American Ginseng Extract: How to Take for Energy & Cognition

American ginseng extract is a popular natural brain supplement, that is said to have wide-ranging benefits for overall health and wellness.

Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) has been used for centuries by North America’s indigenous peoples. It has also been shipped to China for use in traditional Chinese medicine since the 18th century.

The therapeutic effects of P. quinquefolius are now being investigated in scientific studies, but there remains little rigorous clinical evidence concerning any of the proposed uses of Panax quinquefolius.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has received comparatively more scholarly attention than American ginseng. Nevertheless, preliminary evidence indicates some potential therapeutic uses of American ginseng and its constituents.

American Ginseng

Herbal Supplement

Immunity

Energy

Mental Focus

How It Works:

• Contains ginsenosides that act as adaptogens
• Supports the immune system
• Boosts energy & cognitive performance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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American Ginseng Extract

American Ginseng Extracts come in either liquid tincture form, powdered form or in capsules and tablets. The extract is a concentrated form of the bioactive compounds found in the white roots of this plant.

In addition to being used in dietary supplements, it is also a common ingredient in energy drinks and in some soft drinks. The primary medicinal constituents in ginseng extract are ginsenosides and polysaccharides.

Extracts are typically denoted as being 5:1 or 10:1, which denotes the potency of the formulation. 10:1 extracts are made by taking 1 kg of American ginseng root and producing 100 g of extract. This means the finished product is 10x stronger than raw ginseng root.

The Ginseng plant has been observed to exhibit chemopreventive and antitumor properties and has shown action against various cancer cell lines. It demonstrates cardioprotective effects that may reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

American ginseng extracts have been observed to help regulate blood glucose levels. Further, it is being examined for its potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), autoimmune diseases, liver disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bleeding disorders, sexual dysfunction, bad breath and much more.

Although some generated data is promising, there is not enough evidence to support the use of ginseng for any particular therapeutic purpose. Consequently, although it is one of the most popular dietary supplements, American ginseng extract is not used in conventional Western medicine.

American Ginseng for Cognitive Enhancement

American ginseng extract is often used to treat fatigue, particularly mental fatigue. It is thought to help alleviate fatigue by increasing mitochondrial energy production.

Fatigue is a warning sign for many diseases and ailments, which are directly correlated with an inability to effectively generate intracellular energy. When the cells of a system are individually struggling for energy, then the entire system will struggle for energy. This can cause systematic degradation and fatigue.

Individuals often take American ginseng in the hopes of alleviating fatigue. It has also been studied for its ability to reduce cancer-related fatigue, but with poor results. Further clinical study is required to understand what role, if any, ginseng can play in energy production.

In clinical trials using Korean Ginseng (which is similar to North American Ginseng in terms of plant make-up), participants report improved cognition due to the herb’s anti-fatigue effects. One study found that participants given 100 mg of ginseng extract performed better on math questions and experienced improved feelings of well-being and calm.

In another study, 4 weeks of administering 200mg of Panax Ginseng resulted in improvements to mood, social function and mental performance. For these reasons, Ginseng is a common additive in nootropic supplements to enhance memory, focus, intellect and mood.

Potential Anti-Cancer Effects

Extracts of American ginseng have exhibited anticancer properties. Tumor growth has been hindered in various cancer cell lines. Active plant nutrients in ginseng – called ginsenosides – are thought to provide antioxidant effects.

By elevating superoxide dismutase levels, encouraging cellular apoptosis in tumor cells, suppressing VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and inhibiting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in tumors, P. quinquefolius exhibits characteristics of interest to cancer researchers.

However, these studies are preliminary and have been conducted on independent cells in a laboratory. It is not clear if ginseng will exhibit similar effects in the human body.

Decreasing Blood Glucose Levels

A small number of studies have indicated American ginseng extract pills may help control blood glucose levels. Glucose reductions have been observed in fasting blood levels, as well as after-meal (postprandial) levels.

In other studies, P. quinquefolius has been observed to reduce cardiac and renal changes in individuals with type II diabetes. Advocates claim these effects are due to the antioxidant and adaptogenic effects of ginseng, which are thought to help reduce stress and stress-related health degradation.

However, adaptogens – natural substances thought to improve the body’s ability to cope with mental, physical and environmental stress – are not commonly accepted by the scientific community.

Ginseng and Blood Pressure

In human and animal studies, American ginseng is associated with effects important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Ginseng has been observed to help balance cholesterol levels, lower triglyceride levels and limit arterial plaque formation. In some studies, it has been observed to reduce blood pressure among individuals with elevated blood pressure levels.

However, this effect is not considered significant. The apparent cardioprotective benefits of P. quinquefolius have not been definitively illustrated and require further study.

How to Take American Ginseng Extract

In research trials, dosages of 200 mg or 400 mg of American Ginseng are most commonly used. This oral dosage is typically taken earlier in the day, as using it in the evening can cause insomnia or make it difficult to fall asleep at a normal hour.

ColdFX, a Canadian product that is marketed to prevent and reduce cold symptoms, uses a 200mg dosage of 4:1 Panax quinquefolius extract (CVT-E002). Individuals are advised to take one capsule twice a day as a preventative measure against the common cold.

Appropriate use of Panax quinquefolius is not commonly associated with severe side effects. Mild side effects may include insomnia, headache, jitteriness, vaginal bleeding, hypoglycemia and alterations in blood pressure. However, such side effects are not likely for most healthy people.

Ginseng supplementation is recommended to be limited to two months. At that point, use should be discontinued for a month before resuming.

Ginseng is a multifaceted substance that is thought to affect a number of body organs and systems simultaneously. It affects the liver’s metabolism of certain pharmaceuticals and may change how these pharmaceuticals work and which side effects they present.

American ginseng extract supplementation may interact with the following types of prescription medications:

• Antihypertensive agents used to regulate blood pressure;
• Compounds used to moderate glucose levels;
• Drugs used to control cholesterol imbalances;
• Immunosuppressant medications used to treat autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis;
• Anticancer and chemopreventive pharmaceuticals;
• Antidepressants.

This is only a sample of possible drug interaction. It is important to speak with your prescribing physician before taking ginseng.

Final Review

Panax quinquefolius is supplemented to promote good health; however, there is insufficient evidence to endorse the diversity of its uses. Speak with your doctor before taking American ginseng extract as a dietary supplement to help ensure safe and effective use.

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