Panax Ginseng: Review of Nootropic Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects
This Panax Ginseng review will examine its benefits, side effects, and dosage information. We'll also look at some of the research done on Panax Ginseng to help you decide whether or not this nootropic is worth taking.
Panax Ginseng is one of the world's most widely used and studied herbal remedies. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat various ailments, including fatigue, stress, and cognitive decline.
Today, it is increasingly being used as a nootropic supplement to improve mental performance. So let's take a closer look at this popular herb to see if it lives up to its reputation, according to Science.
Panax Ginseng Review Summary
Panax Ginseng is a widely studied herbal remedy used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is becoming increasingly popular as a nootropic supplement for improving mental performance and cognitive functions.
Panax Ginseng increases energy levels and reduces mental fatigue, improving concentration, memory recall, and mood.
Pros
- Increases energy levels
- Reduces mental fatigue
- Improves concentration and memory recall
- Enhances mood
- Readily available over the counter
Cons
- The potency of Panax Ginseng can vary from brand to brand
What Is Panax Ginseng?

Panax Ginseng, also known as Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Japanese Ginseng, or Korean Ginseng, is a plant whose root is the original source of the herbal remedy Ginseng.
It is native to China, Korea, and Siberia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. The name Panax means “all healing” and stemmed from the traditional confidence that Ginseng can cure all illnesses of the human body.
The active components of Panax Ginseng are saponin triterpenoid glycosides called ginsenosides (1). Ginsenosides are classified into two major groups: Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and Protopanaxatriol (PPT). These compounds have adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to physical and mental stressors.
Category | Active ingredients | Effects |
---|---|---|
Ginsenosides | Protopanaxadiols (Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rg3, Rh2); Protopanaxatriols (Rg1, Rg2, Re, Rf, Rh1, Rh3); Oleanolic Acid (Ro) | Anti-depression; Anti-tumour; Anti-ageing; Anti-ischaemic brain injury; Immunomodulation; CNS regulation |
Ginsenosides have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective effects.
Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) (2), while ginsenoside Rd has demonstrated both anti-lipid peroxidation and scavenging activity against superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals (3).
How Does Panax Ginseng Work In The Brain?
Panax Ginseng has been shown to have multiple mechanisms of action in the brain, including:
- Modulating the stress response: Panax Ginseng has been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol (4). This effect is thought to be due to the ability of ginsenosides to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's response to stress.
- Enhancing neurotransmitter activity: Panax Ginseng has been shown to increase the activity of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play important roles in cognitive function, mood, and motivation (5).
- Improving blood flow and oxygenation: Panax Ginseng has been found to increase blood flow and oxygenation in the brain, which can help to improve cognitive function (6).
- Protecting the brain: Panax Ginseng has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation.
In terms of specific brain regions and neurotransmitters, Panax Ginseng has been found to affect:
- The prefrontal cortex: Panax Ginseng has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive function, working memory, and decision-making.
- The hippocampus: Panax Ginseng has been found to increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which is important for learning and memory. The hippocampus is also involved in memory formation and retrieval (7).
- Acetylcholine: Panax ginseng has been shown to increase the activity of the cholinergic system, which is involved in learning and memory (8).
The effects of Panax Ginseng on the brain are complex and multifaceted, but the evidence strongly suggests that it can have beneficial effects on cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
It is important to note that many of the studies on Panax Ginseng have used animal models, so further research is needed to determine its efficacy in humans.
What Is Panax Ginseng Used For?
Panax Ginseng has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine, and some of these uses have been supported by scientific research.
Here are some of the most common applications of Panax Ginseng:
- Cognitive function: Panax Ginseng has been studied for its ability to improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, and mental processing speed. Some studies have suggested that Panax Ginseng may be particularly beneficial for older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment (9).
- Physical performance: Panax Ginseng has been used to enhance physical performance and reduce fatigue. Some studies have suggested that Panax Ginseng can be particularly useful for endurance sports like long-distance running or cycling (10).
