Does ginseng contain caffeine?

Ginseng does not contain caffeine. It is commonly assumed to contain caffeine because of its reported ability to improve mental performance. Ginseng is an anabolic substance, while caffeine is a catabolic substance.

Ginseng is a natural root that is sometimes known as Asian, American or Korean ginseng. Although ginseng does not actually contain caffeine, it carries the potential to make the effect of caffeine stronger. The side effects of the combination can include an irregular heartbeat, nervousness, insomnia and sweating. Siberian ginseng is an entirely different plant and does not have similar characteristics; it does not contain any caffeine, either.