Ginseng is one of the most popular and well researched herbal medicines in the world. It has been used in North America and Asia for thousands of years.
In all, there are 11 species of ginseng. But the name “ginseng” as a nootropic usually refers to either American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Panax means “cure-all” in Greek.
Researchers in thousands of clinical trials have reported on the efficacy of ginseng for; anti-stress, cognition, memory, anti-wrinkle, flu, digestion, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, blood circulation, immune deficiency, menopause, anti-oxidant, cancer and much more.
Ginseng is rich in various pharmacological compounds. Including a series of polyacetylenes, polyphenolic compounds, acidic polysaccharides, and tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins (ginsenosides).
Both American and Asian Ginseng contain ginsenosides which researchers believe are the most active ingredient.
Here we are investigating ginseng as a nootropic.
Ginseng helps:
- Mood and Stress. Ginseng helps improve mood and reduce stress. It works as an adaptogen, reducing adrenal fatigue, boosting GABA and providing an anti-stress effect.[i]
- Neurotransmitters. Ginseng provides neuro-protective effects on the dopaminergic-pathway which can help with ADHD.[ii] And ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Working as an antidepressant and helping some symptoms of ADHD.[iii]
- Brain Energy. Ginseng acts as an anti-inflammatory by reducing cytokines. And as an anti-oxidant. Boosting ATP production in mitochondria, in part because this antioxidant effect shields mitochondria.[iv]
Table of Contents
Overview
Ginseng is the most famous medicinal herb in Asia. It must be grown for 5 years before its harvested. The maturity of the plant influences the density of active compounds beneficial to human health.
The term “ginseng” comes from the Chinese word ‘rénshēn’ (person + plant root). Because the root shape of ginseng resembles the legs of a human.
“Panax” comes from the Greek ‘pan’ (all) and ‘akos’ (cure). In traditional Asian medicine ginseng was used for many different issues affecting human health. An “over-all” cure.
The four largest producers of ginseng are South Korea, China, Canada and the U.S, with Canada being the largest exporter. The largest consumer of ginseng is South Korea.
South Korea also conducts the majority of research on ginseng. With 1,000 scholars who publish at least 100 research papers per year.[v]
The two primary ginsengs used for brain function are Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng), and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).
Ginsenosides increase protein synthesis and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. And ginseng stimulates the formation of blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the brain. Which improves memory and cognitive abilities.[vi]
How does Ginseng work in the Brain?
Ginseng boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Ginseng boosts physical and mental energy. Many of us deal with a lack of energy and chronic fatigue nearly every day. In today’s world, and particularly in Western society, we’re suffering from mental and physical fatigue. From overworked, stressed students to seniors.
But this kind of fatigue is not a natural offshoot of ‘getting older’. Often it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing this fatigue. And the first thing most of us think of is reaching for an energy drink, caffeine, or a prescription stimulant.
While these options may work in the short-term, they don’t produce natural energy in your body. This is where ginseng comes in and saves the day.
One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 30 healthy young adults demonstrated Panax ginseng’s cognitive benefits. The study found that a single dose of 200 mg or 400 mg of ginseng reduced blood glucose levels. And significantly reduced mental fatigue.[vii]
- Ginseng improves memory and learning. Most people who use ginseng report feeling more alert. And several trials show Asian ginseng can improve thinking and learning. Some of the research shows Panax ginseng can boost performance on mental arithmetic, concentration, and memory.
One example of several that show how ginseng seems to affect memory and learning is by boosting nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurite growth in the brain. This study was done on chicks with the ginsenoside Rb1.
The researchers found this ginseng extract significantly potentiated NGF and showed neurite outgrowth. [viii]
How things go bad
Our brain chemistry and energy metabolism are constantly changing. And any number of factors from chronic stress to disease and environmental factors can degrade cognitive function.
↓ Memory, recall, reaction time and mood decline
↓ Neurotransmitters and cellular signaling breakdown
↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity and overall brain health
↓ Nerve growth factor and neurogenesis decline
↓ Free radicals and inflammation damage brain cells
↓ Immune system is compromised
All of these changes can happen at any age. And are certainly contributing factors to age-related cognitive decline.
