Siberian Ginseng

What Is It?

Famed as an energy tonic in China since ancient times, Siberian ginseng only gained recognition in the West in the 1950s, when a Russian scientist (I. I. Brekhman) reported its notable stress-repelling powers. Healthy men and women taking the Herb were found to better endure physical strain, resist disease, and perform tests of mental sharpness.

Today, Westerners are perhaps most familiar with the plant's botanical cousin Panax ginseng, but Siberian ginseng's apparent ability to fight fatigue and alleviate myriad ailments has earned it an enthusiastic following. Many people use it the way traditional Chinese healers do--to reinforce the body's vital energy (what the Chinese call qi). Others take it to enhance memory and ward off colds and flu. In Russia, millions of people use the herb as a general tonic.

Also known as eleuthero, supplements of the herb are made from the dried root of Eleutherococcus senticosus, a plant indigenous to China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia.


Health Benefits
Siberian ginseng contains remarkable compounds that favorably affect the adrenal glands, the small glands that rest atop the kidneys and secrete stress-fighting hormones. Taking the herb is believed to boost the body's capacity to handle physical stresses ranging from heat exposure to extreme exertion. Resistance to disease increases as well. So does one's overall energy level.

Specifically, Siberian ginseng may help to:

• Prevent stress-related illnesses. Several studies have shown that Siberian ginseng can increase a person's resistance to physical stresses. In a series of landmark Russian studies in the 1960s, 2,100 healthy adults (19 to 72 years old) given Siberian ginseng were shown to better handle stressful conditions. Specifically, they experienced an increased ability to perform physical labor, withstand motion sickness, and work with speed and precision despite being surrounded by noise. They could also proofread documents more accurately and more readily adapt to such physical stresses such as heat, high altitudes, and low-oxygen environments. Siberian ginseng may also help boost people’s immunity if their immune systems are already compromised. A study on women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer found that in the 4 weeks after chemo treatment various measures of cellular immunity were improved (1). These results are far from conclusive, but they may some day offer hope to those battling the effects of chemotherapy.
• Relieve chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia. Because Siberian ginseng bolsters the adrenal glands, it's worth trying to relieve the exhaustion and muscle pain associated with these energy-depleting conditions. A study of 96 chronic fatigue sufferers found that Siberian ginseng may be efficacious for people suffering from moderate CFS (2).
• Combat fatigue and restore energy. Siberian ginseng is popular for invigorating and fortifying the body. It appears to boost energy levels in people suffering from acute or constant exhaustion (3). Those recovering from an illness or weary from a heavy work schedule may also benefit from its energy-boosting and immune-enhancing powers. For otherwise healthy individuals--even athletes--the story is a little different, however. In one study, 20 highly trained distance runners given Siberian ginseng failed to outperform similarly conditioned runners given a Placebo when both groups raced against each other on treadmills. Not only did the Siberian ginseng-taking runners run no faster, they didn't run for longer either. Overall, the evidence for Siberian ginseng positively effecting exercise endurance is weak (4). The majority of studies on this topic have shown mixed results and very few are large enough or of a high enough quality to prove or disprove benefit (5, 6). More research is necessary before this herb can be recommended as a first line treatment for strength or distance training improvement.
• Increase male and female fertility and reduce male impotence. By supporting healthy uterine function, Siberian ginseng may be useful in preventing female infertility. Males may experience an increased sperm count (rotate it with Panax ginseng for this purpose) (7). Animal studies indicate that the herb can even boost testosterone levels and thus help reverse certain cases of male impotence.
• Relieve menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms. Siberian ginseng may positively affect Hormone levels and tone the large uterine muscle. These properties make it potentially valuable for easing certain menstrual difficulties and menopausal symptoms.
• Treat Alzheimer's disease. Siberian ginseng may increase mental alertness, particularly in the early stages of this progressive disorder. The herb's ability to boost the transmission of nerve impulses may also enhance memory. A recent small randomized controlled study found that some aspects of mental and social functioning in the elderly improved after treatment with ginseng after only four weeks (8). This study also suggests that these benefits may attenuate with time, so further research will be needed to determine if this effect is true in larger populations.
• Combat free-radical damage and some forms of cancer. Scientists have been able to show that Siberian ginseng has a cytotoxic (cell killing) effect on some cancer cell lines in laboratory studies (9). These preliminary results still need to be investigated in animal and human models, so the chances of seeing Siberian ginseng be touted as a effective cancer treatment is still years away.
• Increase resistance to colds and flu. Historically, the Chinese have found Siberian ginseng to be effective in suppressing colds and flu. The herb's immune-enhancing powers may play a role. Recent studies have found that herbal preparations including Siberian ginseng is a helpful adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies for upper respiratory tract infections (10). Other studies have also shown it to benefit sinusitis (11).

