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Botanical Name: Panax ginseng
Common Names: Asian Ginseng
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.
Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root, sometimes
resembling a human body, with stringy shoots that look like arms and legs.
Hundreds of years ago, herbalists took this appearance to mean that ginseng
could cure all human ills, and it has, in fact, been used as a "cure-all" in
many different cultures. The Chinese view ginseng as the king of herbs—one that
brings longevity, strength, and wisdom to its users.
All three ginsengs (Asian, American, and Siberian) are regarded as
adaptogens, substances that strengthen and normalize body functions, helping the
body deal with various forms of stress. Ginseng may shorten the time that it
takes to bounce back from illness or surgery, especially for elderly people.
Research on Asian and American ginsengs has included the following:
Asian 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.
Asian Ginseng for Alcohol Intoxication
Asian 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, ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from
the stomach.
Asian 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.
Asian Ginseng for Depression
Because of its ability to help resist or reduce stress, some
herbal specialists may consider ginseng as part of the herbal treatment for
depression.
Diabetes, Type 2
Although American ginseng has been better researched for
this purpose, both types of Panax ginsengs have been shown to lower blood sugar
levels in those with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.
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, Panax species of ginseng have 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.
Asian Ginseng for 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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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 the ginseng root, and the long, thin
offshoots, called root hairs. Both Asian and American ginseng contain
ginsenosides, saponins that are ginseng's active ingredients. In addition to
ginsenosides, Asian ginseng also contains glycans (panaxans), polysaccharide
fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.
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White ginseng (dried, peeled) or red ginseng (unpeeled root, steamed before
drying) 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 Asian or American 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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Pediatric
This herb is not recommended for use in children because of its stimulant
properties.
Adult
- Fresh root: 1 to 2 grams daily for up to three months
- Dried root: 1/2 to 2
grams daily
- Tincture (1:5): 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Liquid extract (1:1): ¼ to ½
teaspoons
- Standardized extract (4% total ginsenosides): 100 milligrams 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 in cycles. For example, take every
day for 2 to 3 weeks, then stop for 2 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 needed.
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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.
Hypertension and Ginseng
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 Asian 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.
Haloperidol and Ginseng
Ginseng may exaggerate the effects of this anti-psychotic
medication, so these should not be taken together.
Morphine
Ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.
Phenelzine and other
MAO inhibitors 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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use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury
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negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard
to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any
drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is
not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the
information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized
healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package
inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and
contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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Reviewed: 02/2006
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