Ginseng

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Source: Ginseng root (Panax ginseng) has been one of the most prized tonic herbs of Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. It is used principally in combination with other tonic herbs, as a strengthening, "warming" tonic herb alleged to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. Known as Chinese or Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng is a close relative of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), which the Chinese consider a "cooling" tonic. Asian ginseng is increasingly rare in the wild but is cultivated in both North America (mostly for export) and Asia. Ironically, American ginseng is most highly prized in Asia, while Chinese ginseng is most highly prized in western countries. There is no clear nutritional/medicinal advantage of one species over the other, and these cultural preferences seem nothing more than an amusing example of the "grass is always greener next door" syndrome.

Benefits and Uses: In Asia, ginseng is used for a variety of functions, primarily to boost energy levels and alertness in older persons. It is also used to enhance resiliency and balance metabolism in the face of stress-a property that gives rise to the term "adaptogen," coined in the 1960’s by Soviet researchers in reference to Siberian ginseng (an unrelated plant with similar chemical and biological properties). It is also used to strengthen the sexual system, improve athletic performance and endurance, gently stimulate the nervous system, and enhance memory and concentration. Research has proved that ginseng helps to regulate blood pressure, balance blood-sugar levels (a traditional use is in the control of diabetes), and support the adrenal glands, thymus and spleen (thus boosting immunity). Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often prescribe ginseng to strengthen immunity in the elderly.

Do Scientists Know How It Works? The constituents of ginseng are varied and complex, including polysaccharides and other sugar compounds, lipids and fatty acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Among the key ingredients are certain saponins or glycosides, particularly the ginsenosides, about a dozen of which have been identified in Asian ginseng. The ginsenosides may act through multiple channels, such as by altering blood flow to the brain, modifying the levels of certain neurotransmitters, and possibly exerting mild hormonal effects.

Recent Findings: Two recent studies, one that compared ginseng consumption among cancer patients and another that tested the effects of red ginseng extracts on mice tumors, found potential cancer- preventive or therapeutic effects for the herb. Another study using Chinese red ginseng suggested benefits for treating erectile dysfunction. A 1989 study showed measurable improvement in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Safety: Chinese ginseng may occasionally cause over-stimulation and insomnia. Long-term adverse effects from taking average doses of ginseng are rare (some women may experience menstrual problems or breast tenderness), and few contraindications exist for ginseng. Ginseng is best used with caution by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. It is not recommended for children, or for women who are pregnant or lactating. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often recommend that ginseng users cease taking it for a week after every three to four weeks, and not take the herb for longer than two to three months without observing a "rest" period of two to three weeks.

What Types Of Chinese Ginseng Products Are Available? Ginseng comes in a wide variety of forms, from alcohol extracts of whole root, to teas to standardized extracts. Potency varies considerably, depending on the type, place of origin, and how it was cultivated, stored, and prepared. Roots that are five to six years old are more potent than younger roots. Chinese ginseng that has been slowly steam cured and then dried, thus turning red, is traditionally thought to be more stimulating than white ginseng. The most predictable results come from using concentrated extract products and products standardized for one or more of the ginsenosides.


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References
Yun, Taik-koo and Soo-Yong Choi, "Preventive effect of ginseng intake against various human cancers: A case-control study on 1,987 pairs," Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 1995, 4:401–08
Xiaoguang, C., et al., "Cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic activities of red ginseng," J Ethnopharmacol (1998), 60(1):71-8
Choi, H.K., et al, "Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction," Int J Impot Res (1995), 7(3):181-6.
Rosenfeld, et al. 1989. Evaluation of the efficacy of a standardized ginseng extract in patients with psychophysical asthenia and neurological disorders. La Semana Medica 173: 148-54.