Note: Siberian ginseng has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Siberian Ginseng.


Forms

• Tincture
• tablet
• softgel
• powder
• dried herb/tea
• capsule

Dosage Information
Special tip:

• Buy Siberian ginseng extracts from a company with a reputation for quality. Products should be standardized to contain at least 0.8% eleutherosides (the active ingredients).
• For stress: Take 100 to 200 mg three times a day. Special "adrenal gland" formulas now on the market commonly contain Siberian ginseng in combination with licorice, pantothenic acid, and other stress-fighting ingredients.
• For fatigue (and chronic fatigue syndrome), female infertility, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, and the majority of other conditions mentioned: Take 100 to 300 mg twice a day for 60 to 90 days, and then take a seven-day break before resuming treatment.
• For male infertility and impotence: Take l00 to 300 mg twice a day. For infertility, rotate every three weeks with 100 to 250 mg Panax ginseng standardized to contain 7% ginsenosides (the active ingredient). For impotence, rotate every two weeks.
• For colds and flu: Take 300 mg twice a day for seven to 10 days.
• Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Siberian ginseng, which has therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.

Guidelines for Use

• To give your body a rest, take a one- to two-week pause from your Siberian ginseng regimen every three months. (Or ask your doctor about rotating it with other herbs.)
• To avoid possible restlessness, don't take Siberian ginseng within an hour of bedtime.

General Interaction
If taking high blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), do not take Siberian ginseng. It should not be taken by people who have Hypertension.

Note: For information on interactions with specific generic drugs, see our WholeHealthMD Drug/Nutrient Interactions Chart.


Possible Side Effects

• Siberian ginseng is very safe at recommended doses, even for long-term use.
• In rare instances, mild diarrhea may occur.
• At very high doses (900 mg daily and higher) insomnia, nervousness, irritability, and anxiety have been reported.

Cautions

• Avoid Siberian ginseng if you have high blood pressure.
• Don't take Siberian ginseng while menstruating. Stop taking it if you become pregnant.

References

1. Kormosh N, Laktionov K, Antoshechkina M. Effect of a combination of Extract from several plants on Cell-mediated and humoral immunity of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Phytother Res. 2006 May;20(5):424-5.

2.Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R, Hoehns J, Logemann C, Sinift S, Butani Y, Wang W, Brake K, Ernst M, Kautzman H. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. Psychol Med.2004 Jan;34(1):51-61.

3. Panossian A, Wagner H. Stimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytother Res. 2005 Oct;19(10):819-38.

4.Goulet ED, Dionne IJ. Assessment of the effects of eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005 Feb;15(1):75-83.

5. Gaffney BT, Hugel HM, Rich PA. The effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng on steroidal hormone indices of stress and lymphocyte subset numbers in endurance athletes. Life Sci. 2001 Dec 14;70(4):431-42.

6. Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):624S-36S.

7. Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, Paolini P, De Nuccio I, Pepe M, Re M. Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panminerva Med. 1996 Dec;38(4):249-54.

8. Cicero AF, Derosa G, Brillante R, Bernardi R, Nascetti S, Gaddi A. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73.

9. Yu CY, Kim SH, Lim JD, Kim MJ, Chung IM. Intraspecific relationship analysis by DNA markers and in vitro cytotoxic and Antioxidant activity in Eleutherococcus senticosus. Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Apr;17(2):229-36.

