American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an herb that grows mainly in North America. Don’t confuse American ginseng with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). These are different plants with different effects.

American ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides that seem to affect insulin levels in the body and lower blood sugar, lower stress, boost the immune system, and as a stimulant. .

• American ginseng is also used for upper airway infection, for diabetes, and many other conditions.
• Some research suggests 200-400 mg twice daily for 3-6 months during flu season might prevent cold or flu symptoms in adults. In adults older than 65, a flu shot at month 2 along with this treatment is needed to decrease the risk of getting the flu or a cold. In people who do get the flu, taking this extract seems to help make symptoms milder and last for less time. But it does not seem to help prevent cold or flu-like symptoms in patients with weakened immune systems.
• Some research shows that taking American ginseng daily for 8 weeks improves tiredness in people with cancer. But not all research agrees.
• Early research shows that taking American ginseng 0.75-6 hours before a mental test improves short-term memory and reaction time in healthy people.