Panax Ginseng + Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate
Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate brand name: Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate.
Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate falls into 3 drug categories that Panax Ginseng can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Panax ginseng might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full interaction reportPanax Ginseng and Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Panax Ginseng interacts with whole categories of medication. Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Panax Ginseng in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
1 of 3Why this applies to Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate
Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES — the group Panax Ginseng interacts with.
Panax ginseng may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. One such drug is imatinib. Inhibition of CYP3A4 was believed to be responsible for a case of imatinib-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast, Panax ginseng has been shown to increase the clearance of midazolam, another drug metabolized by CYP3A4. Clinical research shows that Panax ginseng can reduce midazolam area under the curve by 44%, maximum plasma concentration by 26%, and time to reach maximum plasma concentration by 29%. Midazolam metabolism was also increased in animals given Panax ginseng. Until more is known, use Panax ginseng cautiously in combination with CYP3A4 substrates.
Interaction 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.
Here's the honest picture. Caffeine and sodium benzoate is the same caffeine you know, just paired with a compound that helps it dissolve for injection or oral use. The body clears caffeine mainly through a liver enzyme called CYP1A2, not the CYP3A4 pathway that this ginseng note is built around. So the specific data here (which involves drugs like midazolam and imatinib) doesn't map cleanly onto caffeine.
Because of that mismatch, I wouldn't expect a strong, predictable interaction, and what evidence exists is theoretical. The bigger real-world concern is overlap: both ginseng and caffeine can be stimulating, so together they may leave you jittery, restless, or struggling to sleep. If you take both regularly, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Malati CY, Robertson SM, Hunt JD, Chairez C, Alfaro RM, Kovacs JA, Penzak SR. Influence of Panax ginseng on cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity in healthy participants. J Clin Pharmacol 2012;52(6):932-9.
- Bilgi N, Bell K, Ananthakrishnan AN, Atallah E. Imatinib and Panax ginseng: a potential interaction resulting in liver toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44(5):926-8.
- Kim Y, Jo JJ, Cho P, et al. Characterization of red ginseng-drug interaction by CYP3A activity increased in high dose administration in mice. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2020;41(7):295-306. PubMed
STIMULANT DRUGS
2 of 3Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate also falls under STIMULANT DRUGS.
Panax ginseng has been shown to have stimulant effects.
Interaction 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.
Here's the simple version: caffeine (the active part of caffeine and sodium benzoate) is already a stimulant, and Panax ginseng can have mild stimulant-like effects of its own. Put them together and you may just be stacking two pep-ups on top of each other. The concern isn't that one blocks the other, it's that the effects could add up.
In real life that might mean feeling jittery, a racing or pounding heart, trouble falling asleep, restlessness, or an upset stomach. I'll be honest with you though, this is a theoretical caution based on how these two behave, not strong proof, so for most healthy folks it's a minor issue. Still, if you notice you feel wired or your heart is fluttering, ease back and check with your pharmacist or doctor before changing anything.
- Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.
- Gonzalez-Seijo JC, Ramos YM, Lastra I. Manic episode and ginseng: Report of a possible case. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;15:447-8.
CAFFEINE
3 of 3Panax ginseng has been shown to have stimulant effects. Theoretically, caffeine might have an additive effect on the stimulant effects of Panax ginseng.
Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..
Here's the simple version: Panax ginseng can act like a mild stimulant on its own, and the medicine you're asking about is basically a concentrated form of caffeine. Putting two stimulants together can add up. So instead of changing how your body breaks the drug down, this is more of a 'piling on' effect, where the two nudge each other in the same direction.
What that might feel like is a jittery, wired sensation, a racing or pounding heart, trouble falling asleep, restlessness, or feeling anxious. To be fair, this concern is largely theoretical and based on limited evidence, so it's not a hard 'never.' Still, if you notice you're more on edge or sleepless, that combo could be why. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing them, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine.
- Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.
- Gonzalez-Seijo JC, Ramos YM, Lastra I. Manic episode and ginseng: Report of a possible case. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;15:447-8.
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- 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.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Panax Ginseng Also Interacts With Other Medications
Panax Ginseng has 1,129 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Panax Ginseng
We haven’t checked that one against Panax Ginseng yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Panax Ginseng. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate
This page covers Panax Ginseng only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate page lists 208 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Ephedra (major), Grapefruit (major), Peyote (major) and Rauvolfia Vomitoria (major).
By severity: 7 major · 155 moderate · 46 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate page
“Caffeine and sodium benzoate is itself a stimulant medication, so the supplements most likely to cause trouble are the ones doing the same job. Seven of the 208 ingredients on file rate major, several of them stimulant herbs such as ephedra that can pile extra blood pressure and heart strain onto a drug already revving the nervous system.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Panax Ginseng as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 517 real supplement products containing Panax Ginseng, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Panax Ginseng. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate too, on top of Panax Ginseng — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Panax Ginseng and Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#240 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#406 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Panax Ginseng
What is Panax Ginseng?
- Boosting energy and fighting fatigue
- Improving mental focus and memory
- Coping with stress (adaptogen)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Supporting immune health
- Blood sugar support
Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb used to boost energy, ease stress, and support overall wellness, though scientific evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary. It is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but it can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.
Other Drugs & Panax Ginseng
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Panax Ginseng — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,129 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Phentermine ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Nicotine ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Procainamide ›
- Pseudoephedrine ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Diethylpropion ›
- Everolimus ›
Showing 60 of 1,129 moderate interactions — see all 1,129 on the Panax Ginseng page.
No interaction 1,700 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Panax Ginseng against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Bupropion ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Valsartan ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Digoxin ›
- Tocainide ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Sodium Valproate ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Telmisartan ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,700 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Panax Ginseng list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
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
Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Panax Ginseng — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Panax Ginseng and Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate Together: Common Questions
Can you take Panax Ginseng with Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Panax Ginseng and Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate?
How serious is the Panax Ginseng and Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.