10. Narimanian M, Badalyan M, Panosyan V, Gabrielyan E, Panossian A, Wikman G, Wagner H. Randomized trial of a fixed combination (KanJang) of herbal extracts containing Adhatoda vasica, Echinacea purpurea and Eleutherococcus senticosus in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. Phytomedicine. 2005 Aug;12(8):539-47.

11. Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, Chandanian GL, Panossian AG, Wikman G, Wagner H. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Phytomedicine. 2002 Oct;9(7):589-97.

Drug/Nutrient Interactions
View Drug Interactions


Date Published: 4/20/2005
Date Reviewed: 1/8/2007

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Healing Power of Ginseng in the Treatment of Epilepsy

Ginseng is the most famous rejuvenator. It detoxifies the blood, feeds and stimulates the brain, nervous system, aids digestion, improves metabolism, normalizes glucose levels in the blood, help on assimilation of vitamins and minerals and helps in improving fertility in men.

Saponius in Asian Ginseng protects the liver cells from damage when exposed to toxic chemicals. Ginseng also has beneficial effects on cellular growth, ginseng stimulate DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid), protein and lipid synthesis. The stimulating effect of ginseng on the cells, glands and organs will only be up to normal, ginseng doesn't have an over stimulation effect.

The effect of ginseng in the treatment of epilepsy is not immediate, but continuous and prolonged use bring a complete cure.

A case I've read was a young kid age 10 who had his first attack(idiopathic type of epilepsy) at age 9mos. EEG examination was positive. He was given conventional drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy like Phenobarbital. Seizure still recurred daily, twice or once a week. Ginseng was given as supplement at the age of 4years at a dose of 100mg. (North Korean ginseng processed by modern methods. The North Korean ginseng is claimed to be the best variety) and attacks were lessened, both in intensity and frequency after one year of intake. At age 6 and 7months, convulsions disappeared completely. After a year without attacks EEG became normal. All medications were discontinued except ginseng. It was believed recovery would have been faster if the dosage is increased as the child grew.

The cure was due to the rejuvenation of the brain cells. There is also proper formation of acetylcholine and cholinesterase. Acetylcholine stimulates the nerve cell to generate small electric charge which is transmitted to the next cell carrying messages back and forth from the brain. Cholinesterase, enables the nerve cell to recuperate and recharge itself. Thus promotes the normal formation and transmission of impulses.

There are also many instances were seizures stopped completely when only ginseng was given. No conventional drugs were used in the treatment of their epilepsy.

There is no available drug that can bring about cure in epilepsy. The drugs that are being used such as Phenobarbital,phenytoin,carbamazephine , etc. are only used to diminish the intensity, duration and frequency of attacks.

Adults with epilepsy may take 400mg to 600mg of North Korean ginseng processed by modern methods, or you can follow the dosage of the product you purchase.


Ginseng may be given as a treatment in all types of disease especially those that are known to be incurable by modern medicine. It has no contraindications.

Don't take ginseng with Vitamin C or fruit juices(citrus juices especially). Vitamin C destroy ginseng. Take your Vit C 4hours after you have taken ginseng.

Another good variety is the Panax Ginseng, there is a case, my sisters' patient who has myoma, she drink panax ginseng religiously for 5months until one day when she went to the bathroom to pee, she felt a sudden pain in her lower abdomen, a block of red thing came out of her... when she had it checked in the hospital the Doctor said it was her cyst, she was cured by just drinking panax ginseng everyday for months.

Taking Ginseng with Chia Dorada(Golden Sage) helps to prevent rheumatism, neuralgia, hemorrhages, improves teeth. It helps in the prevention of spasms and chills, colds and pleurisy. It is also found beneficial against migraines and headaches.

Royal Jelly and Ginseng is one of the most energizing and vitalizing combination, given that the nutritional values in each stimulate brain and nervous function and provide the muscles with vital energy. Both products work as adapters, that is they help the body obtain stability in moments of stress and nervous tension.

