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Dietary supplement

American Ginseng Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

American Ginseng Root label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking American Ginseng Root against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

American Ginseng Root is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 1 active ingredient. 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.

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Check Your Meds Against American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: American ginseng root. The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose and vegetable-derived magnesium stearate, which are the capsule material and a flow agent.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mental and physical calmness adaptogen.
  • We looked for evidence on: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cancer-related fatigue, Cognitive function, Menopausal symptoms, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), stress — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: American Ginseng is rated "Possibly Effective" for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: American Ginseng is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cancer-related fatigue, Cognitive function, Menopausal symptoms.

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

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.

American ginseng is generally well tolerated in the short term for healthy adults, though quality and dosing vary widely between products, and long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Headache has been reported by some users.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data and some lab research raises concern, so the safer choice is to avoid it. While breastfeeding, too little is known about safety, so avoidance is recommended.

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.

Check these medication types before starting: warfarin or other blood thinners (Major interaction), immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, and MAOIs. Don't start this product without talking to your pharmacist if you're on any of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

American ginseng may help with colds and upper respiratory infections. If you take warfarin, immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, or MAOIs, talk to your pharmacist before starting—this one needs a careful check.

For short-term use in healthy adults without those medications, it's generally well tolerated, but run your exact medications through the checker first.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 1, 2012.

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 Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000162268
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 1, 2012
DSLD ID 12555
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Dairy Free
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 Root by Nature's Answer, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
083000162268
IngredientAmount% DV
American Ginseng1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, vegetable-derived magnesium stearate

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.
General Statements

American Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolium) is used as an "adaptogen", helping to promote mental and physical calmness. Although it has many similar properties to Korean Ginseng, American Ginseng is often preferred if used on a day to day, long term basis.

Unconditionally Guaranteed.

Promotes Adaptation to Stress*

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Also available in a Holistically Balanced(R) Concentrated Liquid Extract.

NATURE'S ANSWER(R) capsules feature the highest quality or organic, responsibly wildcrafted or cultivated herbs, which maintain the naturally-occurring constituents found in the plant. They are carefully selected and finely milled (micronized), allowing faster absorption by the body; Manufactured to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards; Free of synthetic ingredients.

(C)2002 NATURE’S ANSWER(R) INC

Precautions

CAUTION: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

If pregnant, nursing or on medication, consult with your healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take two (2) capsules two times a day, preferably with food or water.

General

18226B 0802

Formula

SINGLE HERB

Seals/Symbols

(C)(Image)NATURE'S ANSWER(R) Since 1972

K PARVE

FDA Statement of Identity

SINGLE HERB Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer label

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

American Ginseng Root label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

American Ginseng

Interacts with
217 drugs
1000 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable-derived magnesium stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against American Ginseng Root?

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

American Ginseng 217

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in American Ginseng Root interact with 217 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in American Ginseng Root interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. American Ginseng

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in American Ginseng Root 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
American Ginseng full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
NATURE'S ANSWER Quality Without Question(TM) Pioneers Since 1972
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788-3943
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does American Ginseng Root by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, American Ginseng Root 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 Root contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 American ginseng if I'm pregnant?
No. There isn't enough safety data, and some lab research raises concern. The safer choice is to avoid it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives if you're looking for immune support.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Too little is known about safety while breastfeeding, so avoidance is the safer choice. If you're interested in immune support, ask your pharmacist what options are better studied during lactation.
What is American ginseng used for?
American ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections—things like colds and similar illnesses. For other conditions like anemia or cancer, the evidence isn't strong enough yet to say it works.
Are there any side effects?
Headache has been reported by some users. Overall, it's generally well tolerated in the short term for healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied, and quality varies between products.
Does this product contain anything besides American ginseng?
The capsule contains vegetable cellulose and vegetable-derived magnesium stearate—those are inactive ingredients that hold the ginseng together. The active ingredient is the American ginseng itself.

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

Not sure if American Ginseng Root 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 Root label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind American Ginseng Root’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

American Ginseng

Interacts with 217 drugs

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 chance or length of colds and modestly l...

Read the full American Ginseng monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

American Ginseng Root'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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