Ginseng benefits
Panax ginseng (Asian) and Panax quinquefolius (American) contain a collection of active compounds called ginsenosides. These triterpenoid saponins (plant chemicals) are unique to the ginseng species of plants. And are steroid-like in nature.
Here’s a mind-blowing statistic; well over 100 different ginsenosides exist.[ix] The major ones are designated Ginsenoside Ro, Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc, etc. All are extracted from the rhizome (root) of the ginseng plant.
You’ll notice if you’ve reviewed any of the other nootropics listed on NootropicsExpert.com that I usually include a diagram of the active chemical compound in that nootropic.
In this case I’m not including the diagram because each compound extracted from ginsenoside is different. And there are dozens of them.
Each ginsenoside has a unique effect in your body and brain. And is often even metabolized differently in your digestive system.
Other components of ginseng include;
-
- Polysaccharide ‘Ginsan’ which is an immune system modulator[x]. Ginsan is likely what helps tame inflammation in the brain. Which helps a host of cerebral functions like; neurotransmitters working more effectively, prevents apoptosis (cell death), improves memory, mental energy and more. Anti-inflammatories or not talked about much in the nootropics community. And I think in the future you’ll be hearing a lot more about how important they are to cognitive health and brain function.
-
- MicroRNA’s which are gene modulators. Researchers have recently identified up to 73 MicroRNA’s in ginseng.[xi] These tiny non-coding molecules are capable of regulating the gene expression in the DNA of your brain cells. Which is an extremely complex subject in itself. And have the potential to affect nearly everything that happens in your brain.
-
- Polysaccharides which have anti-cancer effects. Another subject not talked about in nootropic circles. But fundamentally important to brain health.[xii]
- The amino acids L-Arginine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and glutamate.[xiii] The neurotransmitter GABA is naturally produced in your brain and provides anti-anxiety and calming effects. Likely why supplementing with ginseng has a calming and anti-anxiety effect.
- Polysaccharides which have anti-cancer effects. Another subject not talked about in nootropic circles. But fundamentally important to brain health.[xii]
Several books could be written on how ginseng affects your brain. Including its appetite-suppressant qualities, ability to boost cognition, reducing fatigue, reducing depression, anxiety, stress, improving memory and learning, as a neuroprotectant, and increasing cerebral blood flow.
How does Ginseng feel?
Supplementing with ginseng should boost your energy levels, both physical and mental energy. Ginseng has stimulant-like qualities and should help if you’re dealing with chronic fatigue. But unlike standard stimulants, your boost in energy will come with a more ‘relaxed’ feel.
Ginseng can boost mental alertness. And thinking should feel quicker and clearer. Recall and long-term memory should improve.
Ginseng also boosts your immune system so you may be able to avoid the flu or a cold. Ginseng is particularly helpful for anyone with a compromised immune system. And if you’re living with, or working around anyone else who is sick.
Ginseng Clinical Research
Much of the research on ginseng comes out of South Korea. And much of this research has been done with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Showing how Panax ginseng improves cognitive function.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has a somewhat different ginsenoside profile from Panax ginseng. And it too shows promise in benefiting human cognition.
American ginseng boosts working memory
One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 32 healthy young adults. In this trial, researchers used a highly standardized extract of American ginseng (Cereboost™). Cereboost™ is Panax quinquefolius standardized to 10.65% ginsenosides.
This trial used doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg of standardized ginseng. And participants’ mood, cognitive function and blood glucose were measured at 1, 3 and 6 hours after taking the ginseng extract.
The researchers found that standardized American ginseng provided a significant improvement in working memory. Reaction time accuracy and ‘calmness’ significantly improved at just the 100 mg dose. And improved with higher doses.
The scientists concluded that there was, “robust working memory enhancement following administration of American ginseng”. And these effects are distinct from that of Asian ginseng.
The two ginsengs have different psychopharmacological properties that depend critically on ginsenoside profiles.[xiv]
The bottom-line of this study is that the kind of ginseng you use makes all the difference.