Content and image source:
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Scientists Cite Red Ginseng Helps Fight Liver Diseases

Scientists have cited significant reports on the efficacy of red ginseng, a potent medicinal herb found in Korea, to prevent liver diseases and various ailments.

A Japanese researcher, Professor Oura of Toyoma University, said when Korean Red Ginseng was administered to rabbits with two thirds partial hepatectomy, the rate of liver regeneration was more than 34 percent higher than that of the untreated ones. Oura explained that the effective components of protein synthesis is the stimulating factor that prevents or fights liver diseases. He attributed an element called "prostitol" found in red ginseng as a potent and effective factor in combating liver diseases. He said, " Majority of liver disorders are virus type hepatitis. In particular, B type hepatitis is the most well known. If this becomes chronic, then it becomes hepatitic in duration and may advance further to become liver cancer".

Other effects of red ginseng was cited by a Russian scientist Dr. Brekhman, in his book "Adaptogen Theory". It said the basic effect of red ginseng is its capacity to increase resistance to various adverse factors such as stress and other ailments. "The body has a homeostasis mechanism to maintain a constant equilibrium and the medical substances which help maintain homeostasis named "adaptogens" and that adaptogenic activity is the reality of the tonic effect of ginseng", said Brekhman.

In his study, Berkham explained that ginseng helps reduce stress, increases stamina, and strengthen good physical condition. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells and is responsible in fighting anemia and hypertension. He emphasized , however, that the most effective is red ginseng found in Korea, as confirmed by researches of scientists around the world.

Content source:
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Root to Koreans Health

www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-18 10:00:35

BEIJING, June 18 -- A saying goes, ginseng helps South Korean football players perform the best in Asia. The turnip-like plant is deeply rooted in the daily lives of Korean people. They worship it, plant it, and make ginseng into various products.

During a recent trip to South Korea I witnessed the power of this magic plant.

As we drive along the Geumsan highway in southwestern South Korea, all I see are black shelters - everywhere. They are scattered among rice fields and at the foot of the small hills. With rooftops tilted away from the rising sun in the west, the shelters form a stark contrast with their lush green surroundings.

"They are ginseng fields," says Kim Jihyun, a tour guide from the Korea Tourism Organization. "We Koreans started to eat ginseng when we were young."

"Wooooh, won't your nose bleed?" I ask. In my mind, only weak people or those in recovery from major surgery are sometimes encouraged to take slices of ginseng - but not too much. Otherwise, it may cause side effects, which can sometimes be fatal even though ginseng is believed to be a medicine and tonic for long life.

"Not really, you must be thinking of wild ginseng," Kim says. "The cultivated ginseng here is mild and healthy," she adds.

Koreans began growing ginseng some 1,500 years ago. According to legend, a young man surnamed Jiang was filial to his mother. He was so distraught when his mother was dying that he began praying every day. One day he had a dream where a white-bearded divine told him to find a plant in the forest in the mountain. The higher power told him the root would be able to save his mother.

The next day he trekked to the mountain and discovered the plant. He boiled the root and gave it to his mother. His mother's condition began improving after drinking the water. So, the young man began to grow the plant. And, others followed suit. They soon adored the plant for its magic power and the symbolic gesture it symbolized of a son's love for his mother.

"Growing ginseng needs patience," says Lee Ok-Hee, a woman in her late 50s. She and her husband Kim Sam Bea have more than a hectare of ginseng. "The cost is also huge, so is the risk," she says. "It usually takes six years to get the best roots. After the harvest, the land has to rest for four years before another planting. If any natural disaster were to come, it would all be lost."

Lee and her husband have been growing ginseng for 30 years. Lee says she takes care of the plants every day.

"I treat them like my children," she says. It's said the plant is very smart, and is able to recognize the footfall of its owners. Ginseng is very picky with its growing environment - not too much noise, not too hot, not too cold, not too wet and not too dry."

Kim Sam Bea digs out a ginseng plant from his field. The green leaves are oval shaped, and each consists of five leaflets. The fleshy root is about 40 cm long and slender, resembling the shape of a human body with two legs.