- Immune function: Panax Ginseng has been shown to have immune-modulating effects and can be useful for preventing or treating infections. Some studies have suggested that Panax Ginseng can be particularly beneficial for preventing acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) (11).
- Diabetes: Panax Ginseng has been studied for its potential effects on blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Some studies have suggested that Panax Ginseng can lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce complications associated with diabetes (12).
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): Panax Ginseng has been studied for its potential use in treating erectile dysfunction. Some studies have suggested that Panax ginseng may be able to improve erectile function, particularly in men with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes (13).
Panax Ginseng's effect on cognitive function is the main reason why people in the biohacking sphere use it. When stacked with other nootropics like Piracetam, Panax Ginseng can have synergistic effects making its effects more potent.
What Are The Benefits Of Panax Ginseng For Cognition?
The benefits of Panax Ginseng for cognition are multifaceted, but the evidence strongly suggests that it can have beneficial effects on cognitive function, mood, and stress response.
In one study, 90 healthy volunteers with mild cognitive impairments were given Panax Ginseng treatment for 6 months and observed for changes in their cognitive performance (14).
Results showed that the group taking Panax Ginseng significantly improved visual learning and recall compared to the placebo group. This suggests that Panax Ginseng has positive effects on cognition.
Jakaria Md et al. demonstrated that Panax Ginseng can resist neuroinflammation and oxidative stress while also modulating molecular pathways related to the cholinergic and glutaminergic systems - all of which are vital components in cognitive functioning.
In addition, some studies have suggested that the compounds in Panax Ginseng can increase brain metabolism, oxygen uptake, and glucose utilization, which could benefit overall cognitive performance.
Another possible benefit of this herb could be an increase in neuronal plasticity, which could contribute to better memory formation and recall and improved learning capabilities.
Although much more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, supplementing with Panax ginseng could potentially have multiple positive benefits for cognition, including:
- Improvements in visual learning and recall abilities
- Increased brain metabolism and oxygen uptake
- Increased neuronal plasticity
- Reduced stress hormone levels
- Cognitive-enhancing effects in people with mild cognitive impairments
Where To Buy Panax Ginseng Online?
Purchasing Panax Ginseng online is now easier than ever before. Several reputable brands offer this supplement in various forms. Buying your Panax Ginseng from a trusted supplier is important to ensure safety and quality.
Before you purchase any supplements online, research the company first and read customer reviews to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy. Check the product label to ensure that it contains what is written on the website and uses high-quality ingredients.
We highly recommend Liftmode for their quality ingredients and competitive prices. They offer 150 capsules of 200 mg Panax Ginseng for just $28.68.
Liftmode is based in the US and ships worldwide, so you can enjoy their products wherever you are.
What Do People Say About Panax Ginseng On Reddit
Let's look at what people have to say about Panax Ginseng on Reddit.
According to one user:
"I've been taking it for a few weeks now, and I've noticed improved focus and mental clarity. Definitely worth the money!"
Another user wrote:
"I just started using Panax Ginseng and I'm really impressed with the results. I feel more energized, focused and motivated."
A user called 'Thatsopinionated' wrote:
"I started using panax ginseng a few months ago and I'm really pleased with the results. It has helped me focus more, have more energy and feel calmer.."
How Do You Take Panax Ginseng For Cognitive Enhancement?
Taking Panax Ginseng for cognitive enhancement can be done in several ways. It is recommended to take it with food, as this helps the body absorb the active ingredients more effectively.
The best time to take Panax Ginseng is in the morning, which will help you stay alert and focused throughout the day. It should be taken at least once but no more than three times daily.
Cycling is unnecessary when taking Panax Ginseng; however, taking breaks from using it every few months is important to avoid developing tolerance.
What Is The Recommended Dosage For Panax Ginseng?
The most common dose of Panax Ginseng is 200 mg to 3 grams, taken by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks.
