Origin & tradition
Ren Shen (人参) is the most revered tonic in Chinese medicine, used for centuries to restore vital energy, resilience, and recovery.
Eastern tradition · Tonic Herbs
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) 人参
The archetypal adaptogen; ginsenoside-rich extracts extend healthspan in model organisms via mitochondrial and stress pathways.
217ClinicalTrials.gov matched
328PubMed RCT records
152Meta-analysis records
6+PubMed records
GinsenosidesKey active compound
Data definition. Matched records include all indexed medical endpoints for this intervention — not only longevity. Longevity-relevant records are screened separately and cited in the evidence summary below. Counts are matched-record volumes, not de-duplicated trials and not efficacy claims.
Why longevity buyers care
Key active: Ginsenosides (Re, Rg3) — botanical extract.
Ginseng's activity is carried by ginsenosides (Re, Rg3, etc.). Recent work shows ginsenoside-rich extracts and ginseng volatile oil extend lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans via mitochondrial function.
Effect summary
Studied health outcomes
Editorial summary — This table is curated by hand from published research consensus, not automatically calculated from our trial database. Grades reflect our interpretation of the literature. Treat as a starting point, not a definitive verdict. See the Evidence panel below for the underlying trial and paper counts sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed.
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental fatigue | Decreases | Strong | A |
| Cognitive function / working memory | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Fasting blood glucose | Decreases | Moderate | B |
| Erectile function | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Immune function | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Physical endurance | Increases | Minor | C |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
How Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is typically used
- Typical dose
- 200–400 mg/day standardized extract
- Form
- capsule (KG-C, G115, or equivalent, standardized to 4–7% ginsenosides)
- Timing
- morning, ideally on empty stomach or before meals
Panax ginseng (Asian/Korean) is distinct from Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) and Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng). G115 is the most-studied extract. Cycle 2–3 months on, 2 weeks off.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
What the research actually says
78Evidence confidence
Extensive human-trial evidence328 randomized controlled trials · 152 meta-analyses / systematic reviews
Large clinical literature on energy/cognition; longevity endpoints mostly model-organism
Ginseng's activity is carried by ginsenosides (Re, Rg3, etc.). Recent work shows ginsenoside-rich extracts and ginseng volatile oil extend lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans via mitochondrial function.
217registered clinical trials reference this intervention
2selected from 6+ PubMed papers (longevity / aging angle)
Key active: Ginsenosides (Re, Rg3) — botanical extract — a multi-compound botanical extract, so activity is not reducible to a single molecule.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-07-19. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) appears in
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