Evidence supporting the use of: Panax Ginseng
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Panax ginseng has been investigated for its potential to reduce certain chemotherapy-induced side effects, particularly cancer-related fatigue. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have found moderate evidence suggesting that Panax ginseng (and American ginseng, a related species) can improve fatigue and quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially in breast cancer survivors. The proposed mechanisms include ginsenosides’ anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, as well as modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. For example, a well-cited double-blind study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2013) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in fatigue among cancer patients taking 2,000 mg of American ginseng daily for 8 weeks compared to placebo. While most studies use American ginseng, Panax ginseng has a similar ginsenoside profile and has been used in smaller studies and in traditional medicine for similar purposes.
However, evidence for other chemotherapy side effects (such as nausea, neuropathy, or immunosuppression) is weaker or mostly anecdotal. Overall, Panax ginseng appears to have a moderate evidence base (level 3 out of 5) for reducing chemotherapy-induced fatigue, but additional high-quality, large-scale trials are needed to further define its efficacy and safety for broader side effect management.
More about Panax Ginseng
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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
aloe veraalpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Folinic Acid
Fucoidan
Glutamine
Glutathione
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Other health conditions supported by Panax Ginseng
Adrenal FatigueAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Parkinson's Disease
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Testosterone (low)
Thinking (cloudy)
Triglycerides (high)
Worry