Ginseng
Panax ginseng
Mechanism
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) contains ginsenosides (saponins) credited with adaptogenic properties; in human medicine, effects on stress perception, fatigue and immune response are discussed. In the horse the pharmacokinetics are studied in part — ginsenosides are detectable in plasma after oral administration of red ginseng, and detection methods for ginsenosides in equine urine (GC-MS/LC-MS) exist in the context of doping analysis. Controlled efficacy evidence for clinical endpoints in the horse is, however, lacking. Since ginseng is discussed as potentially performance-influencing and is considered abuse-relevant in animal sport, the status must be checked before a competition.
Cautions
- · Equine efficacy evidence for clinical endpoints is lacking
- · Discussed as performance-influencing and abuse-relevant in animal sport — check the FEI/competition status before competition (ginsenoside detection possible)
- · Not sufficiently studied in pregnancy/lactation — avoid
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Ginseng a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Ginseng as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Ginseng allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Ginseng is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Ginseng?
Stated in the profile: No established horse dose; standardised root extract only after coordination with a veterinarian — equine data insufficient. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Ginseng?
The profile cites: EMA/HMPC Ginseng radix, DOI:10.3389/fvets.2023.1319998, and DOI:10.1365/s10337-009-1034-y.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
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Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.