Ginseng: Korean vs Siberian
Korean, red, American, Siberian: ginseng labels can describe quite different plants. This guide sorts out which is which, what ginsenoside percentages mean, typical amounts and durations, and who should check with a doctor first, especially people on diabetes or blood-thinning medicines. No health claim for ginseng is authorised in the EU.
What ginseng is
Ginseng usually refers to the root of plants in the Panax genus. Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the most widely used, and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a close relative. The compounds most often measured are ginsenosides, which are used to standardise extracts.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a different plant altogether. It does not contain ginsenosides; its marker compounds are called eleutherosides.
Ginseng root has a long history of traditional use, and the European Medicines Agency recognises some ginseng root preparations as traditional herbal medicines in the EU. As a food supplement, however, no health claim for ginseng is authorised in the EU. Studies have looked at areas such as tiredness and mental performance, but results are mixed, so we focus on forms, amounts and safety. Ginseng products sit in our vitamins and supplements range.
Forms you'll see on labels
| Form | What to know |
|---|---|
| Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) | The classic ginseng. Sold as root powder or extract. |
| Red ginseng | Panax ginseng root that has been steamed and dried, which changes its colour and ginsenoside profile. |
| White ginseng | Panax ginseng root that has simply been dried. |
| American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) | A related species with a different ginsenoside mix. Not interchangeable with Korean ginseng. |
| Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) | A different plant with no ginsenosides. EMA advises adults not to take it for more than 2 months. |
| Standardised extract (for example 4% or 8% ginsenosides) | The percentage lets you compare strength. A 5:1 extract is five parts root concentrated into one. |
| Honey and royal jelly mixes, energy multivitamins | Ginseng is one ingredient among many, often in small or unstated amounts. |
Examples from our shelves for some of the forms in the table above.
Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)Alfa Vitamins Korean Ginseng 1000 mg, 60 CapsulesBHD8.900
Standardised extract (for example 4% or 8% ginsenosides)Health Aid Royal 3, 30 CapsulesBHD11.020
Honey and royal jelly mixes, energy multivitaminsHoney MAX Honey with Royal Jelly and Ginseng, 24 SachetsBHD39.600
Honey and royal jelly mixes, energy multivitaminsCentrum Energy, 100 TabletsBHD15.700How much: typical amounts and duration
- NRV: none. Ginseng is not a nutrient.
- Upper limit: no EFSA upper limit has been set.
- Typical amounts: root powder products often provide around 1,000 mg a day, while standardised extracts are usually in the low hundreds of milligrams.
- Duration: NCCIH describes short-term use, up to 6 months, as appearing safe for most adults; long-term safety is less certain. Some people take ginseng in courses with breaks.
- Food sources: ginseng teas and drinks, though amounts are rarely stated.
Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: oral ginseng may be unsafe in pregnancy, and EMA does not recommend its ginseng herbal medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Children and under-18s: EMA does not recommend Panax ginseng herbal medicines under 18. Check the age on the pack and ask a doctor or pharmacist.
- Diabetes: ginseng may lower blood sugar, so people taking diabetes medicines should ask first.
- Blood thinners and surgery: ginseng may interfere with blood clotting. Ask before combining it with warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines, and tell your surgeon.
- Autoimmune conditions: ginseng may make these worse.
- Sleep and caffeine: trouble sleeping is the most common side effect, so take it earlier in the day and watch your caffeine.
- Anyone taking regular prescription medicines.
How to read the label
- Species: look for the Latin name. Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius and Eleutherococcus senticosus are not the same.
- Root powder or extract: 1,000 mg of powder and 200 mg of extract are not directly comparable.
- Ginsenoside percentage: multiply the extract weight by the percentage to estimate ginsenosides per serving.
- Per serving: check how many capsules, tablets or sachets make one serving and how many days the pack lasts.
- Blends: honey sachets may give ginseng as a percentage of the sachet. 4% of a 10 g sachet is 400 mg.
Bahrain and GCC notes
Ginseng honey sachets are popular gifts in the Gulf. Count them towards your total if you also take a ginseng capsule or energy multivitamin. Store products away from heat and humidity, and in Ramadan consider taking ginseng with suhoor rather than late at night, as it can affect sleep in some people.
Reading a real label
Alfa Vitamins Korean Ginseng 1000 mg, 60 Capsules| On the label | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1,000 mg Panax ginseng root powder | Per 2 capsules: whole root, not an extract |
| No ginsenoside percentage | Root powder is not standardised; extracts list a % |
| Gelatin capsule | Not suitable for vegetarians |
| 60 capsules = 30 servings | A one-month supply |
No health claim is authorised for this ingredient in the EU. We share facts only.
Products with Ginseng
Always read the label and check the amount per serving.
HEALTH AIDHealth Aid Sexovit Forte, 30 TabletsOut of stock
Honey MAXHoney MAX Honey with Royal Jelly and Ginseng, 24 SachetsBHD39.600
CENTRUMCentrum Energy, 100 TabletsBHD15.700
Alfa vitaminsAlfa Vitamins Korean Ginseng 1000 mg, 60 CapsulesBHD8.900
HEALTH AIDHealth Aid Royal 3, 30 CapsulesBHD11.020Frequently asked questions
Is Siberian ginseng real ginseng?
It is a different plant, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and does not contain ginsenosides. Its safety guidance, including a 2-month limit from EMA, is also different.
What is the difference between red and white ginseng?
Both come from Panax ginseng root. Red ginseng is steamed before drying, which changes its colour and ginsenoside profile.
Can ginseng affect blood sugar?
Ginseng may lower blood sugar, so people taking diabetes medicines should check with their doctor first.
Why might ginseng keep me awake?
Trouble sleeping is the most commonly reported side effect. Taking it earlier in the day and limiting caffeine may help.
Is there an authorised EU health claim for ginseng?
No. No health claim for ginseng is authorised in the EU.
