American Ginseng - Parnate (Tranylcypromine) Interaction
Herbal: American Ginseng
Also Known As: Panax quinquefolius, Anchi Ginseng, Baie Rouge, Ginseng, Ginseng Occidental, Ginseng Root, North American Ginseng, Occidental Ginseng, Ontario Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolia, Panax Quinquefolium, Red Berry, Ren Shen, Sang, Shang, Shi Yang Seng, Wisconsin Ginseng
Drug: Tranylcypromine
Brand names:
Parnate
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Tranylcypromine is classified as belonging to the following category: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, American ginseng can interfere with MAOI therapy.
There is one case report of insomnia, headache, and tremors when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. There is also one case report of hypomania when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine. Theoretically, American ginseng may interfere with MAOI therapy.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Shader RI, Greenblatt DJ. Phenelzine and the dream machine-ramblings and reflections. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1985;5:65.
- Jones BD, Runikis AM. Interaction of ginseng with phenelzine. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;7:201-2.
American Ginseng Overview
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a type of plant that is native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and is closely related to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). American ginseng has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have a number of potential health benefits.
American ginseng is often referred to as an "adaptogen," which means that it may help the body to adapt to stress and improve overall well-being. It is commonly used to improve energy and mental clarity, and it has been suggested that it may have potential benefits for immune function, heart health, and diabetes management.
American ginseng dietary supplements are generally standardized to contain 0.052% to 15% total ginsenosides, a group of compounds found in the plant.
Tranylcypromine Overview
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Tranylcypromine is used to treat depression in people who have not been helped by other medications. Tranylcypromine is in a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that are needed to maintain mental balance.
American Ginseng - More Interactions
American Ginseng interacts with 206 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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