WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—ConsumerLab.com released the results of its most recent product review, looking at dietary supplements containing Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Out of 11 products selected for testing, five contained less ginseng than expected from label claims or were contaminated with lead and/or pesticides. There was also great variation in the suggested daily servings and amount of active ginsenosides that were recommended, with servings yielding between 6 mg and 304 mg of ginsenosides.
ConsumerLab includes the names of companies involved in the reviews in its general news releases, but doesn’t indicate which ones passed or failed testing, nor the levels of active ingredients in the products. However, the reports with complete findings are available for purchase from ConsumerLab.
The report on ginseng supplements provides findings for 11 supplements randomly selected for testing, as well as four additional products that passed the same testing under ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program, whereby companies can pay to have their products tested by ConsumerLab. Two brands similar to a product that passed are also identified. The report also includes information about ginseng’s health effects, possible drug interactions, and suggested dosages for particular uses.
