Korean ginseng

What is Korean ginseng?

Korean ginseng is Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), a plant native to Korea, northeastern China and far-eastern Siberia. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it has been used as a calming agent in traditional Chinese medicine and as an adaptogen, meaning an herb thought to help the body resist physical and mental stress. “Red ginseng” and “white ginseng” refer to the same root prepared in different ways. The compounds thought to be most important are called ginsenosides.

Asian ginseng has been promoted for stress, cognitive function, fatigue, athletic performance, diabetes, aging and many other uses. It is different from American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and from “Siberian ginseng,” which is a different plant altogether.

What the research says

NCCIH notes that research has grown in recent years, but most clinical trials have been small, with fewer than 200 participants, and shorter than three months.

A small amount of research suggests Asian ginseng may improve some aspects of cognitive function, including attention, arithmetic and reaction time, in middle-aged adults but not young adults. A 2023 review of 19 studies suggested Asian ginseng alone may have a small benefit for general fatigue. A 2022 review found improvements in fasting blood glucose and some other markers in people with prediabetes and diabetes, but NCCIH describes the overall research on blood sugar control as inconclusive and conflicting. Most research shows ginseng does not improve athletic performance, and there is not enough reliable information for uses such as aging and anxiety.

We found no research on ginseng for balance or steadiness. We rate the evidence as limited.

How it’s used in supplements

Korean ginseng is sold as dried root, powders, teas, standardized extracts and red ginseng products. NCCIH reports that short-term oral use, up to six months, appears safe for most people, but questions remain about long-term safety, and some experts advise against it for children and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Insomnia is the most common side effect. Rare reports include severe rash, liver damage and serious allergic reactions. NCCIH also notes that Asian ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders, interfere with blood clotting and lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes or those taking blood thinners should talk to their doctor first. It may interact with other medications as well.

In Claritox Pro, Korean ginseng is listed without an amount or ginsenoside content, so we cannot compare it with research doses.