Protoflow Chinese Ginseng: 120 mg and Evidence

The root of Panax ginseng, a plant used in East Asian medicine for centuries as an energy and vitality tonic.

The brand pack shows pale ginseng roots on a wooden board. Chinese ginseng is usually the same species as Korean or Asian ginseng, and it differs from American ginseng and from Siberian ginseng, which is another plant. The label does not say whether the capsule holds powder, extract or red steamed root.

That oral Asian ginseng seems to improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, with some limits on the quality of trials.

NCCIH adds that evidence for energy, cognition, diabetes and heart disease is weaker or mixed, and that long-term safety is not clear (NCCIH, Asian Ginseng). There is no trial showing that ginseng helps BPH symptoms or night-time urination. So ginseng is the line with the best-supported claim, and that claim is not about the prostate.

Ginseng may lower blood sugar, so men with diabetes should check before using it.

Combined with insulin or tablets, an extra drop could cause low blood sugar, with sweating, shaking and confusion. Damiana may do the same. Blood sugar is worth checking more often at the start, if your doctor agrees. Tell the diabetes team about all of the capsules.

Sleeplessness, headache, nervousness, digestive upset and, rarely, high or low blood pressure.

Insomnia is the usual complaint, which is why some men take ginseng in the morning. Protoflow also holds cayenne and niacin, which can add to the warm, restless feeling in sensitive people. If you notice a pounding heart or poor sleep, note it in your diary and stop if it persists.

It is the herb with the best human evidence, but for erections and not for the prostate, and at a lower dose than the studies.

Count it as a real but modest line, and respect the cautions. If you want to test it, do so for six weeks with a diary, and tell your doctor, pharmacist and any surgeon that the capsules contain ginseng, ginkgo and vitamin E together.