Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

American Ginseng 300 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson Superior Herbs

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

American Ginseng 300 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson Superior Herbs with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and energy support, immune support and colds, blood sugar management.Based on those ingredients, 217 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are American Ginseng. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: American Ginseng and American Ginseng root extract. Both are forms of the same plant and work the same way in your body.

The inactive ingredients — gelatin, maltodextrin, rice extract, and silica — are fillers and capsule materials that don't have a therapeutic role.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded American Ginseng's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports American Ginseng for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

American ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections (the common cold and similar illnesses). For anemia of chronic disease and breast cancer, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to rate whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient American Ginseng

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Short-term use is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, but quality and strength vary between products, and long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Headache has been reported with American ginseng use.

Because of insufficient safety data and some lab concerns, this supplement should be avoided during pregnancy. There's also too little known about its safety while breastfeeding, so the safer choice is to avoid it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient American Ginseng

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — American Ginseng.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 217 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this, double-check if you're on warfarin (Coumadin) — this is a Major interaction. Also flag any diabetes medications, immune suppressants, or MAOIs (older antidepressants like phenelzine).

If you take any of these, talk with your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

American ginseng might be worth considering if you're trying to prevent or shorten a cold and you don't take warfarin, diabetes medications, immune suppressants, or MAOIs. If you take any prescription medication, check it against this product first — especially blood thinners and diabetes drugs.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about American Ginseng 300 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson Superior Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 087614140032
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2019
DSLD ID 206587
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614140032
IngredientAmount% DV
American Ginseng200 mg--
American Ginseng root extract300 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Rice extract, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Standardized Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Guaranteed Purity & Potency

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking any prescription medication or if you have a medical condition.

Not recommended for long-term use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule two times per day with food and water.

General Statements

To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com

See for yourself

American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

American Ginseng

Interacts with
217 drugs
200 mg per serving

American ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the...

American Ginseng monograph & interactions

American Ginseng root extract

Interacts with
217 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Ginsenosides

American ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the...

American Ginseng root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Rice extract, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against American Ginseng 300 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
217Drugs
2 Major 215 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in American Ginseng 300 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

American Ginseng4 drug types · 217 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

American ginseng seems to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.
Healthy patients receiving warfarin 5 mg daily, who also take American ginseng 1 gram twice daily, seem to have a significantly reduced international normalized ratio (INR).

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking American ginseng with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
American ginseng seems to lower postprandial blood glucose. Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects and possibly cause hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, American ginseng use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
American ginseng seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, American ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for American Ginseng 300 mg, from the product label.

Swanson Superior Herbs

See all Swanson Superior Herbs products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs: Common Questions

Does American Ginseng 300 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, American Ginseng 300 mg has a known interaction with 217 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
American Ginseng 300 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against it. There isn't enough data, and some lab research raises concern. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is it safe while I'm breastfeeding?
There's too little known about safety during breastfeeding, so avoidance is the safer choice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What is American ginseng supposed to do?
It's possibly effective for helping prevent or shorten upper respiratory infections like the common cold. The evidence for other uses — like anemia or cancer — isn't strong enough yet.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes, it contains gelatin, maltodextrin, rice extract, and silica as inactive ingredients to hold the capsule together and preserve it.
What side effects might I notice?
Headache has been reported with American ginseng use. Short-term use is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, though quality and strength vary between products.
Why are there two forms of American ginseng in this product?
The product contains both American Ginseng and American Ginseng root extract — both are the same plant and work the same way; the extract is just a concentrated or processed form.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if American Ginseng 300 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

American Ginseng 300 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

American Ginseng 300 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 12 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

American Ginseng 12 references
  1. Shader RI, Greenblatt DJ. Phenelzine and the dream machine-ramblings and reflections. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1985;5:65. PubMed
  2. Jones BD, Runikis AM. Interaction of ginseng with phenelzine. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;7:201-2. PubMed
  3. Janetzky K, Morreale AP. Probable interaction between warfarin and ginseng. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1997;54:692-3. PubMed
  4. Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VY, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1009-13. PubMed
  5. Vuksan V, Stavro MP, Sievenpiper JL, et al. Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1221-6. PubMed
  6. Chan LY, Chiu PY, Lau TK. An in-vitro study of ginsenoside Rb(1)-induced teratogenicity using a whole rat embryo culture model. Hum Reprod 2003;18:2166-8..
  7. McElhaney JE, Gravenstein S, Cole SK, et al. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng (CVT-E002) to Prevent Acute Respiratory Illness in Institutionalized Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52:13-9. PubMed
  8. Yuan CS, Wei G, Dey L, et al. American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2004;141:23-7.
  9. Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, et al. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ 2005;173:1043-8.. PubMed
  10. McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, et al. Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:153-7. PubMed
  11. Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin RE, et al. Immune modulating effects of daily supplementation of COLD-fX (a proprietary extract of North American ginseng) in healthy adults. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2006;39:162-167. DOI
  12. Stavro PM, Woo M, Leiter LA, et al. Long-term intake of North American ginseng has no effect on 24-hour blood pressure and renal function. Hypertension 2006;47(4):791-6. PubMed

See these in context on the American Ginseng monograph →

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

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