American Ginseng Plant Description, Properties & Usage

The American ginseng plant is indigenous to some deciduous forests in North America, especially in eastern regions and in the Canadian province of Ontario.

American ginseng’s scientific name is Panax quinquefolius. It shares certain pharmacologic similarities with its close relative, Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng).

In clinical trials, both of these types of ginseng have been associated with multiple therapeutic effects, such as increased energy, sexual performance, improved mood and increased resistance to stressors and disease.

Some uses for American ginseng plant extracts and roots include prevention and/or treatment for ED (erectile dysfunction), fatigue, insomnia, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus.

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 Plant Uses

The United States and Canada began exporting American ginseng roots to the Orient in the 1700s. At that time, Asian ginseng had already been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng plants are used in eastern medicine for a variety of preventive and curative purposes.

The Natural Medicines database states that American ginseng plants are used as adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances which increase resistance to various types of stress. They are believed to impede the effects of aging, boost immunity and improve overall quality of health.

Traditional uses for American ginseng plants are numerous, but most have not been backed up by clinical research. In fact, the only conditions which it is rated as “possibly effective” for are diabetes and respiratory tract infections.

There is not sufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of American ginseng plant extracts and roots on the following:

• Antiretroviral induced insulin resistance;
• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
• Breast cancer;
• Cancer related fatigue;
• Cognitive performance;
• Hypertension;
• Menopause symptoms;
• Schizophrenia;

Preliminary research concerning American ginseng’s effects on these conditions seems favorable. Large, double-blind, randomized human trials are necessary.

Types of American Ginseng Plants

American ginseng plants have been overharvested for many years. Strict harvesting rules are now in effect. This is because international demand for this natural medicine remains consistently high.

There are four type of American ginseng plants: field-grown, woods-grown, wild-simulated and wild.

Wild American ginseng plants grow naturally in their native environments. Wild-simulated ginseng is grown in a deciduous forest habitat, using all-natural conditions. Woods-grown and field-grown ginseng may contain pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and/or other undesirables.

Be mindful of the sources of American ginseng supplements you may be considering.

American Ginseng Plant Identification

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a member of the Araliaceae botanical family. It is deciduous, herbaceous, has a distinct smell and is a perennial. Its compound leaves are arranged in a singular whorl. They are classified as oblong-obovate-to-obovate, are serrated and measure between 6 and 15 cm.

P. quinquefolius plants possess single stalks. Their roots are shaped like humans with elongated extremities. American ginseng plants produce greenish-white flowers and drupes of red berries during the autumn.

American Ginseng Extract Supplements

American ginseng plants are used to make dietary supplements. The roots are used primarily because they contain the highest amount of bioactive molecules called ginsenosides.

Dried roots may be used to manufacture tablets, capsules and powders. Fresh roots can be used to make pressed liquid extracts – or used to make teas and tinctures. They may also be added to stews, soups, salads and various other recipes.

Safety of American Ginseng Products

American ginseng herbal extracts have been used for hundreds of years for multiple therapeutic purposes. They are rated to be “likely safe” for short-term, proper oral usage.

Daily doses between 100 and 3000 mg have been used for 12 weeks without side effects. Single doses of as much as 10 grams have also been used without adverse effects.

Proper use of American ginseng is rated as “possibly safe” in pregnant women and children. There is insufficient evidence to rate its safety concerning lactation. Nursing mothers are advised not to use American ginseng supplements.

American ginseng plant extracts and roots are not associated with any side effects besides rare instances of headaches.

However, it is possible that this plant extract could cause similar side effects to those reported from Asian ginseng use. Some of these include insomnia, vaginal bleeding, mastalgia (breast tenderness), diarrhea, loss of appetite and/or vomiting.

Observe yourself for these side effects if you use American ginseng supplements. If adverse effects occur, reduce the dosage or stop taking the supplement and speak to your doctor to find out more.

Conclusions

American ginseng plants have been in worldwide demand for hundreds of years. Along with Asian ginseng plants, they remain some of the most popular dietary supplements available.

Like Asian ginseng, they are believed to possess adaptogenic properties which may help to enhance human health on a systemic level.

Routinely using American ginseng plants in your diet may help to improve immune responses, negate the damaging effects of daily stressor, balance hormones, enhance cognitive functioning, restore sexual vigor and libido, reduce chronic low-grade inflammation, combat chronic fatigue and more.

Pay close attention to the dosing recommendations on the products you select. It is recommended to begin at less than the full recommended dosage, and then progressively increase up to it.

Talk with a doctor who knows your health history before beginning to use American ginseng plants. There are negative interactions possible with certain drugs, diseases, foods and herbal supplements.

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