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Dietary supplement

American Ginseng-V Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

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

American Ginseng-V is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories 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 Herbal extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories

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

American Ginseng-V contains one active ingredient: American ginseng herbal extract. It's a traditional adaptogen herb believed to support energy, immunity, and general wellness.

The capsules also contain cellulose and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients to hold everything together.

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).

The evidence we hold shows American ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)—the common colds and sore throats most of us catch. For anemia of chronic disease and breast cancer, the evidence is too thin to rate.

If you're thinking about this supplement for a URTI, the data suggests it may help, but talk with us about whether it's right for your situation.

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 short-term in healthy adults, but quality and dosing vary widely, and we don't have solid long-term safety data. Headache has been reported in some users.

Because some laboratory research raises concerns, it's best avoided during pregnancy. There isn't enough safety data on breastfeeding, so avoidance is the safer choice if you're nursing.

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 taking this product, check with us if you take warfarin (Major interaction), MAOIs, immunosuppressants, or antidiabetes drugs (all Moderate interactions). These are the medication types most likely to be affected by American ginseng.

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 may help with cold symptoms, but it's a serious concern if you take warfarin or older antidepressants. If you're on blood-sugar drugs or immunosuppressants, check first.

Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your pharmacist before starting—especially if you take any prescription medications.

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 Jun 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-V, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 310539673324
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 1, 2012
DSLD ID 9637
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-V by Douglas Laboratories, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
310539673324
IngredientAmount% DV
American Ginseng Herbal extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable 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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Standardized Herbal Extract Supplement

Precautions

Note: If pregnant or nursing consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.

Stop use and consult your health care professional if allergic reactions occur.

Storage

For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)

General

Formula #77332

General Statements

The root of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), of the Araliaceae family contains more than 20 saponin triterpenoid glycosides, called ginsenosides. American Ginseng has more RB1 than RG1 ginsenosides. This extract is standardized at 5% ginsenosides.

Standardized Herbal Extract Supplement 5% ginsenosides

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily between meals, or as advised by your health care professional. If digestive irritation occurs, take with meals.

See for yourself

American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

American Ginseng Herbal extract

Interacts with
217 drugs
200 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 Herbal extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against American Ginseng-V?

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-V 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 Ginseng Herbal extract4 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-V, from the product label.

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does American Ginseng-V by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, American Ginseng-V 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-V 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-V while I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against it—American ginseng is rated possibly unsafe during pregnancy because some lab research raises concerns. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way, so avoidance is the safer choice while you're nursing. Your pharmacist or doctor can help you decide what's best for your situation.
Does this really help with colds?
The evidence we have shows American ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory infections—that's the scientific term for colds and sore throats. It's not a sure thing, but it may help.
What side effects might I notice?
Headache has been reported with American ginseng use. If you notice headache or any other unusual symptoms, let us know.
Is this safe to take long-term?
We don't have solid long-term safety data. It's generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but quality and dosing vary, so long-term use isn't well studied. Talk with your pharmacist about how long you plan to take it.

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

Not sure if American Ginseng-V is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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-V label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

American Ginseng-V'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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