Ginseng is one of the world's oldest and most valuable herbal ingredients. Australian retailers report strong growth, Europe has a long tradition of ginseng products, and US and UK shoppers buy it for energy and vitality ranges. But "ginseng" on a label can mean several different plants, and quality depends heavily on the ginsenoside content.
In short: true ginseng is Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean) or Panax quinquefolius (American). Extracts are standardised to ginsenosides, and red ginseng is steamed before drying, which changes its profile. Siberian ginseng is a different plant altogether.
Key takeaways
- Panax ginseng (Asian) and Panax quinquefolius (American) are true ginseng; Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng) is not.
- Quality is measured by ginsenosides such as Rg1, Re and Rb1, by HPLC.
- Red ginseng is steamed and dried; white ginseng is dried without steaming.
- Wild American ginseng is protected under CITES, so sourcing documents matter.
Which "ginseng" is which?
| Name | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asian / Korean ginseng | Panax ginseng | The classic ginseng of supplements |
| American ginseng | Panax quinquefolius | Different ginsenoside profile; wild roots CITES-listed |
| Siberian ginseng | Eleutherococcus senticosus | Not true ginseng; contains eleutherosides, not ginsenosides |
| Indian ginseng | Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) | A nickname only; unrelated plant |
Red vs white ginseng
White ginseng is the root dried without steaming. Red ginseng is steamed and then dried, which turns it reddish and changes some ginsenosides into others. Korean red ginseng is a premium product. Specify which one you need, as the profiles and prices differ.
Ginsenosides and standardisation
Ginsenosides are the saponins used to measure ginseng quality. Extracts are often standardised to a total ginsenoside percentage (for example 5% to 80%), measured by HPLC as the sum of named ginsenosides, or by UV, which gives higher numbers. As with other botanicals, the method must be on the specification; see standardised extracts explained.
Sourcing ginseng extract or capsules? Ask for our specification and ginsenoside data.
Request SpecsTesting and adulteration
- HPLC ginsenoside profile, which also confirms species (Asian and American ginseng have different patterns).
- Plant part: main root, fine roots or leaf, which contain different amounts.
- Pesticide residues, important for cultivated ginseng.
- Heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology.
Cheaper roots, leaves or other Panax species are sometimes blended in, so species identity matters.
Rules by market
- EU: the HMPC has an EU herbal monograph on ginseng root; medicinal products are registered nationally, while food supplements cannot make medicinal claims.
- UK: traditional herbal registrations exist for ginseng; supplements follow GB food rules.
- USA: sold as a dietary supplement with structure and function wording.
- CITES: wild American ginseng is listed in Appendix II, so international trade needs documents.
Buyer checklist
- Species (Panax ginseng or quinquefolius) and plant part
- Red or white ginseng
- Ginsenosides with method (HPLC preferred)
- Pesticides, metals and microbiology per batch
- CITES documents where wild American ginseng is involved
Ginseng is a family name. Ask which species, which part and how many ginsenosides, measured how.
Ginseng and Vitality Botanicals
Ginseng extract, capsules and powder, plus botanicals often used alongside it, with a certificate of analysis for every batch.
Ginseng from Arizone
Arizone International LLP supplies ginseng extract and Panax ginseng capsules to brands outside India. Tell us the species, form and ginsenoside target, and we'll confirm the specification and documents before you order.
Sources: Euromonitor: herbal/traditional products in Australia (ginseng growth); CITES Appendices.
Ginseng Questions
Panax ginseng is true ginseng with ginsenosides; Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus, a different plant.
The saponins used to measure ginseng quality, such as Rg1, Re and Rb1, usually measured by HPLC.
Ginseng root that has been steamed and dried, which changes its colour and ginsenoside profile.
No. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has a different ginsenoside profile from Asian Panax ginseng.
Wild American ginseng is CITES Appendix II listed, so its international trade needs permits.
An HPLC ginsenoside profile, which differs between Asian and American ginseng.