Panax Ginseng Protects & Fuels Brain Mitochondria
A stroke is caused by insufficient blood flow to that part of the brain where the stroke occurs. Lack of blood flow shuts down the oxygen and nutrient supply to brain cells. And things start to break down in the heart of the cell’s energy center – the mitochondria.
This study was done in the Neurology Department at Xijing Hospital in China. Researchers wanted to find out if ginsenoside Rd, one of the major active ingredients in Panax ginseng could protect the brain from stroke.
Rats were given ginsenoside Rd and then subjected to a stroke by reducing blood flow to part of their brain. (Note for gratitude journal – I’m thankful I’m not a lab rat).
The scientists found this Panax ginseng extract protected the rat brain from stroke. And it appeared to do it by protecting brain cell mitochondria from dysfunction, and apoptosis (cell death).[xv]
Researchers also demonstrated that ginseng activates multiple enzymes in the Krebs cycle. This helps mitochondria produce maximum energy in the form of ATP from glucose.[xvi] Which is one of the reasons why supplementing with Ginseng boosts mental energy.
Ginseng Improves Mental Performance
Actoprotector is a new term given to natural compounds that increase mental performance. And enhance your body’s ability to withstand physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption.[xvii]
Actoprotectors are a new subclass of adaptogen that increase physical performance. And some extracts of Panax Ginseng are considered Actoprotectors.
The main difference of Actoprotectors and psychostimulants (caffeine, Ritalin, modafinil, adrafinil, etc.) is that Actoprotectors cause no increase in oxygen consumption or heat production.
The results in improved mental and physical performance are similar. But there’s no “crash” in 4 hours like you get from using a stimulant like Ritalin. You don’t experience the same kind of ‘mental load’ when using ginseng.[xviii]
Ginseng’s steroid-like phytochemical called ginsenosides are what provide this stimulant-like action in the brain. And an improvement in overall quality of life.
One report in 2003 evaluated 9 clinical trials done with humans with ginseng doses from 80 – 400 mg. Study duration spanned 2 – 9 months. And nearly every study evaluated demonstrated some improvement in Quality of Life score.[xix]
Ginseng Recommended Dosage
Dosage of ginseng depends on the extract used, and the quality of the extract. And results seem to be largely dependent on the quantity used.[xx]
To complicate things even more, ginseng dosage depends on the region where its grown, extract strength, and individual needs.
The Chinese for example recommend 2 grams daily while in Europe, the suggested range is 100 – 400 mg daily.
Many naturopaths recommend cycling ginseng. Use it for 3 to 4 weeks and take a week break. Remember, ginseng has steroid-like active compounds. So taking it for extended periods without a break is not recommended.
Ginseng has been and continues to be extensively researched. These doses are based on clinical trial data:
- For stress, anxiety or fatigue: 1-gram ginseng daily dosed 500 mg twice per day
- For Type 2 diabetes: 200 mg per day
- For erectile dysfunction (ED): 900 mg of Panax ginseng 3-times per day
The bottom-line is to stay within the dosage recommended by the ginseng supplement manufacturer.
Ginseng Side Effects
Ginseng is a natural supplement and side effects are generally mild. But it can act as a stimulant in some people. Which can cause anxiety and insomnia.
Long-term use or higher than recommended doses can cause headache, dizziness and stomach upset. If you’re going to use ginseng you should cycle your dosing. Use the recommended dose for 3-4 weeks and take a week off before dosing again.
Women may experience menstrual changes when supplementing with ginseng.
Ginseng is NOT recommended by the under-18 neurohacker. Or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ginseng may affect blood sugar levels. So if you’re taking drugs for diabetes, check with your doctor first before supplementing with ginseng.
Ginseng can interact with:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotic medications
- Stimulants including caffeine, Ritalin, Adderall, modafinil, adrafinil, etc.
- Morphine
Types of Ginseng to buy
Ginseng supplements are made from ginseng root and root hairs. It’s available in dried, powdered, capsule and tablet forms.
Ginseng is also included in some nootropic stacks and other combination supplement formulas. Some with patented ginseng extracts like Cereboost™, GS15-4, and others.
