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Dietary supplement

Wild American Ginseng Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

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

Wild American Ginseng is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine 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 Wild American Ginseng. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: Wild American Ginseng. American ginseng is a root traditionally used to support immune function and energy.

The capsule shell is the only other ingredient.

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: adaptogenic tonic herb to cope with stress.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cancer-related fatigue, Menopausal symptoms, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Stress management, Energy and vitality, Immune support.
  • 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 Cancer-related fatigue, Menopausal symptoms.

American ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) — the common cold and similar illnesses. For anemia of chronic disease and breast cancer, the evidence in our data is insufficient 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.

American ginseng is generally well tolerated in healthy adults over the short term, but quality and dosing vary between products, and long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Headache is the most commonly reported side effect.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy — lab research raises concern, so it's best avoided. Breastfeeding safety is also unclear; there isn't enough data to know either way.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in either situation.

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, double-check your exact medications if you use warfarin (Coumadin) — the risk is Major. Also verify with your pharmacist if you take immunosuppressants, antidiabetes drugs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), all Moderate interactions.

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.

If you're looking for support during a cold, American ginseng may be worth considering. But if you take warfarin, immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, or an older antidepressant (MAOI), you need to check with your pharmacist first — this supplement can affect how they work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and talk to your doctor.

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 Jan 25, 2013.

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 Wild American Ginseng, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904007253
Net contents 50 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2013
DSLD ID 17735
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
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 Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine, 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
25
UPC/BARCODE
099904007253
IngredientAmount% DV
Wild American Ginseng1010 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

RECOMMENDATION Take two capsules daily with a meal.

Precautions

This bottle was sealed for your protection. Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

General Statements

This adaptogenic, revitalizing, tonic herb helps the body cope with change and life's stresses.*

Glandular System Support

Product of U.S.A.

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials in its products that are subject to color variation.

Herb Specialists Since 1972

GUARANTEED PURE

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General

Stock No. 725-8

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2011

Seals/Symbols

Nature's Sunshine QUALITY, SERVICE, INTEGRITY(R)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine

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 container25 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wild American Ginseng

Interacts with
217 drugs
1010 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...

Wild American Ginseng monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Wild American Ginseng?

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 Wild American Ginseng 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.

Wild 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 Wild American Ginseng, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc
City
Spanish Fork
State
Utah
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Wild American Ginseng by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Wild American Ginseng 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?
Wild American Ginseng 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 this if I'm on warfarin?
Not without talking to your pharmacist or doctor first. American ginseng may reduce how well warfarin works, which is serious. Your blood-thinning levels could drop without adjustment to your dose.
What's the main side effect?
Headache is the one most commonly reported. Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated in the short term in healthy people.
Does American ginseng actually help with colds?
It's possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections — there's evidence it may help, though it's not proven. For other uses like anemia or breast cancer, the evidence in our data isn't established yet.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Long-term safety hasn't been well studied. We know it's generally well tolerated short-term, but quality and dosing vary between products, so stay in touch with your pharmacist if you're taking it regularly.
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against it in pregnancy because of lab findings, and there isn't enough information about breastfeeding safety. Talk with your doctor about your options.

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

Not sure if Wild American Ginseng is safe with your meds?

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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.

Wild American Ginseng label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Wild American Ginseng'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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