Ginseng

Herbal medications are very popular in our current society; however, they could have an impact on the surgical patient. The FDA considers herbal supplements a food product; therefore, these products are not under as strict of a regulatory environment as medications. However, the FDA has classified ginseng as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). There are many described uses for ginseng. Due to its antioxidative and potential neuromodulating effects, it has become a popular supplement in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and brain ischemia. Additional uses are for its antihypertensive, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects. A systematic review analyzing the efficacy of ginseng regarding unstable angina showed an improvement in the electrocardiogram, frequency, and duration of angina episodes with subsequent nitroglycerin treatment, and cholesterol levels.