Experienced users of ginseng seem to prefer American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) over Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Each is a unique species of ginseng but both have ginsenosides.
But American Ginseng is cultivated under stricter conditions avoiding pesticides and herbicides. And the colder growing climate encourages higher concentrations of the active ingredients in ginseng.
When buying American ginseng, look for Panax quinquefolius. And when buying Asian ginseng, look for Korean, red or Panax ginseng.
And finally, make sure you buy from a reputable supplement maker. Very recently GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart stores in the U.S. were found to contain either contaminants or little to zero ginseng. Walgreens ginseng brand was found to contain nothing but garlic powder and rice.[xxi]
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Ginseng 100 – 400 mg per day
I recommend using Ginseng as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Ginseng on its own. So you must take it as a standardized supplement.
Ginseng is especially helpful for chronic fatigue. And a great way to provide a natural physical and mental energy boost.
Ginseng provides anti-anxiety and calming effects. And can boost mental alertness, memory, recall, and learning.
Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen that has been used for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese and other cultures used it for overall health.
We suggest starting with a dose of 100 mg daily. You can safely boost it to 4-500 mg per day depending on the brand and extract.
But remember that ginseng has steroid-like qualities. So make sure you cycle it. Use it for 3-4 weeks and take a week off. And don’t take it late in the day as it may interfere with sleep.
Many neurohackers prefer American over Asian ginseng. It has a slightly different ginsenoside profile. And is grown under stricter conditions ensuring quality and safety.
[i] Filaretov A.A., Bogdanova T.S., Podvigina T.T., Bodganov A.I. “Role of pituitary-adrenocortical system in body adaptation abilities.”Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology. 1988 Dec;92(2):129-36. (source)
[ii] Radad K., Gille G., Moldzio R., Saito H., Rausch W.D. “Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 effects on mesencephalic dopaminergic cells stressed with glutamate.” Brain Research. 2004 Sep 17;1021(1):41-53. (source)
[iii] Niederhofer H. “Panax ginseng may improve some symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2009;6(1):22-7. (source)
[iv] Li X.T., Chen R., Jin L.M., Chen H.Y. “Regulation on energy metabolism and protection on mitochondria of Panax ginseng polysaccharide.” American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2009;37(6):1139-52. (source)
[v] Baeg I.H., So S.H. “The world ginseng market and the ginseng (Korea)” Journal of Ginseng Research 2013 Mar; 37(1): 1–7. (source)
[vi] Choi K.T. “Botanical characteristics, pharmacological effects and medicinal components of Korean Panax ginseng C A Meyer.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2008 Sep;29(9):1109-18. (source)
[vii] Reay J.L., Kennedy D.O., Scholey A.B. “Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity.” Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2005 Jul;19(4):357-65. (source)
[viii] Nishiyama N., Cho S.I., Kitagawa I., Saito H. “Malonylginsenoside Rb1 potentiates nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth of cultured chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia.” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1994 Apr;17(4):509-13. (source)
[ix] Jia L., Zhao Y. “Current evaluation of the millennium phytomedicine–ginseng (I): etymology, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, market and regulations.” Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2009;16(19):2475-84. (source)
[x] Ahn J.Y., Choi I.S., Shim J.Y., Yun E.K., Yun Y.S., Jeong G, Song J.Y. “The immunomodulator ginsan induces resistance to experimental sepsis by inhibiting Toll-like receptor-mediated inflammatory signals.”European Journal of Immunology. 2006 Jan;36(1):37-45. (source)
[xi] Wu B., Wang M., Ma Y., Yuan L., Lu S. “High-throughput sequencing and characterization of the small RNA transcriptome reveal features of novel and conserved microRNAs in Panax ginseng.” PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e44385 (source)
