Panax Ginseng: A Plain Guide
Updated 2026-09-20 · 6 min read
Half the confusion around ginseng comes from the word being attached to plants that are not related to each other. Here is how to tell which one you are actually buying.
Three different plants, one word
When a label says ginseng, it could mean any of several plants. Only two are true ginseng, in the botanical sense of belonging to the genus Panax.
| Common name | Botanical name | True ginseng? |
|---|---|---|
| Asian, Korean or red ginseng | Panax ginseng | Yes |
| American ginseng | Panax quinquefolius | Yes, a different species |
| Siberian ginseng | Eleutherococcus senticosus | No. A different plant family entirely |
Siberian ginseng is the one that causes the most confusion. It is not a Panax species, it does not contain ginsenosides, and it is not interchangeable with Asian ginseng despite the shared common name. If a product just says ginseng with no botanical name, you do not actually know what you have bought.
Ginsenosides, the active compounds
The compounds researchers focus on in Panax species are called ginsenosides. There are dozens of them, they are named with codes like Rb1, Rg1 and Rg3, and different ones behave differently. This matters more than it sounds: two ginseng products with the same milligram count can have quite different ginsenoside profiles depending on the species, the age of the root, and how it was processed.
Red versus white ginseng
Both come from the same plant. White ginseng is simply dried. Red ginseng is steamed before drying, which changes its colour and converts some ginsenosides into other forms. Red ginseng is generally the more expensive preparation.
How to read an extract ratio
Extracts are often labelled with a ratio such as 4:1, or with a standardisation such as 5% ginsenosides. These mean different things and are the single most misread part of a ginseng label.
- A ratio like 4:1 means four parts raw root were concentrated into one part extract. It says nothing about the actual ginsenoside content.
- A standardised extract states the percentage of ginsenosides, which is a direct measure of the compounds of interest.
- A plain root powder is just ground root, not concentrated at all.
So 300mg of a standardised extract and 300mg of plain root powder are not remotely the same thing, even though the number on the front is identical. When comparing products, compare like with like, and treat a bare milligram figure with no preparation stated as incomplete information.
Traditional use and modern study
Panax ginseng has centuries of use in traditional Chinese medicine, generally as a tonic. That history explains why it is studied, but it is not itself evidence of effect, and a long tradition of use tells you more about culture than about pharmacology.
Modern research on ginseng is more substantial than the royal jelly literature, but it is still mixed. Trials vary in preparation, dose and duration, which makes results hard to compare, and many are small. Reviews commonly note this inconsistency as the main obstacle to firm conclusions.
Safety and interactions
Ginseng is not inert, and this is the part most worth reading.
- It may interact with warfarin and other blood thinners.
- It may interact with diabetes medication, because ginseng can affect blood sugar.
- It may interact with some antidepressants, including MAOIs.
- Reported side effects include trouble sleeping, headaches and digestive upset, more often at higher doses.
- Not for anyone under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you take any prescription medication at all, ask a pharmacist or doctor before adding ginseng. Pharmacists are free to talk to and are genuinely good at exactly this question.
ONYX uses 300mg of Panax ginseng root extract per two-sachet serving, alongside 2,000mg of royal jelly powder.
See the full panelCommon questions
Is Siberian ginseng the same as Panax ginseng?
No. Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus, a different plant that contains no ginsenosides. Panax ginseng is a different genus entirely. They share a common name and little else, so check the botanical name on the label.
What is the difference between red and white ginseng?
Both come from the same Panax ginseng plant. White is dried; red is steamed before drying, which alters its ginsenoside profile and colour. Red ginseng is typically more expensive.
What does a 4:1 extract mean?
It means four parts of raw root were concentrated into one part of extract. It describes concentration, not potency, and says nothing about ginsenoside content. A standardised extract stating a ginsenoside percentage gives you more useful information.
Can I take ginseng with my medication?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist first. Panax ginseng has documented potential interactions with blood thinners such as warfarin, with diabetes medication because it can affect blood sugar, and with some antidepressants.