Synopsis

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

Panax ginseng has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, where it has been employed as a general tonic to improve vitality, resilience to stress, and overall well-being. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often considers ginseng an adaptogen, meaning it may help the body adapt to various stressors, including psychological ones such as anxiety. However, while traditional use is well established, the evidence from modern scientific studies specifically investigating Panax ginseng for anxiety is limited and not robust.

Some small clinical studies and animal research suggest that ginsenosides, the active compounds in Panax ginseng, may influence neurotransmitter systems (such as GABA and serotonin) implicated in anxiety regulation. However, these effects are not consistently demonstrated, and most studies either use small sample sizes, animal models, or do not focus exclusively on anxiety as an outcome. Systematic reviews generally conclude that while ginseng may have potential anti-stress and adaptogenic effects, high-quality clinical trials supporting its use specifically for anxiety in humans are lacking.

In summary, the use of Panax ginseng for anxiety is primarily supported by traditional use, with only weak and preliminary scientific evidence. More rigorous clinical research is needed before it can be recommended for this purpose on scientific grounds.

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