[xii] Li C., Cai J., Geng J., Li Y., Wang Z., Li R. “Purification, characterization and anticancer activity of a polysaccharide from Panax ginseng.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2012 Dec;51(5):968-73. (source)
[xiii] Kuo Y.H., Ikegami F., Lambein F. “Neuroactive and other free amino acids in seed and young plants of Panax ginseng.”Phytochemistry. 2003 Apr;62(7):1087-91. (source)
[xiv] Scholey A., Ossoukhova A., Owen L., Ibarra A., Pipingas A., He K., Roller M., Stough C. “Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 2010 Oct;212(3):345-56. (source)
[xv] Ye R., Zhang X., Kong X., Han J., Yang Q., Zhang Y., Chen Y., Li P., Liu J., Shi M., Xiong L., Zhao G. “Ginsenoside Rd attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and sequential apoptosis after transient focal ischemia.” Neuroscience. 2011 Mar 31;178:169-80 (sourcel)
[xvi] Wang J.R., Zhou H., Yi X.Q., Jiang Z.H., Liu L. “Total ginsenosides of Radix Ginseng modulates tricarboxylic acid cycle protein expression to enhance cardiac energy metabolism in ischemic rat heart tissues.”Molecules. 2012 Oct 29;17(11):12746-57. (source)
[xvii] Oliynyk S., Oh S. “The pharmacology of actoprotectors: practical application for improvement of mental and physical performance.”Biomolecules and Therapeutics (Seoul). 2012 Sep;20(5):446-56 (source)
[xviii] Olinyk S., Oh S., “Actoprotective effect of ginseng: improving mental and physical performance” Journal of Ginseng Research 2013 Apr; 37(2): 144–166. (source)
[xix] Coleman C.I., Hebert J.H., Reddy P. “The effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life.” Journal of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Therapy. 2003 Feb;28(1):5-15. (source)
[xx] Kennedy D.O., Scholey A.B., Wesnes K.A. “Dose dependent changes in cognitive performance and mood following acute administration of Ginseng to healthy young volunteers.” Nutritional Neuroscience. 2001;4(4):295-310. (source)
[xxi] O’Connor A. “New York Attorney General Targets Supplements at Major Retailers” The New York Times February 3, 2015. well.blogs.nytimes.com (source) Retrieved May 18, 2016
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Great article, I especially appreciated learning about then fact that ginseng activates multiple enzymes in the Krebs cycle.
Hi David,
I see many reputable brands selling Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng).
Do you have any brand recommendations for American Ginseng?
Brain Forza did sell Wisconsin Ginseng and I do trust that company but they have been sold out for almost a year now (so it will be a while till they stock up on it again). Any recommended brands for American ginseng?
Rifat, this is the purest American Ginseng supplement that I’m aware of and seems to be very effective: https://amzn.to/3irN4mz
Hi David.
I was wondering what you think or know about Ginseng Oil instead of Ginseng?
Ahmed, I haven’t done any research into Ginseng Oil. Only the forms I detail above under “Dosage Notes” and “Available Forms”. I suggest getting the information you need from the manufacturer of that oil.
Hi david
Can Solaray adrenal caps be taken along with korean Ginseng together and the 2 also mix with caffeine?
Wong, I don’t see a problem with Ginseng, but caffeine may work against you because it stimulates the adrenal gland to pump out cortisol.
Hello David. I would be very grateful for your advice.
I am taking Sertraline 200 mg per day and Diazapam 4 mg per day, if needed, as prescribed from my Doctor. Would I also be able to take Panax Ginseng alongside these Medications, safely.
Many thanks.
Greta.
Greta, I checked with the drug interaction checker and neither one appeared to be contraindicated with ginseng (https://www.drugs.com/interaction/list/).
But Ginseng has been known to not react well with prescription antidepressants. Something to double check with your doctor.
Hi David,
I took a Panax Ginseng 250mg tablet but didn’t feel any changes all day. Then I read that the ingredients contained whey, which is a milk derivative. I am extremely lactose-intolerant, so do you think this is the reason why I couldn’t digest it?
Are there ginseng tabs available that don’t contain whey?
Amar, Panax Ginseng supplements should not contain anything other than Panax Ginseng. Try this one: https://amzn.to/3kTqemJ
Can one take siberian ginseng with American Panax/ginseng or Asian ginseng? I really am interested in the eleutherosides that Siberian contains, yet want the benefits of either American ginseng or Asian ginseng too.
