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Botanical Name: Panax quinquefolium
Ginseng is widely used to strengthen the immune system, and increase strength
and vigor. Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are
similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus), on the other hand, although part of the same plant family called
Araliaceae, is an entirely different plant and does not contain ginsenosides,
the active ingredients found in both Asian and American ginseng. (Note: Asian
ginseng is also known as Red Korean ginseng.)
One similarity that American, Asian, and Siberian ginsengs all share is that
each of these herbs is considered to be an adaptogen, a substance that
strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been subjected to
stress. Therefore, they are considered to be valuable supports for those
recovering from illness or surgery, especially the elderly.
The root of American ginseng is light tan and gnarled. Its resemblance to the
human body may have led herbalists to the folkloric belief that ginseng could
cure all ills. In fact panax means all illness and ginseng has been used across
the ages in many different cultures as a "cure-all".
Research on ginseng has focused on a number of conditions, some of which are
described below.
Ginseng for ADHD
An early study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo,
may prove to be of value in helping to treat
ADHD. More research in this area is
needed.
Ginseng for Alcohol Intoxication
Ginseng could be helpful in treating
alcohol intoxication. The herb may
accomplish this by speeding up the metabolism (break down) of alcohol and, thus,
allowing it to clear more quickly from the body. Or, as animal research
suggests, Asian ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from the stomach.
Ginseng for Alzheimer's Disease
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that either American ginseng
or Asian ginseng may slow the progression of
Alzheimer's and improve memory and
behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed to best understand this
possible use of ginseng.
Cancer
A study comparing groups of people over time suggests that regular intake of
ginseng may reduce one's chances of getting various types of cancer, especially
lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic and ovarian. In this particular study, this
benefit was not observed for breast, cervical, or bladder cancers. However, a
test tube study suggests that American ginseng may enhance the effects of
medications used to treat breast cancer. And, preliminary results suggest that
ginseng may improve treatment of colon cancer in animals. A greater number of
well-designed studies including, ultimately, large numbers of people are needed
before conclusions can be drawn about whether ginseng offers some protection
from cancer or not.
Cardiovascular Health
Asian ginseng in particular may decrease endothelial cell dysfunction.
Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels. When these cells are
disturbed, referred to as dysfunction, they can cause blockage of blood flow in
a variety of ways. This disturbance or disruption may even lead to heart attack
or stroke. The potential for ginseng to quiet down the blood vessels may prove
to be protective against heart and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Although not proven, ginseng may also raise HDL (the good cholesterol), while
reducing total cholesterol levels.
Finally, there is some controversy about whether, under certain
circumstances, ginseng may help improve blood pressure. Ginseng is generally
considered to be a substance to avoid if you have hypertension because it can
raise blood pressure. In a couple of studies, however, of red Korean (Asian)
ginseng, high doses of this herb actually lowered blood pressure. Some feel that
the usual doses of ginseng may increase blood pressure while high doses may have
the opposite effect of decreasing blood pressure. Much more information is
needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn. And, if you have high
blood pressure or heart disease, it is not safe to try ginseng on your own,
without specific instructions from a knowledgeable clinician.
Ginseng for Depression
Because of its ability to help resist or reduce stress, some herbal
specialists may consider ginseng as part of the
treatment for depression.
Diabetes
While both Asian and American ginsengs appear to lower blood sugar (glucose)
levels, American ginseng has been the more studied in scientific trials. One
study found that people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes who took American
ginseng before or together with a high sugar load experienced less of a rise in
blood glucose levels after they consumed all of that sugar.
Fertility/Sexual Performance
Ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual performance.
However, studies in people to investigate this are limited. In animal studies,
ginseng has increased sperm production, sexual activity, and sexual performance.
A study of 46 men has also shown an increase in sperm count as well as motility.
Immune System Enhancement
Ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which could, in theory,
help the body fight off infection and disease. In one study, in fact, giving
people ginseng before getting the flu-vaccine did boost their immune response to
the vaccine compared to those who received a placebo.
Menopausal Symptoms
Ginseng may have estrogen-like activity. Two well-designed studies evaluating
red Korean (Asian) ginseng suggest that this herb may relieve some of the
symptoms of menopause, improving mood (particularly feelings of depression) and
sense of well-being.
Mental Performance and Mood Enhancement
Individuals who use ginseng often report that they feel more alert.
