American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Cooler, calmer cousin of Korean ginseng, RCT signal for common cold prevention (CVT-E002) and postprandial glucose modulation.
Why
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is botanically and pharmacologically distinct from Asian Panax ginseng. In TCM frameworks it is considered cooler and more yin-tonifying. The COLD-fX standardised polysaccharide extract (CVT-E002) has multiple RCTs supporting reduced incidence and duration of common colds in healthy adults and reduced acute respiratory illness in older adults (McElhaney CMAJ 2004). A separate small body of work supports modest postprandial glucose blunting and cognitive performance effects.
How it works
Distinct ginsenoside profile from Asian ginseng (higher Rb1, lower Rg1 ratio). Polysaccharide fraction stimulates innate immune responses (NK cells, macrophages, IFN-γ). Postprandial glucose effect via slowed carbohydrate absorption.
Expected onset · Cold-prevention effect requires ongoing prophylactic use through cold season
How to take
Dosage
CVT-E002 (COLD-fX): 200 mg twice daily during cold-and-flu season. General use: 200–400 mg/day standardised extract.
Timing
Twice daily; less stimulating than Asian ginseng, can be taken later in the day
On the label
CVT-E002 (COLD-fX) or stated American-ginseng polysaccharide content. Distinguish from Asian/Korean Panax ginseng (different evidence and traditional framing).
Ideal for
Adults seeking immune support during cold season, particularly those who find Asian ginseng too stimulating; older adults at risk of respiratory infection.
Safety
Evidence
Predy 2005 CMAJ RCT (n=323 community-dwelling adults): CVT-E002 200 mg twice daily for 4 months reduced mean number of colds (0.68 vs 0.93) and total cold days. Seida 2011 Cochrane SR found supportive evidence for ginseng for cold prevention with greatest signal for the CVT-E002 standardised extract.
- McElhaney et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2004, a placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVT-E002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults
- Predy et al., CMAJ 2005, efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections (RCT)
- Seida et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011, north American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) preparations for prevention of the common cold
Where to get it
Shop American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.