Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the health condition: Apathy

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

Synopsis

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

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has been studied for its effects on apathy, especially in populations with neurological or psychiatric disorders. While ginseng has a long tradition in Asian medicine for enhancing vitality and energy, its use specifically for apathy—a lack of motivation or interest—has more recently been investigated in scientific research. Several small clinical trials have explored its effects on apathy in patients with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer-related fatigue. Some studies suggest that ginseng may modestly improve symptoms of apathy, possibly due to its adaptogenic properties and influence on neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and serotonin. For example, a 2013 pilot study found that Korean red ginseng improved apathy scores in Alzheimer’s patients over 12 weeks. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes and short durations.

Systematic reviews note that while there is some preliminary clinical evidence supporting ginseng’s use for apathy, the quality of evidence is low and more large-scale, rigorous trials are needed. Thus, the scientific evidence supporting ginseng for apathy is weak to moderate, with a rating of 2 out of 5. Nonetheless, ginseng is sometimes used as an adjunct in integrative approaches to manage apathy, especially where conventional treatments are insufficient or poorly tolerated.

More about ginseng
More about Apathy