Panax ginseng in psychiatric disorders: Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.
7 affiliations
- 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 18450, Republic of Korea.
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 24252, Republic of Korea.
- 3Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, 07247, Republic of Korea.
- 4Department of Psychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Seoul, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea.
- 5Department of Neuropsychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Republic of Korea.
- 6Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 18450, Republic of Korea.
- 7Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a traditional medicinal herb with a long-standing history as a tonic and adaptogen. Accumulating evidence suggests its therapeutic potential for enhancing mood and cognition, as well as mitigating stress-related psychiatric conditions. This comprehensive review assesses the neuropharmacological mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects of Panax ginseng in psychiatric disorders, based on preclinical and clinical data. Ginseng and its active constituents, particularly ginsenosides, modulate key neurotransmitter systems-including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid-while exerting neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress responses. Preclinical models have shown antidepressant and anxiolytic properties comparable to conventional pharmacotherapies, alongside pro-cognitive and neuroprotective actions. Although clinical evidence remains emerging, existing studies indicate potential benefits for depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, specifically improving symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Consequently, Panax ginseng may hold promise as an adjunctive therapy for various psychiatric disorders. Its multimodal mechanisms-encompassing monoamine modulation, neurotrophic support, and adaptogenic stress reduction-provide a rationale for its clinical application. Nonetheless, rigorous large-scale clinical trials are essential to confirm efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and ensure safety.
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BibTeX
@article{choi2026panax,
title = {{Panax ginseng in psychiatric disorders: Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.}},
author = {Hye Ji Choi and Young Min Choe and Ji-Hyun Kim and Guk-Hee Suh and Boung Chul Lee and Jaeuk Hwang and Shin Gyeom Kim and Hyun Soo Kim and Dahyun Yi and Jee Wook Kim},
journal = {Journal of ginseng research},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101151},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42948602},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Panax ginseng in psychiatric disorders: Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.
AU - Hye Ji Choi
AU - Young Min Choe
AU - Ji-Hyun Kim
AU - Guk-Hee Suh
AU - Boung Chul Lee
AU - Jaeuk Hwang
AU - Shin Gyeom Kim
AU - Hyun Soo Kim
AU - Dahyun Yi
AU - Jee Wook Kim
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/31
JO - Journal of ginseng research
DO - 10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101151
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42948602
AB - Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a traditional medicinal herb with a long-standing history as a tonic and adaptogen. Accumulating evidence suggests its therapeutic potential for enhancing mood and cognition, as well as mitigating stress-related psychiatric conditions. This comprehensive review assesses the neuropharmacological mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects of Panax ginseng in psychiatric disorders, based on preclinical and clinical data. Ginseng and its active constituents, particularly ginsenosides, modulate key neurotransmitter systems-including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid-while exerting neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress responses. Preclinical models have shown antidepressant and anxiolytic properties comparable to conventional pharmacotherapies, alongside pro-cognitive and neuroprotective actions. Although clinical evidence remains emerging, existing studies indicate potential benefits for depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, specifically improving symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Consequently, Panax ginseng may hold promise as an adjunctive therapy for various psychiatric disorders. Its multimodal mechanisms-encompassing monoamine modulation, neurotrophic support, and adaptogenic stress reduction-provide a rationale for its clinical application. Nonetheless, rigorous large-scale clinical trials are essential to confirm efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and ensure safety.
SN - 1226-8453
SN - 2093-4947
ER -