Honestly, my goal is to boost overall norepinephrine which moves to epinephrine – Maybe siberian can help cut to the case with boosting epinephrine? oddly I seem ok with dopamine as too much hastens anxiety, paranoia, irritation, etc… (adderall helped with energy, but the dopamine part was overload..even at 10mg), It was wonderful at first..I had so much energy…but that was because it can boost norepinephrine…i can’t take ritalin at all…i just feel angry and anxious…but then I read of how they differed and it made sense. I don’t need the dopamine..i need norepinephrine…
Adding on that micro-dosing with nicotine gum helps, but it seems to boost adrenaline more than anything…Or for me it does. it definitely boosts energy, but sometimes the adrenaline can be too much..(low mao-a too…female with 2 low functioning enzymes on both X chromosomes..feeling annoyed with my parents right now)
My dna report explained alot. I seem to have a diminished enzyme (DBH) that moves dopamine over into norepinephrine and have found this one to be key. If i can boost norepinephrine only, i feel much better. So i cycle adderall as to get that affect. But I am looking for any natural boosters for norepinephrine. Hard to find on it’s own..or so I feel like it is. Any suggestions are welcome.
Tina, Panax Ginseng is the only supplement I can think of that acts like an SNRI. So it specifically effects serotonin and norepinephrine. Not sure if American Ginseng does the same thing.
I can’t imagine there would be a problem using both Panax along with American Ginseng. It’s not common practice. But who wants to be “common” anyway? 🙂
Hey David I have done a lot of lsd and magic mushrooms and really worried I have messed my brain signaling can any supplement help?
Anything that increases Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) should help. https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
Hi David,
Have you heard of Tongkat Ali aka Malaysian Ginseng? It seems to have a lot of evidence behind it for increasing testosterone. I’ve read it also helps anxiety and depression. As we spoke, I am wondering if you know anything about it and if it could be an option to raise my low T vs. getting injections?
John, you can try Tongkat Ali and there are a couple of studies showing it boosts testosterone (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21671978/ and https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237098206_Tongkat_Ali_as_a_Potential_Herbal_Supplement_for_Physically_Active_Male_and_Female_Seniors-A_Pilot_Study).
Hi David,
Can I recommend a French site that produces the highest quality of Siberian Ginseng? It is no chemicals, no GMO, no additive, cold pressure extraction, high concentration 250 g/l Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract, a liquid form so easy to take in water with your supplements.
When you order 5 bottles they give you one free, and it’s free shipping over 69 euros for all countries. Site is in French but I guess from Canada it’s easy to find a translator.
I have been ordering from them for years (I am in Australia) and I am delighted with this small family business. This is not an affiliated link.
phytonika shop
Thank you for sharing Brigitte.
Hi David,
Is Siberian Ginseng very different from the Asian or American varieties?
thanks,
Kevin, Siberian Ginseng does not contain ginsenosides like American and Asian ginseng. Instead, it contains eleutherosides which have a different mechanism of action. It has traditionally been used as an adaptogen, performance enhancer, and it stimulates the immune system. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/siberian-ginseng
You can compare those benefits with the mechanism of action for the ginsengs described above.
Thanks David,
Do you know if the Siberian variety also needs to be cycled?
Kevin, many naturopaths recommend cycling Ginseng because of its steroid-like behavior. That goes for Panax Ginseng and American Ginseng.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero) is nothing like American or Panax Ginseng and is a totally different herb. It does not have the same steroid-like qualities either so does not need to be cycled.
What interaction does this have with Ritalin? Is it just because they are both stimulants so increased heart rate etc.. type of symptoms.
Also is it safe to take fish oil, ginkgo biloba and ritalin, vincopetine together? because from what i understand they are all blood thinners.
Eamonn, Ginseng is an SNRI which means it’ll boost serotonin and norepinephrine. Gingko is an MAOI so it will boost all the catecholamines. So using Ginseng and Ginkgo at recommended dosages with Ritalin is likely a bad idea.
Fish Oil on its own is a bad idea. You need 1,000 mg per day of a high quality DHA supplement: https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/
And Vinpocetine is a great idea because it boosts cerebral circulation while protecting your brain.