However, some Panax Ginseng studies have used a standardized extract with a dosage of 200 mg per day. Other sources recommend 0.5 to 2 grams per day, while some suggest taking 500 mg twice a day or 1000 mg twice a day for 4 weeks.
Make sure you look for one that contains 1.5% to 7% ginsenoside content, which is the active ingredient in Panax Ginseng.
Panax Ginseng can be an effective nootropic supplement when taken at the right dosage and combined with other healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly.
What Are The Side Effects Of Panax Ginseng?
Common side effects of Panax Ginseng include headache, fever (pyrexia), high or low blood pressure (hypertension/hypotension), palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia.
Taking Panax Ginseng with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may increase the risk of certain side effects such as anxiety, headache, restlessness, and insomnia. Allergic skin reactions and cholestatic hepatitis have also been reported in some cases.
Panax Ginseng supplementation is considered safe but can cause serious harm if abused. Morning diarrhea, skin rashes, and liver damage are less common side effects but can be serious if not addressed promptly.
Therefore it is important to consult a doctor before taking any Panax Ginseng supplements.
What Nootropics Are Similar To Panax Ginseng?
Nootropics similar to Panax Ginseng include Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, and Ginkgo Biloba. All three are herbal supplements used for centuries in traditional medicine.
- Rhodiola Rosea is known for its ability to improve mental performance and reduce fatigue.
- Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that can help the body cope with stress.
- Ginkgo Biloba is a popular supplement that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
While all three of these nootropics are similar to Panax Ginseng in their effects on mental performance, they each have unique properties that make them stand out.
What Brain Supplements Can Panax Ginseng Be Stacked With?
Panax Ginseng can provide an even greater cognitive boost when stacked with racetams, such as Piracetam and Aniracetam. These two nootropics have both been shown to enhance cognition and focus.
Other brain supplements that can be beneficial to stack with Panax Ginseng are Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, and Vitamin B12. Alpha GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine (ACh), the neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory.
Huperzine A is an herbal supplement that protects ACh from breaking down, while Vitamin B12 helps the body synthesize ACh.
Nootropic blends like NooCube are also a great way to get the most out of Panax Ginseng, as it combines some of these supplements into one convenient formula.
NooCube's blend of synergistic nootropics helps to support focus and mental speed while providing long-lasting energy. This makes it an ideal foundation for those looking to get the most out of their Panax Ginseng supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let's look at some common questions people have about Panax Ginseng.
How Long Does It Take For Panax Ginseng To Work?
Panax Ginseng starts working within 24 hours of ingestion, although it may take up to 48 hours for the full effects to be felt. It is important to note that the effects of Panax Ginseng can vary depending on your condition and the dosage taken.
How Does Panax Ginseng Make You Feel?
Panax Ginseng makes you feel more alert, focused, and energetic. It can also improve your mood, reduce stress, and help you manage your emotions better. When taking Panax Ginseng, people report feeling an overall sense of productivity, clarity, and well-being.
What's The Half-Life Of Panax Ginseng?
The half-life of Panax Ginseng varies depending on the type of ginsenoside but generally ranges from 0.2 to 18 hours. Ginsenosides Re and Rg1 have elimination half-lives between 0.7 and 4 hours, while the most abundant and stable ginsenoside, Rb1, has a half-life of 58.47 hours. After ingesting Panax Ginseng orally, it typically takes 24 hours for the body to absorb it completely.
Is It Safe To Use Panax Ginseng?
Panax Ginseng is generally considered safe when taken for up to 6 months. There have been reports of side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and nausea.
Conclusion
Panax Ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb that can help improve focus, mental clarity, and energy levels. Its effects are typically felt within 24 hours of ingestion and can last up to 6 months.
It stimulates the body’s production of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine (ACh), which helps improve cognitive function.
Panax Ginseng can be taken alone or stacked with other nootropics to enhance its effects on cognitive performance. When taken correctly, it can provide a safe and natural way to improve cognitive function.