Ginsana Energy is a dietary supplement that claims to facilitate oxygen absorption and utilization, helping your body make the most of its natural energy. Although the scientific evidence on such claims is mixed, the primary ingredient in Ginsana Energy has been used to promote immune function, improve mental and physical performance and control blood pressure. There are potential side effects, however, which is why you should consult your doctor before adding Ginsana Energy to your diet.

Identification

Ginsana Energy contains a proprietary standardized panax ginseng extract that the manufacturer calls G2G® ginseng, or Ginseng Second Generation 2. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, a class of steroid-like compounds, with the percentage of ginsenosides varying from one plant to another, depending upon where and how the ginseng is grown 2. Ginsana Energy claims to have solved that problem by ensuring that each 200 mg capsule 4 percent ginsenosides. Other ingredients in each capsule include:

• chlorophyll
  
• sunflower oil
  
• lecithin
  
• gelatin
  
• beeswax
  
• glycerin

Allergy

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Allergies to ginseng are rare, although the manufacturer reports a few cases of a mild allergic skin reaction from handling the product 2. Ginseng has also led to cases of a severe rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which begins with flu-like symptoms followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters 2. If you have acute asthma, you may need to avoid Ginsana Energy and other ginseng products due to the allergen potential 2.

Blood Sugar

Ginseng can cause hypoglycemia, or lowered blood sugar 2. If you have diabetes or are taking insulin or other blood-sugar medications and start taking Ginsana Energy, monitor your blood glucose levels closely and change your medication dose as needed.

Circulatory System

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Ginseng increases blood flow and may interfere with blood clotting 2. If you have a bleeding condition, are on a blood thinner or have upcoming surgery, avoid taking Ginsana Energy. Ginseng can affect heart rhythm, particularly on the first day it’s used, and has been associated with changes in blood pressure 2. If you have a heart condition, use Ginsana Energy with caution.

Gastrointestinal

Like other ginseng products, Ginsana Energy may cause:

• gastrointestinal problems including gas
  
• heartburn
  
• nausea
  
• cramps
  
• diarrhea 2

If you have acid reflux disease or a hiatal hernia, use Ginsana Energy in moderation and discontinue its use if your symptoms get worse.

Sleep and Mood

Ginseng can cause nervousness, restlessness and insomnia in sensitive individuals 2. Although the maker of Ginsana Energy reports no serious side effects with the product when used as directed, overdoses of any ginseng product can make these problems worse 2. There have been cases of a woman with a previous affective disorder having a manic episode taking ginseng, and a man with no history of mental illness becoming manic following chronic consumption of 250 mg panax ginseng three times a day 2.

Women’s Concerns

Don’t take Ginsana Energy if you’re pregnant or nursing, as one of the chemicals in panax ginseng has been found to cause birth defects in animals 2. Higher dosages of ginseng can also lead to breast pain, excessive menstruation and vaginal bleeding 2. The ginsenosides in panax ginseng can act like estrogen, so if you have a hormone-based cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, don’t use panax ginseng products 2.