The best stack for supporting Ritalin is described in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Fish oil is bad because it can have mercury in it? Is that why you just suggest a DHA supplement? Also what Nootropics would have bad interactions if i took it with Ritalin? Anything that stands out or any class of drugs i should watch out for? Like maoi types of supplements or something like that?
Eamonn, several problems with fish oil including mercury and other toxic contamination, most are not ‘pure’, many are rancid on delivery, and EPA content is much higher than DHA.
Your brain requires 1,000 mg DHA per day which you will not get from a fish oil supplement.
You are correct that MAOIs could be a problem for some people who use Ritalin. But not all people. Each of us is unique and may respond differently. But it is something you need to be aware of.
How are neurotransmitters effected when ginseng + l glutamine is taken with dextroamphetamine ?
Mariah, Ginseng provides neuro-protective effects on the dopaminergic-pathway which can help with dextroamphetamine use. And L-Glutamine is a precursor to GABA so should help you avoid some of the negative side effects of using dextroamphetamine.
Hi David, am I understanding the article correct in that ginseng helps increase serotonin? It also has the effect of increasing dopamine as well, right? Thanks,
Eddie
Eddie, Ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435351 With a mechanism of action in your brain similar to other SNRIs like Effexor and Cymbalta.
Thanks David. Can you recommend something to lower Dopamine? My last lab test reported a slightly elevated level of dopamine. On my genetic report my COMT has two variants. The COMT enzyme preserves dopamine, increasing its bioavailability. These genetic variants are probably causing the issue. Thank you.
Eddie, one of the easiest ways to tamp down dopamine is to increase serotonin. Start with 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed. But be careful because dopamine and serotonin must be in balance or life gets unpleasant.
Thanks David. I will monitor my S/D levels accordingly. I’ve tried tryptophan in the past with no benefits. Would 5HTP be a better option. I do have digestive issues, like IBS/SIBO and may have malabsorption. Would this be the reason why most of the supplements I take don’t seem to make any difference?
Eddie, long-term usage of 5-HTP (over 5 weeks) showed no benefit to mood. It’s a direct precursor to serotonin and it’s much too easy to overdose this supplement as well. L-Tryptophan is a far safer way to raise serotonin levels.
There are a number of reasons why someone would not respond to a supplement. But to “all” supplements seems highly unlikely.
Selecting the right stack of nootropics can take time and certainly be expensive. But sometimes there is no other way to start feeling better unless you make the investment and be willing to try different things until you find what works for you. And there is a high chance that it will take a stack of 6 or 8 different supplements depending on what is causes your issues.
Hey David, in regards to your comment that if Serotonin and Dopamine are not in balance life could get unpleasant. Currently life is not pleasant for me. These are my most recent results for S&D. The results looks like a pretty good imbalance to me. Am I correct? Any comments are welcome. Thanks.
Serotonin, Serum, Result: 54 ng/mL, Ref. Range: 56-244
Dopamine, Plasma, Result: 32 pg/mL, Ref. Range:0 to 30 pg/mL
Eddie, what I mean by “unpleasant” is excess dopamine will cause side effects as will excess serotonin.
I’ve found that you cannot put much faith in blood tests for measuring neurotransmitter levels in your system. Because neurotransmitters are often synthesized in your gut or within brain cell membranes. And have no correlation to what’s in your bloodstream.
The only way to know if they are out of balance is to learn the side effects associated with too little and too much of dopamine and serotonin. Then you know what to watch for and will recognize the cause. It’s takes practice to learn to “listen to your body”. But it’s trying to send you messages all the time. We just need to learn how to listen.
Can you recommend cycling ginseng 5 days on 2 days off indefinitely?
What kind of interactions occur while using ginseng with anti-depressants and/or modafinil?
Are nootropics that have anti-depressant effects considered anti-depressants?
Richard, Many naturopaths recommend cycling ginseng. Use it for 3 to 4 weeks and take a week break. No need to cycle it weekly.
