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

EMA/HMPC Ginseng radixEMA/HMPC — Ginseng-Monographie (Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer, radix)

DOI:10.3389/fvets.2023.1319998Frontiers Vet Sci 2023 — PK von rotem Ginseng (Ginsenoside im Pferdeplasma)

DOI:10.1365/s10337-009-1034-yChromatographia 2009 — Nachweis von Ginsenosiden im Pferdeurin (GC-MS/LC-MS, Dopinganalytik)

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo established horse dose; standardised root extract only after coordination with a veterinarian — equine data insufficient

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidenceemerging

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.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.