Preliminary studies do suggest that this feeling has scientific merit. Early
research shows that ginseng may improve performance on such things as mental
arithmetic, concentration, memory, and other measures. More research in this
area, although not easy to do, would be helpful.
On the other hand, for those who report that ginseng elevates their mood, the
science thus far does not support that this herb changes your mood if you are
otherwise healthy.
Physical Endurance
There have been a number of studies in people looking at the effects of
ginseng on athletic performance. Results have not been consistent, with some
studies showing increased strength and endurance, others showing improved
agility or reaction time, and still others showing no effect at all.
Nevertheless, athletes often take ginseng to increase both endurance and
strength.
Respiratory Disease
In patients with severe chronic respiratory disease (such as emphysema or
chronic bronchitis), daily treatment with ginseng improved respiratory function,
as evidenced by increased endurance in walking.
Ginseng for Reducing Stress
Ginseng has long been valued for its ability to help the body deal with
stress. A study of 501 men and women living in Mexico City found significant
improvements in quality of life measures (energy, sleep, sex life, personal
satisfaction, well-being) in those taking ginseng.
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Plant Description
The ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem.
Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center and produce red
berries. Wrinkles around the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. This is
important because ginseng is not ready for use until it has grown for four to
six years.
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Ginseng products are made from ginseng root and the long, thin offshoots
called root hairs. The main chemical ingredients of American ginseng are
ginsenosides and polysaccharide glycans (quinquefolans A, B, and C).
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White ginseng (dried, peeled) is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or
alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders or capsules.
It is important when buying ginseng to read the label carefully and make sure
that you are purchasing the type of ginseng that you want. If you are looking
for American or Asian ginseng, look for a Panax species, not Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus) which, although there is some overlap, has different actions and
side effects overall.
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How to Take It
Pediatric
This herb is not recommended for use in children because of its stimulant
properties.
Adult
- Dried root: 500 to 2000 mg daily (can be purchased in 250 mg capsules).
- Tea/infusion: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp finely chopped ginseng
root. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare and drink one to three times daily
for three or four weeks.
- Tincture (1:5): 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Liquid extract (1:1): ¼ to ½ teaspoon
- Standardized extract (4% total ginsenosides): 100 mg twice daily
In healthy individuals who wish to increase physical or mental performance,
to prevent illness, or to improve resistance to stress, ginseng should be taken
in one of the above dosages for two to three weeks, followed by a break of two
weeks.
For help recovering from an illness, the elderly should take 500 mg twice
daily for three months. Alternatively, they may take the same dosage (500 mg
twice daily) for a month, followed by a two-month break. This can then be
repeated if desired.
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The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and
treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger
side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For
these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a
practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
Both American and Asian ginsengs are stimulants and may cause nervousness or
sleeplessness, particularly if taken at high doses. Other reported side effects
include high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria,
diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nosebleed, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding. To
avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in non-diabetics, ginseng should be
taken with food.
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) rates ginseng as a class 2d
herb, which indicates that specific restrictions apply. In this case,
hypertension (high blood pressure) is the specific restriction. People with
hypertension should not take ginseng products without specific guidance and
instruction from a qualified practitioner. At the same time, people with low
blood pressure as well as those with an acute illness or diabetes (because of
the risk of a sudden drop in blood sugar), should use caution when taking
ginseng.
Safety of taking ginseng during pregnancy is unknown; therefore, it is not
recommended when pregnant or breast feeding.
Ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery. This is for
two reasons. First, ginseng can lower blood glucose levels and, therefore,
create problems for patients fasting prior to surgery. Also, ginseng may act as
a blood thinner, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding during or after the
procedure.
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If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use ginseng without first talking to your healthcare provider:
Blood Thinning Medications
There have been reports that ginseng may possibly decrease the effectiveness
of the blood-thinning medication, warfarin. In addition, ginseng may inhibit
platelet activity and, therefore, should probably not be used with aspirin
either.
Caffeine
While taking ginseng, it is wise to avoid caffeine or other substances that
stimulate the central nervous system because the ginseng may increase their
effects, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular
heartbeat.
Ginseng may exaggerate the effects of this
anti-psychotic medication, so they
should not be taken together.
Morphine
Ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.
Phenelzine and other MAOIs for
Depression
There have been reports of a possible interaction between ginseng and the
antidepressant medication, phenelzine (which belongs to a class known as
monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs]), resulting in symptoms ranging from
manic-like episodes to headache and tremulousness.
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Reviewed: 01/2006
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