Panax Ginseng + Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel brand name: Lybrel.
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 2 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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
These two interact in 2 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 2 Interactions?
Panax Ginseng interacts with whole categories of medication. Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 2 of those categories, so it can interact with Panax Ginseng in 2 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 2Why this applies to Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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.
Your birth control pill, Lybrel, contains ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, and both hormones get partly broken down by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Panax ginseng can nudge that enzyme in either direction, so in theory it could change how much hormone stays in your body. The bigger worry would be if ginseng speeds up the breakdown, since lower hormone levels could make your pill a little less reliable at preventing pregnancy, or lead to spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
I want to be honest though: this is mostly theoretical and based on limited research, not strong proof it weakens your pill. Still, since reliable birth control matters, it is worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before adding ginseng.
- 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
ESTROGENS
2 of 2Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under ESTROGENS.
Laboratory research and some case reports suggest that Panax ginseng can have estrogenic effects due to competition for estrogen receptors. The estrogenic activity is attributed to the ginsenoside constituents of Panax ginseng.
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.
Lybrel is a combination birth control pill that uses ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) plus levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy and steady your hormone levels. Here's the catch with Panax ginseng: lab studies and a few case reports suggest its active compounds (ginsenosides) can act a little like estrogen by latching onto estrogen receptors. In theory, taking large, concentrated ginseng doses alongside your pill could nudge your hormonal balance or add to estrogen-like effects.
That said, this is theoretical and based mostly on lab work, not strong human studies. It's not expected to make your pill stop working. Still, if you notice things like breast tenderness, breakthrough spotting, or mood changes, mention it. Please check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding ginseng, and don't change your pill on your own.
- Palmer BV, Montgomery AC, Monteiro JC, et al. Gin Seng and mastalgia [letter]. BMJ 1978;1:1284. PubMed
- Hopkins MP, Androff L, Benninghoff AS. Ginseng face cream and unexplained vaginal bleeding. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1988;159:1121-2. PubMed
- Greenspan EM. Ginseng and vaginal bleeding [letter]. JAMA 1983;249:2018.
- Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
- Hammond TG, Whitworth JA. Adverse reactions to ginseng [letter]. Med J Aust 1981;1:492.. PubMed
- Punnonen R, Lukola A. Oestrogen-like effect of ginseng. Br Med J 1980;281:1110.. PubMed
- Lee YJ, Jin YR, Lim WC, et al. Ginsenoside-Rb1 acts as a weak phytoestrogen in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26:58-63.. PubMed
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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
This page covers Panax Ginseng only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page lists 239 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Beer (major), Grapefruit (major), Siberian Cocklebur (major) and St. John's Wort (major).
By severity: 6 major · 195 moderate · 38 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page
“A daily birth control pill like Lybrel (ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel) only works when enough hormone stays in the bloodstream, and that is exactly what several supplements on this page can undermine. This list deserves genuine care, starting with the six major-rated entries.”
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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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
#327 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 ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Bupropion ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Mannitol ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Valsartan ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Levodopa ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Digoxin ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Ribavirin Aerosol ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Tocainide ›
- Ropinirole ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Sodium Valproate ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
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
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Is Linked to Lower Levels of 7 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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 Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Together: Common Questions
Can you take Panax Ginseng with Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
Why are there 2 interactions listed for Panax Ginseng and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
How serious is the Panax Ginseng and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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.