"This is a four-year-old plant," Lee says. "We will wait for another two years to get the best ones."

She says she expects to get 75,000 grams of ginseng from her 1,000-sq-m field.

The total ginsenoside content of a six-year-old root varies between 0.7 and 3 percent.

According to Lee, 85 percent of her 50 neighbors in Hongtao village grow ginseng. The rest harvest rice and strawberries.



The Kim family also owns a workshop, where they process and make red ginseng.

Every five days in Geumsan, there is a trading fair, where people trade ginseng for cash.

"The mini-van of the local bank park just by the market waiting for loading money," Kim says. "The daily income reaches $507,000."

In early September every year, there is also a ginseng festival held in Geumsan. During the 10-day festival, there are all kinds of ginseng on sale, including fresh, white and red ginseng. There are also various ginseng products, including ginseng candies and wines.

"People here are quite rich," she says. "They also live longer because they benefit from the smell of ginseng."

The most popular dishes in South Korea contain ginseng. In Geumsan alone, there are regular courses in local communities that teach housewives how to make ginseng salad and fried ginseng dishes.

Small restaurants offer very good samgyetang (young chicken soup with ginseng). In South Korea samgyetang is an invigorating food, which is traditionally eaten in the summer. It is essentially glutinous rice, garlic, dried jujube, and fresh ginseng - all stuffed inside a young chicken. The chicken is then tied up with strings before its completed boiled into a broth.

I take a spoonful of soup. I have to say, I'm not quite used to the bitter taste.

But, I want to bring some kind of ginseng back home with me to China. So, I grab a few ginseng candies and chocolates. I pop one of the succulent sweets in my mouth - and then head on my way.

(Source: China Daily)

Editor: An Lu

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Excel Power Pro Ginseng

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The Greatest GInseng on Earth

How can I choose the best ginseng?

Many ginseng brands look temptingly similar in their packaging to genuine IL HWA Ginseng, yet there is no comparison. They contain unwanted ingredients such as sugar, various other cheaper herbs, even caffeine and alcohol. IL HWA's Ginseng roots are harvested only when they are mature. The process used to extract all of the active ingredients in a low heat process patented by the company. No wonder the Korean government gives IL HWA Ginseng it's highest four star rating. Click here to see what scientific research has discovered about IL HWA Ginseng's effectiveness in dealing with many physical ailments.

There are four primary elements determining the quality of ginseng.

1. Is it matured ginseng?
Don't be fooled by labels. Terms such as "pure", "genuine", "standardized", etc., don't mean anything unless the product has been made from the root of a mature ginseng plant, grown under proper conditions and processed correctly. All IL HWA ginseng products are made from only four to six year old ginseng roots. IL HWA has revolutionized the technology to maintain a strict quality standard and guarantee ingredient quality.

2. How about Germanium?
Every cell and organ of the body is affected when the blood contains impurities. Scientists have found that most organic detoxifiers contains the element GERMANIUM. The higher the amount of Germanium, the quicker the blood return to a healthy state. As the above chart shows, Korean Ginseng contains the highest amount of organically chelated GERMANIUM of all the organic detoxifers.

3.How about Saponin distribution?

4.Does the product have lots of satisfied users who have dramatically reversed their conditions?

Click here for our testimonials.

What is in Ginseng?

Modern research studies around the world are investigating the effects of ginseng. Ginseng is not a medicine or a drug. It is a natural food which contains more than thirty active ingredients working synergistically to produce ginseng's many health benefits. This means that its power lies not in any one ingredient but in the working combination of its many constituents. Although ginseng is rich in germanium, calcium, magnesium, iron and B vitamins, the ingredients commonly thought to be most responsible for ginseng's adaptogenic properties are called ginsenosides (saponins). They are found in mature Korean Panax ginseng to a far larger degree than in other forms of ginseng.

You can see why KOREAN PANAX GINSENG is so valuable as a cleansing agent for the blood and thereby relieving stress to the organs. For some people, ulcers will be cleared up; for others, psoriasis or sinus problems will be alleviated. This is easy to comprehend when one knows the fact that illness stems from excess toxins. KOREAN GINSENG of sufficient strength, taken over a period of time, will be very helpful in detoxifying you.

