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Ginseng has been a valued companion in periods of mental exhaustion in Asian naturopathy for thousands of years.
June 10, 2025
Hanja Niederhammer
Ginseng is no longer used only for exhaustion - its potential effects on stress and depressive moods are also increasingly becoming the focus of research
The traditional root is considered a potent plant substance with a variety of effects on the central nervous system. This article provides a current overview: What mechanisms of action are being discussed - and in which psychological areas of application could ginseng be supportive?
Whether as tea, tincture or capsule - ginseng has been a valued companion in phases of mental exhaustion in Asian natural medicine for thousands of years. Its origin is legendary: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Panax ginseng is revered as a 'Qi tonic' - a means of strengthening life energy. Early on, it was said that the root strengthens the spirit and calms the heart. In Korea, China, and Japan it was used for melancholy, concentration problems and general weakness.
The name Panax comes from Greek and means 'all-healing' - a reference to the plant's broad spectrum of effects.
Ginseng is not only a root with a history - but also one with growing scientific relevance. What was once considered a Qi-strengthening tonic in traditional medicine is becoming increasingly the focus of modern research today. A recent review, which evaluated 19 systematic reviews, shows: Ginseng can be supportive in psychological stress such as stress, exhaustion, depressive symptoms and mental fatigue.
Clinical studies Studies show: Ginseng can improve concentration, reaction time, and mental performance. There is also evidence of cell-protective effects in the brain.
Particularly fascinating is how deeply the root interferes biochemically: Ginsenosides promote the release of the happiness neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, influence the HPA axis - the body's hormonal stress center - and have anti-inflammatory effects on internal processes. Ginseng doesn't just "wake" you up but acts in a regulating manner - where our inner balance is shaken.
The authors of the overview study emphasize, however: Many of the previous studies were still limited in their methodological quality - that is to say, the observed effects are promising but not definitively proven. Ginseng research is a vibrant field. It doesn't provide simple truths, but indications - and always new questions. But that is precisely what makes it so exciting.
Ginsenosides - these are the central active ingredients in ginseng. Over 100 of these bioactive plant compounds have been identified so far. They act like finely tuned switches in the body, deeply interfering with the nervous system and making ginseng so interesting for the psyche.
Studies describe ginsenosides as central carriers of the pharmacological effects of ginseng. Three of them - especially Rb1, Rg1, and Rd - are particularly in focus of the research on mental healthBecause they influence exactly what is often thrown out of balance during stress, exhaustion, or depressive moods: our neurotransmitters, our stress system - and even the brain's ability to regenerate itself.
Rb1: Calmer for the brain
Has neuroprotective effects, inhibits inflammation, and promotes BDNF - important for regeneration and neuronal connections.
→ Most strongly found in: Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng)
Rg1: Mood enhancer with focus effect
Activates serotonin and dopamine, promotes concentration and lifts mood.
→ Most strongly found in: Panax ginseng (especially red ginseng)
Rd: Stress regulator
Could reduce cortisol production and thereby mitigate excessive stress reactions - relevant in Exhaustion.
→ Most strongly contained in: Panax ginseng
Ginseng is not just ginseng - and when it comes to the effect on the psyche, it depends on which ginseng we are actually talking about. Depending on the choice, the root can either calm or invigorate.
Did you know? Red ginseng is potent
A comparative analysis of the ingredients confirms: The distribution of Rg1 and Rb1 differs significantly depending on the type of ginseng - and significantly determines their effect on mood and stress regulation.
A review of the clinical effects of ginseng shows: The healing root can regulate biochemical cascades that are directly linked to psychological well-being. These include:
What connects all these areas of action: They deeply intervene in the neuroendocrine system - the interaction of nerves and hormones. And this is precisely where ginseng unfolds its adaptogenic potential.
Today, depression is considered a complex disorder of biological systems in the body - especially in the brain. Neurotransmitters, stress hormones, and the regeneration of nerve cells play a central role.
In research is currently being investigated whether and how plant substances such as ginsenosides can influence these processes.
In depression, communication between nerve cells is often disturbed. The reason: messenger substances such as serotonin or dopamine, which significantly influence our mood and motivation, are altered in their availability or effect. Some studies suggest that certain ginsenosides - such as Rg1 and Rb1 - could promote the release of these neurotransmitters. Whether this is therapeutically significant is currently being further investigated.
The body's stress system, the so-called HPA axis, is also in focus in depression. Chronically elevated cortisol levels are considered a possible trigger for neuronal changes - for example in the hippocampus, an area important for emotions and memory. Ginseng extracts are being analyzed in studies to determine whether they modulate the activity of this axis and thus could contribute to stress regulation.
For example, it was shown in an animal study, that ginseng extracts in a mouse model for depression could significantly reduce both cortisol levels and the concentration of pro-inflammatory messengers.
Newer approaches also see inflammatory processes in the brain as important contributors to depressive symptoms. In the animal experiment , certain ginsenosides showed anti-inflammatory properties and an activation of the protein BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which is important for the maintenance and growth of nerve cells. Whether these effects also play a role in humans is the subject of ongoing research.
BDNF - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a protein that promotes the growth, maturation, and regeneration of nerve cells - and is considered key to emotional stability.
And Ginseng?Certain ginsenosides (e.g., Rg1) can boost BDNF production - especially in the hippocampus.
→ To the point: Ginseng, with its adaptogenic effect, could help the brain to strengthen itself - especially during phases of stress or mental exhaustion.
When the battery is empty, sleep is no longer restful, and even small things are overwhelming, it is often referred to as burnout. From a medical point of view, it is usually a chronic overload of the HPA-axis - i.e., the hormonal stress system.
Exciting in this context: A laboratory study from China examined how ginseng affects adrenal cells - precisely those cells that secrete the hormone cortisol under stress.
The result: The ginsenoside Rd, an active ingredient from Panax ginseng, was able to significantly dampen cortisol production triggered by stress hormone stimulation. The underlying signaling pathway was specifically blocked.
Ginseng is thus considered a possible approach for exhaustion and is increasingly being discussed as a potential therapeutic building block for stress-related disorders. In other words: ginseng could help against stress - by slowing down the stress cycle exactly where it originates.
Ginseng is also being researched in connection with concentration, memory, and attention. But can a root really help when the mind just won’t cooperate anymore?
In placebo-controlled studies a standardized American ginseng extract (Cereboost™) already showed improved memory performance and attention in young adults after a single dose - the effects increased after two weeks of daily intake.
This brings ginseng into focus as a possible herbal support - not for "more performance at any cost", but for more clarity, focus, and mental presence in everyday life.
The hormonal changes during menopause affect not only the body but also the psyche. When estrogen levels drop, many women report mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, or concentration problems. Here, too, ginseng could be a natural way to strengthen inner balance.
A systematic review from 2022 analyzed 15 placebo-controlled studies on the effects of ginseng on menopausal symptoms.
The result: Compared to placebo, ginseng was able to noticeably alleviate typical symptoms such as hot flashes - and in several studies, the quality of life of the participants also improved. Whether as a herbal balance during phases of change or for psychological stabilization: Ginseng could be an exciting companion for many women - without hormone replacement.
Ginseng is not a phytoestrogen - but still supports during menopause.
Studies showNeither red Korean ginseng nor other variants have been shown to affect estrogen levels, FSH, or endocrine markers. No effect was found on the endometrium or sexual function either.
The benefit lies elsewhere: Ginseng can alleviate common complaints such as sleep problems, mood swings, and exhaustion - without directly interacting with the hormonal system.
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Ginsenosides are the central carriers of the pharmacological effects of ginseng.
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Ginseng can have a supportive effect against burnout.
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