From:

The Center For Science In the Public Interest:

"Numerous controlled clinical studies conducted over the past two decades
have not found that ginseng offers any significant benefit. Panax ginseng,
the most commonly available type, does not boost energy levels, mood, or
memory and doesn't reduce stress," says CSPI nutritionist David Schardt.
"What is most striking about ginseng is the amount of misinformation in ads
and on packages."

Michael Jacobson, executive director of CSPI, added, "With the supplement
industry burgeoning, it is important to both consumers and responsible
companies that claims be truthful. Deceptive claims will undermine public
confidence in the whole field of supplements, some of which provide real
benefits."

According to the Nutrition Action article, "Americans spend hundreds of
millions of dollars a year on ginseng in pills, tinctures, teas, chewing
gum, snack chips, and 'smart drinks.' And while the herb has been used for
thousands of years in Asia as a 'tonic,' studies in humans have failed to
turn up convincing evidence of any benefit."

Today, CSPI has sent complaints to the FDA and FTC urging those agencies to
investigate the labeling and advertising of ginseng products and to halt
false or misleading claims.