Last update July 16, 2025

Ginseng

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Roots of shrub are used. It contains saponins (ginsenosides). Attributed properties that are not based on proven clinical results (Vogler 1999) are: stimulant of CNS, inductor of hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia, agonistic action on estrogen secretion.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

It is a widely used plant on many cultures and countries for medical purposes (Amer 2015, Sim 2013, Tesch 2003), even during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Holst 2008), with no side-effects reported. (Seely 2008)

This plant is widely used in many cultures and countries for medicinal purposes (Amer 2015, Sim 2013, Tesch 2003), including during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Holst 2008), with no reported complications (Seely 2008, Coon 2002), except for some isolated cases of gynaecomastia and breast pain. (Amer 2015, Seely 2008, Coon 2002) and one case of androgenisation in a newborn whose mother consumed large amounts of ginseng chronically during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Koren 1990)

Based on its low toxicity (Lee 2011), an occasional and moderate use is not regarded as risky while breastfeeding. (Amir 2011)

The excessive use of estrogenic agonists may decrease milk production.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Ginseng in other languages or writings:

Group

Ginseng belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Ginseng in its composition:

List of 42 tradenames

References

  1. EMA. European Union herbal monograph on Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., radix. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2024 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Amer MR, Cipriano GC, Venci JV, Gandhi MA. Safety of Popular Herbal Supplements in Lactating Women. J Hum Lact. 2015 Abstract
  3. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  5. Lee NH, Son CG. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of ginseng. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract
  7. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  8. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 4. WHO monographs. 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Seely D, Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of panax ginseng during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Holst L, Nordeng H, Haavik S. Use of herbal drugs during early pregnancy in relation to maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2008 Abstract
  11. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Abstract
  12. Coon JT, Ernst E. Panax ginseng: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions. Drug Saf. 2002 Abstract
  13. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Vogler BK, Pittler MH, Ernst E. The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1999 Abstract
  15. Koren G, Randor S, Martin S, Danneman D. Maternal ginseng use associated with neonatal androgenization. JAMA. 1990 Abstract
  16. Wong HB. Effects of herbs and drugs during pregnancy and lactation. J Singapore Paediatr Soc. 1979 Abstract

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