Panax ginseng (Korean/Chinese ginseng)

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is sold as «natural Viagra» for erectile dysfunction. Several small RCTs in Korean patients with mild-to-moderate ED showed moderate IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) improvement at 900-1000 mg three times daily of standardised Korean Red Ginseng extract. AUA 2018 lists PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil), vacuum devices and psychotherapy for psychogenic ED first-line; Korean ginseng is mentioned as complementary therapy with «evidence limited» caveat. ESC 2022 for ED in patients with cardiovascular disease lists PDE-5 and risk factor management. If ginseng was recommended as a PDE-5 substitute or without workup (testosterone, HbA1c, lipid panel, TSH), consider seeking a second opinion from a urologist.

Ginseng is sold for «immunity boosting» and «cold prevention». No Cochrane systematic review on ginseng for the common cold. Several small RCTs with CVT-E002 extract (Cold-fX, Panax quinquefolius) showed moderate cold frequency reduction in adults; data in the elderly are conflicting. EMA HMPC 2014 recognises «traditional use», not proven efficacy. AAFP and SEIMC for the common cold recommend symptomatic therapy (paracetamol for fever, fluids, rest); ginseng supplements are not in international guidelines.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a plant extract sold as a supplement to raise testosterone, libido and energy in men. For low testosterone in men, ginseng has not shown convincing benefit, and there is no solid evidence base for this use. When low testosterone is confirmed, what helps is finding the cause with a doctor (a urologist or endocrinologist) and, where indicated, testosterone replacement therapy. Do not take ginseng in place of treatment with proven benefit, since that risks missing the care you actually need.

Ginseng is sold as a «natural nootropic» promising memory, attention and cognitive improvement in students and the elderly. Cochrane 2010 (Geng) reviewed 9 RCTs totalling 600 patients: ambiguous effect on cognitive tests; no proven benefit in Alzheimer or vascular dementia. NICE dementia 2018 (NG97) lists cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine first-line for Alzheimer and vascular dementia; ginseng is not in guidelines. If ginseng was recommended for cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia, consider seeking a second opinion.