Some nootropics can definitely be classed as “antidepressants” and need to be treated as such. Ginseng is a classic example. Because it is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Which means it boosts serotonin and norepinephrine. So you need to be careful about using it with drugs that boost serotonin and dopamine. I’d be careful stacking this with Modafinil because a spike in norepinephrine could cause heart problems. And stacked with an SSRI could cause Serotonin Syndrome.
for adhd mere mucuna pruriens, rhodiola or resveratrol (a potent MAO-B) (or all of them combined since an active ingredient like mucuna only increases dopa while any of the rest keeps it in the synaptic cleft, to add to that latter too that it’s always best to add the mao or the reuptake inhibitor or both 1st, and anything dopa related molecule later on because of the time it takes for the body to adjust to the former etc)
these said, mere bupropion (yet another pharmocological agent that is made of a plant) can help (albeit much less that what the help would be if you could reach some modafinil which still is not a tenth as potent as ritalin, amphetamines etc) an interesting note and perhaps ‘experiment’ in a way would be mere dhea, it does possess strong dopamine both release and reuptake (it also improves choline concetration a problem only recently identified for most people suffering adhd and/or other neurological, neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerational issues) th deah because it is an active hormone should not be taken too lightly (still studies of over 2000miligrams/day broken in 2 dosages of a gram each, for 12 months or more did not show any problems like altered liver enzymatic processes etc, of course with dhea use for most people any serotonergic or nerepinephrine or dopamine (or a triple agent like panax ginseng for example or venlafaxine if you want to go down the man-made chemicals road) increasing by whatever mechanism agent should not for the most cases be used, unless the severity of the problem is too much and there is a doctor to assess the situation (after all serotonin syndrome is real and possible, etc)
ps. much to sorrow and understanding, the body yet again will built up both tolerance and i strongly suspect that since the body works in opposites, and has feed back mechanisms for everything (despite whatever mainstream medicine+pharmacology understand and/or what to admit) that is also the very problem of the thing too, you increase for example you whatever system, the body even after the original densensatization will try to compensate it by letting either amines be used or by other roots like (auto) upregulating (powered by genetic make up, thus genetic transcription seen and often understood and termed macroscopically as homeostasis), (so, say for example you increase dopa and noradrenaline via whatever mechanism, still after all the initial processes and in the longer run, all these fail simply because of the above homoestasis and similar receptors of different binding molecules but with same molecular outcome i.e. either increase or decrease of something, autogenetic, so for the above example, any such an agent would after a while cause an auto-upregulation of the glycine receptos etc) in other words both because of the very genetics of us and because of the getting used to whatever active agent, medicine is doomed to fail after a while, ideally only genetic modifications could solve it in the long run, a feat i am afraid we are too far away of completely understanding (thus solving too)
TIP: try separating your comment into more paragraphs. It’d be easier to read. But good stuff and thanks.
Hello, David.
Is it better to take ginseng on an empty stomach or with a meal?
I´m taking it together with ginkgo biloba and l-theanin.
Thank you.
Bernardo, good question. The thing is only parts of Ginseng are fat-soluble. Some of the ginsenosides need fat to cross into cells. So taking it with healthy fats or oils is likely best.
Makes sense. I couldn´t find infos about it anywhere (didn´t dig as much either).
Thank you for the answer 🙂
Please remove the citation for the claim that Panax Ginseng has any reuptake inhibitor action in the brain. The study linked had a sample size of three (3!) patients, and itself did not cite or prove that it had this effect. If you’d like to keep the claim, consider these studies on mice as citations instead, as they employ meaningful methods [1][2]
[1] http://sci-hub.tw/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584610002587
[2] http://sci-hub.tw/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874116323285
Ian, your spot-on with using clinical studies with such a small sample sizes. But it used humans and the clinical study you point to uses mice. Nonetheless, thanks for the suggestion.
Hey David! Thanks again for a great write up! I’m already taking Bacopa and am looking at adding Ginkgo and Ginseng for dopaminergic support for my ADHD. Is there any downside to combining these 3 herbs I should be aware of?
Thanks for everything!
Zack, no contraindications I’m aware with these three supplements. But keep recommended dosages in mind when stacking them please.
What are some synergies if using for studying and memory
Jay, this post shows how learning and memory work in your brain. And what I personally use every day: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/