Effects of Ginseng

Purifies the blood of toxins

Lowers "Bad" Cholesterol (LDL)

Increases "Good" Cholesterol (HDL)

Lowers high blood sugar

Prevents cellular damage from oxidation

Improves nerve growth, nerve transmission and mental function

Increases production of red blood cells

Lowers high blood pressure

Normalizes stress conditions caused by heat, cold & abnormal physical exertion

Stimulates digestion

Increases physical stamina

Strengthens the immune system

Click here to read more


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Ginseng and Sports Performance

Ginseng has proven to regulate the basal metabolic rate and increase the breakdown and metabolism of foods. Improved metabolism can increase energy level and remove more waste products in the body.

Studies have shown that the athletes were using oxygen much more efficiently after taking ginseng. They were also able to return to normal physiologic conditions much quicker. In addition, ginseng is reducing stress to the entire body system and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Athletes agree that ginseng reportedly helps them to build strength and endurance, and helps them overcome the strain and drain of exercise. Ginseng causes a more economical use of energy and athletes, joggers, runners, and people from all walks of life who work hard and play hard are experiencing its benefits.

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Ginseng and Cancer Treatment

Ginseng is an effective adaptogen and can protect the body from the stress of drug and radiation therapy. The stress normally caused by therapies can lead to secondary growths of cancer. Studies have shown, that patients taking ginseng daily could better cope with anti-cancer drugs and therapies.

Ginseng has shown cancer-preventive effects as well and may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Studies have found that people taking ginseng were approximately 70% less likely to develop cancer compare to others and the more ginseng they consumed, the lower the risk of developing cancer was.

According to studies performed at the Division of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, SungKyunKwan University, South Korea; especially in combination with vitamins A, C and E ginseng helps greatly reduce the risk of cancer caused by smoking.

During daily supplementation of antioxidants and ginseng in this research (200 IU vitamin of E, 9 mg of beta-carotene, 500 mg of vitamin C, or 1.8 g of red ginseng) for 4 weeks, the smokers antioxidant concentrations were found to significantly increase, compared with those supplemented with a placebo tablet. This data suggests that supplementation with antioxidants might protect smokers from oxidative damages and could reduce cancer risk or other diseases caused by free radicals associated with smoking.

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Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve the overall health of human being. In the first Chinese book of herbs, the Pen Tsao Ching (The Classic of Herbs), written by the famous Emperor Shen Nung, to whom the discovery of tea was attributed, Ginseng was recommended for enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom. Ginseng was taken as a tonic for the whole body, and believed to cure lethargy, arthritis, impotence, senility, and many other conditions.

In terms of modern scientific research, ginseng is known to be an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that assist the body to restore itself to health and work without side effects even if the recommended dose is widely exceeded. Ginseng due to its adaptogens effects is widely used to lower cholesterol, increase energy and endurance, reduce fatique and effects of stress and prevent infections.

Ginseng appears to help people with diabetes. A limited study performed in March 2000 at the University of Toronto showed that ginseng could lower blood sugar 20% more than placebo.

Ginseng is one of the most effective anti-aging supplements. It can alleviate some major effects of aging, such as degeneration of the blood system, and increase mental and physical capacity.

Other important benefits of ginseng is its support in cancer treatment and its effects on sports performance.

Asian Ginseng

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Asian ginseng—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng.

Common Names—Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng

Latin Name—Panax ginseng

What It Is Used For
Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:

• Improving the health of people recovering from illness
• Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
• Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
• Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

How It Is Used
The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.

What the Science Says

• Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
• To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.
• NCCAM supports studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include Asian ginseng's interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb's potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

• When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects.
• The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
• Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
• There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with Asian ginseng products, but these products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
• Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Ginseng, Asian (Panax ginseng). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:265–277.
• Ginseng, Panax. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on July 2, 2007.
• Ginseng. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on June 28, 2007.
• Ginseng root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:170–177.
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed on July 9, 2007.

Content and image source:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/asianginseng/