Also listed as: Asian ginseng; Asiatic ginseng; Chinese ginseng; Korean red ginseng; Oriental ginseng; Panax ginseng
Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are
similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), on the other hand, although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae , is an entirely different plant. Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian ( Panax ginseng ) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ).
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 ginseng has included
the following:
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, thus, allowing it to clear more quickly from the body
(lowering blood alcohol content). Animal research also suggests that
Asian ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from the stomach.
Alzheimer's disease
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that Asian ginseng
may slow the progression of Alzheimer's, decrease senility, and improve
memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed.
Cancer
Several clinical studies support the use of Asian ginseng in the
treament and possible prevention of cancer. A study comparing groups of
people over time suggests that regular intake of Asian ginseng may
reduce the 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.
Preliminary results of other research suggest that Asian ginseng may
improve treatment of colon cancer in animals. More research is needed.
Cardiovascular health
Asian ginseng has been reported to improve the symptoms of heart
disease in humans. Asian ginseng may decrease "bad" cholesterol levels
and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Asian ginseng may help improve blood pressure, although it is
generally considered that you should avoid this substance if you have
hypertension because it can raise blood pressure. In some studies of
red Korean (Asian) ginseng, however, high doses of this herb actually
lowered blood pressure. Some believe 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 Asian ginseng on your
own, without specific instructions from a knowledgeable clinician.
Type 2 diabetes
Although American ginseng has been better researched for this
purpose, both types of Panax ginsengs may lower blood sugar levels in
those with type 2 diabetes.
Fertility/sexual performance
Asian ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual
performance. However, studies in people to investigate this are
limited. In animal studies, Asian 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. Another
study in 60 men found that Asian ginseng increased libido (sexual
desire) and decreased erection problems.
Immune system enhancement
Asian ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which could,
in theory, help the body fight off infection and disease. Several
clinical studies report that Asian ginseng can improve immune function.
Menopausal symptoms
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. The ginseng product was used in combination with a vitamin
and mineral supplement..
Mental performance and mood enhancement
Individuals who use ginseng often report that they feel more alert.
Several studies report that Asian ginseng can modestly improve thinking
or learning. Early research shows that Asian 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. Effects have also been reported for the
combination use of Asian ginseng with Ginkgo biloba .
On the other hand, scientific studies thus far do not support the
theory that this herb changes your mood if you are otherwise healthy.
Mental performance has been assessed using standardized measurements
of reaction time, concentration, learning, math, and logic. Benefits
have been seen both in healthy young people and in older ill patients.
However, some negative results have also been reported. Therefore,
although the sum total of available scientific evidence does suggest
some effectiveness of short-term use of Asian ginseng in this area,
better research is necessary before a strong recommendation can be
made.
Physical endurance
There have been quite a few studies using Asian ginseng for athletic
performance in humans and laboratory animals. 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 Asian
ginseng to increase both endurance and strength. Asian ginseng was also
found to decrease fatigue in a study of 332 patients.
Respiratory disease
In patients with severe chronic respiratory disease (such as
emphysema or chronic bronchitis), daily treatment with Asian ginseng
improved respiratory function, as evidenced by increased endurance in
walking.
Stress and well-being
Asian 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
Asian ginseng. Several human studies support the use of Asian ginseng
to enhance well-being and increase the overall quality of life.
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 4 - 6 years.
Asian ginseng supplements 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.
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. Asian ginseng root is also
available for making decoctions (boiling the root in water)
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 ginseng, make sure you buy Korean, red, or Panax ginseng . If you are looking for American ginseng, you should buy a Panax quinquefolius. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus )and Panax notoginseng may also be found in health food stores or pharmacies.
Pediatric
This herb is not recommended for use in children because of its stimulant properties.
Adult
- Fresh root: 1 - 2 g, once daily for up to 3 months
- Dried root: 1/2 - 2 g, chew and swallow once daily
- Tincture (1:5): 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
- Fluid extract (1:1): 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoonful, 1 - 3 times daily
- Standardized extract: 200 mg, 1 - 3 times daily, standardized to contain 4 - 5% ginsenosides
In healthy individuals who wish to increase physical or mental
performance, to prevent illness, or to improve resistance to stress,
Asian ginseng should be taken in cycles. For example, take every day
for 2 - 3 weeks, then stop for 2 weeks, then resume.
For help recovering from an illness, the elderly should take larger
doses, such as 500 mg, 2 times daily for 3 months. Alternatively, they
may take the same dosage (500 mg, 2 times daily) for 1 month, followed
by a 2-month break. This can then be repeated if needed. Ask your
health care provider for more information.
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the
body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components 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 health care provider qualified in the field of
botanical medicine.
Asian ginseng 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
- Vaginal bleeding
To avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in people without diabetes, Asian ginseng should be taken with food.
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should not take Asian
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, should use caution
when taking Asian ginseng.
Safety of taking Asian ginseng during pregnancy is unknown.
Therefore, it is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding. Asian
ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.
Asian ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to
surgery. Asian ginseng may act as a blood thinner, therefore increasing
the risk of bleeding during or after a procedure.
If you are currently being treated with any of the following
medications, you should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to
your health care provider:
Heart medications -- Asian ginseng may alter the effects of certain blood pressure medications, including calcium channel blockers.
Blood thinning medications -- Asian ginseng may decrease the
effectiveness of the blood-thinning medication warfarin. In addition,
ginseng may inhibit platelet activity. For this reason, it should
probably not be used with aspirin.
Caffeine -- While taking Asian 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.
Psychiatric medications -- Asian ginseng may exaggerate the
effects of this anti-psychotic medication, so these should not be taken
together. There have been reports of a possible interaction between
Asian ginseng and the antidepressant medication, phenelzine (which
belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors), resulting in
symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and
tremulousness.
Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.
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- Review Date:
1/25/2007
- Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education
Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing
in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
