American Ginseng Root: Historic and Contemporary Uses

Medicinal use of American ginseng root dates back hundreds of years.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is from the same genus as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), but is a different species.

Asian ginseng has been used in Korean, Indian and Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years.

American ginseng has a long history of use by the indigenous populations of North America and has been exported to China for use in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Although both Panax species have long been viewed as medicinal agents, considerably more research has been completed on P. ginseng than on P. quinquefolius. However, the two species of ginseng share many similarities and researchers are focusing on their possible therapeutic roles.

Like Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius is being investigated for its possible anticancer effects and its capacities to alleviate some symptoms of type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity and liver disease, to name a few.

It is important to note that while Siberian ginseng carries the ginseng name it is not related to Asian and American ginseng root. Although it is also believed to be a medicinal plant, Siberian ginseng is from a different plant genus altogether and contains different bioactive 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 Root Medicinal Use

North American Ginseng is used as an adaptogen, or a natural compound thought to increase an individual’s resistance to mental, physical and environmental stress.

It is also used as a stimulant and to treat symptoms of diabetes, cancer-related fatigue, erectile dysfunction, respiratory tract infections and digestive disorders.

The success of these uses is variable. There is insufficient evidence to support all of American ginseng’s uses, but preliminary research has pointed to some of the plant’s therapeutic characteristics.

Ginseng has been observed to improve sperm motility, the ability to generate erections, gonadal weight, gonadal protein synthesis and sperm quality. Ginseng is sometimes used to help support conception, but further research is required to verify this use.

American Ginseng and Heart Health

American ginseng root may help reduce some risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Ginseng supplementation has been observed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It has also been observed to reduce free triglycerides in the circulatory system.

Ginseng has been found to act as a vasodilator, which may help improve circulation and flush away existing arterial plaque deposits. By reducing arterial plaque, American ginseng extract may help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), coronary artery disease, heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

The apparent cardioprotective properties of ginseng are under widespread clinical study.

Antioxidant Effects of Ginseng

Ginseng has been observed to combat certain cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. The bioactive substances in American ginseng root – ginsenosides – are known to exhibit antioxidant effects up to ten times those of vitamin E.

Ginseng may help support immune function by increasing available SOD (superoxide dismutase), one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Further, American ginseng root contains phytonutrients that scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as environmental toxins, free radicals (like superoxide), steroids, pesticides and other food chain additives.

These actions make ginseng interesting to researchers and investigation continues into the plant’s therapeutic value.

Controlling Blood Glucose Levels

American ginseng root is sometimes used to control the symptoms of diabetes. Ginseng has been observed to help regulate glucose levels when taken before a meal. American ginseng supplements may increase glucose use in the body, requiring less insulin production from the pancreas.

Additionally, by stimulating fat storage into fat cells, ginseng supplementation may increase sensitivity to insulin and decrease sugar (glucose) levels in the blood.

Although ginseng may impact blood sugar levels, no determinations have been made concerning its potential to prevent or treat type II diabetes. It is sometimes suggested as a weight loss aid, though further research is required to validate this use. Preliminary results are promising, but additional investigation is required.

Ongoing Research into American Ginseng

American ginseng root is also being investigated for its capacity to:

• Improve cognitive function in patients with neurodegenerative diseases;
• Ameliorate the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other conditions involving the lungs;
• Enhance learning capacity, reaction time and memory;
• Combat chronic fatigue syndrome and generally increase mitochondrial energy production.

American ginseng root is also being examined for its capacity to reduce bad breath (halitosis), kill bacteria, protect individuals from the common cold and flu and treat menstrual abnormalities. Research is ongoing. Although the lists of research projects and common uses of ginseng are long, few definitive functions can be attributed to the plant based on scientific evidence.

Negative American Ginseng Side Effects

American ginseng root seems generally well tolerated by humans. A long history of traditional use combined with clinical trials suggests the supplement is possibly safe when taken correctly for short periods of time. Mild side effects may include insomnia.

However, it is not recommended for certain groups and it may interact with a number of pharmaceuticals.

Use of American ginseng root is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, children and adolescents. Also, those with autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and/or cancer should only use ginseng with their doctor’s knowledge and supervision.

Pharmaceutical and natural herbal supplements may interact with ginseng. In all cases, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking American ginseng root to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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