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Asian
Ginseng
Common names: Korean
ginseng, Chinese
ginseng
Botanical name:
Panax
ginseng
Parts used and where
grown
Asian
ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family,
which also includes the closely related American
ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and less
similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus), also known as eleuthero. Asian ginseng
commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually
harvested in the fall. The root is used, preferably from
plants older than six years of
age.
Asian ginseng has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern
for complete information):
| Health Concerns |
|
Erectile
dysfunction |
|
Athletic
performance
Epilepsy (in combination with
bupleurum, peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark,
ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian scullcap root,
and licorice root)
Immune
function
Infertility
(male)
Mental
performance
Stress
Type 2
diabetes |
|
Aerobic
capacity
Chronic fatigue
syndrome
Common cold/sore
throat
HIV
support
Infection
Influenza
Lung
cancer
Menopause
Type 1
diabetes |
Historical
or traditional use (may or may not
be supported by scientific
studies)
Asian
ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over
2,000 years. The first reference to the use of Asian
ginseng dates to the 1st century A.D. Ginseng is
commonly used by elderly people in the Orient to improve
mental and physical vitality.
Active constituents
Ginseng’s actions in the body are thought
to be due to a complex interplay of constituents. The
primary group are the ginsenosides, which are believed
to counter the effects of stress and enhance
intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen
ginsenosides have been identified in Asian ginseng. Two
of them, ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1, have been closely
studied. Other constituents include the panaxans, which
may help lower blood sugar, and the polysaccharides
(complex sugar molecules), which are thought to support
immune function.
Long-term intake of Asian ginseng may be
linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer .A
double-blind trial found that 200 mg of Asian ginseng
per day improved blood sugar levels in people with type
2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Human trials
have mostly failed to confirm the purported benefit of
Asian ginseng for the enhancement of athletic
performance One preliminary trial suggests it may help
those in poor physical condition to tolerate exercise
better. In combination with some vitamins and minerals,
80 mg of ginseng per day was found to effectively reduce
fatigue in a double-blind trial.
Another double-blind trial also found it
helpful for relief of fatigue and, possibly,
stress. Although there are no human clinical
trials, adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng may be
useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This
may be because these herbs are thought to have an
immuno-modulating effect and also help support the
normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
axis, the hormonal stress system of the
body.
Asian
ginseng may also prove useful for male infertility. A
double-blind trial with a large group of infertile men
found that 4 grams of Asian ginseng per day for three
months led to an improvement in sperm count and sperm
motility.
Asian ginseng may also help men
with erectile dysfunction. A double-blind trial in Korea
found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for
three months helped improve libido and the ability to
maintain an erection in men with erectile
dysfunction.14 This finding was confirmed in
another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times
a day was given for eight
weeks.15
How much is usually
taken?
The
most researched form of ginseng, standardized herbal
extracts, supply approximately 5–7% ginsenosides.
Ginseng root extracts are sometimes recommended at
200–500 mg per day. Non-standardized extracts require a
higher intake, generally 1–4 grams per day for tablets
or 2–3 ml for dried root tincture three times per day.
Ginseng is traditionally used for two to three weeks
continuously, followed by a one- to two-week “rest”
period before resuming.
Are there any side effects or
interactions?
Used
in the recommended amounts, ginseng is generally safe.
In rare instances, it may cause over-stimulation and
possibly insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng
increases the risk of over-stimulation and
gastrointestinal upset. People with uncontrolled high
blood pressure should use ginseng cautiously. Long-term
use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and
breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not
recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding
women.
Are there any drug
interactions? Certain medicines may interact
with Asian ginseng. Refer to drug interactions for a
list of those
medicines. | |
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