Does ginseng have another name? Uncovering the Herb's Many Aliases

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

Across the globe, the name 'ginseng' is applied to several different plants from the Panax genus and beyond, often leading to confusion. This leads to a common question: does ginseng have another name? The answer is not just one, but many, with each name reflecting a specific species or regional variation.

Quick Summary

Many plants are called ginseng, including species like Asian (Panax ginseng) and American (Panax quinquefolius) as well as non-related plants like Siberian ginseng. The specific species determines its aliases and distinguishing characteristics.

Key Points

Not all ginseng is the same: Many plants are called ginseng, but only those in the Panax genus are considered 'true' ginseng, like Asian and American ginseng.
Panax ginseng has many names: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is also known as Korean, Chinese, Oriental, Red, or White ginseng, depending on its origin and processing method.
American ginseng is distinct: The North American species (Panax quinquefolius) has its own set of aliases, including Canadian, Wisconsin, and Occidental ginseng, and is known for its milder, cooling properties.
Siberian ginseng is not Panax: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a different plant containing eleutherosides, not ginsenosides, and is also called eleuthero or devil's shrub.
Indian and Brazilian 'ginseng' are different plants: Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha) and Brazilian ginseng (Suma) are not related to true ginseng and belong to entirely different botanical families.
Check the Latin name: To ensure you are purchasing the correct herb, always check the product's Latin or scientific name, such as Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius.

The world of herbal medicine is rich with tradition, but it can also be confusing due to the variety of names given to a single plant or, conversely, the same name given to multiple plants. Ginseng is a perfect example of this, as the term encompasses several distinct species, each with its own set of common names and unique properties. Understanding these different aliases is crucial for anyone looking to purchase the correct herbal product for their intended use.

Unveiling the Panax Family: True Ginseng

The most authentic forms of ginseng belong to the Panax genus, a name derived from the Greek words pan (all) and akos (cure), referencing its long history as a cure-all in traditional medicine. The primary species within this family are Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Native to East Asia, Asian ginseng is also known as Korean, Chinese, and Oriental ginseng. Processed forms include Red Ginseng (steamed and dried) and White Ginseng (washed, peeled, and sun-dried). Its Mandarin Chinese name is Ren Shen, meaning 'man-root'.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Originating from North America, American ginseng is known by names like Canadian, Wisconsin, and Occidental ginseng. A French-derived name is Baie Rouge, referring to its red berry. It is considered milder and more cooling than Asian ginseng.

Not All Ginseng is True Ginseng: The Impostors

Several plants are marketed as ginseng but are not from the Panax genus and lack ginsenosides.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): A different genus in the same plant family, it contains eleutherosides and is also an adaptogen. Aliases include Eleuthero, Devil's Shrub, and Taiga Root.
Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera): Also known as ashwagandha, this plant is from the nightshade family and contains withanolides.
Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata): Also called suma, this plant is not related to true ginseng.

Comparison of Major Ginseng Species


Feature	Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)	American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)	Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Origin	East Asia (Korea, China, Siberia)	North America (Eastern US, Canada)	Eastern Siberia, Russia, Northern China
Active Compound	Ginsenosides	Ginsenosides	Eleutherosides
Primary Effect	Considered warming and stimulating	Considered cooling and calming	Adaptogenic, supporting immune system
Aliases	Korean, Chinese, Red, White, Oriental, Ren Shen	Canadian, Wisconsin, Occidental, Baie Rouge	Eleuthero, Devil's Shrub, Taiga Root

A Global Tapestry of Names

Other names associated with ginseng include Ginseng à Cinq Folioles (French for American ginseng), Insam (Korean), Ninjin (Japanese), Man-root (referring to the root's shape), Jintsam (a regional variant), and Sheng Shai Shen (Chinese for White Ginseng).

Conclusion

In summary, the question, "Does ginseng have another name?" reveals a complex system of aliases linked to different species, origins, and processing methods. To ensure you select the correct herb, always check the specific Latin binomial (e.g., Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius). Understanding these distinctions is key to making informed choices about herbal supplements. For further details on Asian ginseng, the NCCIH offers extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red and white ginseng both come from the Panax ginseng species. White ginseng is simply washed and sun-dried, while red ginseng is steamed before being dried, a process that alters its chemical composition.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a 'true' ginseng because it belongs to a different plant genus than the Panax species. It also contains different active compounds, called eleutherosides, rather than ginsenosides.

No, while both are true ginseng (Panax species), they are distinct. Asian ginseng (P. ginseng) is typically considered stimulating and warming, while American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) is milder and has a cooling effect.

'Ren Shen' is the Mandarin Chinese name for Panax ginseng and translates literally to 'man-root,' a reference to the root's human-like, forked shape.

Besides Siberian ginseng, other non-Panax plants called ginseng include Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha), Brazilian ginseng (Suma), and Prince ginseng (Pseudostellaria heterophylla).

While visually similar, cultivated roots tend to be thicker and more cylindrical compared to the more intricate, branching shape of wild ginseng. Legally, wild harvesting is heavily regulated due to endangerment.

The main active compounds in true ginseng (Panax species) are called ginsenosides. These are not present in non-related plants often marketed as ginseng, such as Siberian ginseng.