisol in response to stress, are thought by herbalists to benefit from adaptogens, including ginseng. Traditionally, ginseng is used to enhance vitality, improve resilience to stress, and restore balance when the body is fatigued or depleted.
While there is a significant body of traditional evidence supporting ginseng’s use for stress and fatigue—states often associated with adrenal function—direct scientific validation specifically linking ginseng to improved adrenal gland health or function is limited. Some modern studies do suggest that ginseng may help modulate the body’s stress response and reduce fatigue, but these effects are generally attributed to its adaptogenic properties rather than direct action on the adrenal glands. Most research focuses on ginseng’s potential to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or influence cortisol levels, but definitive clinical evidence for adrenal support remains inconclusive. Therefore, the use of ginseng for adrenal support is justified primarily by traditional use rather than strong scientific validation.
Other ingredients that support Adrenal Glands
adrenal cortexalfalfa
ashwagandha
astragalus
basil
bovine
bovine kidney
bovine liver
bupleurum falcatum
caterpillar mushroom
cordyceps
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
eleuthero
ginseng
guayusa
kelp
l-tyrosine
licorice root
maca
magnesium
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phosphatidylserine
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
skullcap
spearmint leaf
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
whole adrenal glandular
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
suma
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
sodium salt
dioscorea
eucommia
ganoderma
trace minerals
yerba mate
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
ashitaba
sea salt
Animal Tissue
Antler
Adrenaline
Anemarrhena
Black Seed
Black spruce
Black galingale
Bovine Protein
Brazil nut
Ba Ji Tian
Barbasco
Bee products
Bupleurum
Curculigo orchicides
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cortisol
Codonopsis
Chuchuhuasi
Coca
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Campylandra fimbriata
Chinese Thoroughwax
cola nut
DHEA
Dendrobium
Deer Velvet
Devil's Club
Egg
Himalayan Salt
salt
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Ginseng (unspecified)
AcetylcholineAdrenal Glands
Adrenal Medulla
Arteries
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Cortisol
Digestive System
Dopamine
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Lungs
Male Reproductive System
Nerves
Pancreas Head
Pituitary
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skin
Solar Plexus
Spleen
Stomach
Testes
Testosterone
Thymus
Thyroid Gland