Asian ginseng extracts are used to increase well-being, enhance cognitive functioning, counteract chronic fatigue and more. Asian ginseng is also called Korean and/or Chinese ginseng, and is known by the botanical name Panax ginseng.
It should not be confused with the related Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) or the unrelated Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). These plants produce similar effects in the user, but only Asian ginseng is considered to be the “True ginseng” plant.
The roots of Asian ginseng have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems. They contain bioactive molecules called ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponins which may improve circulation, regulate cortisol levels and increase the activity of nerve growth factors in the brain.



- Boosts energy & mental focus
- Supports immune system & restores balance
- Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance
Asian Ginseng Extract Uses
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Common uses for Asian ginseng extract supplements include alleviating anxiety and stress, boosting immune system strength, increasing libido (sex drive), enhancing cognitive performance, anti-aging effects, improving athletic performance and counteracting fatigue.
Various other health benefits have been associated with Asian ginseng extract usage. However, the majority of these uses are based on traditional medicine and historical use. Many have not been validated by clinical trials; there are relatively few reliable human trials completed on this herbal extract to date.
Asian Ginseng Extract Sexual Benefits:
Oral use of Panax ginseng extract may be effective for improving certain markers of ED (erectile dysfunction) in men. Daily doses between 1400 and 2700 mg have improved overall sexual function in men with ED.
Routine supplementation with an Asian ginseng extract may help to increase sex drive in both men and men. It may also improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
In one double-blind human trial, P. ginseng was found to improve male sexual performance. 1800 mg of Asian ginseng extract was administered daily over a 3-month period.
Male subjects with ED showed improvements in libidic strength and erection maintenance. Similar results were reported from another double-blind study which used three 900 mg doses every day over eight weeks.
Asian Ginseng Extract Creams
SS Cream is a multi-ingredient topical Asian ginseng extract product. In addition to ginseng, it contains toad venom, torlidis seed, cinnamon bark, clover flowers, angelica roots and other herbals.
Applying SS Cream topically to the glans of the penis before sex has improved sexual performance.
The cream is applied about one hour prior to intercourse, and then washed off right before intercourse. Men who experienced premature ejaculation increased intravaginal ejaculatory latency times when using this Asian ginseng cream.
Postmenopausal women have also demonstrated increased sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction after taking Korean Red Ginseng extract . Certain combination supplements containing P. ginseng have also been reported to increase female sexual satisfaction.
Asian Ginseng Extract Cognitive Benefits:
Some research shows that Asian ginseng extracts can help to improve certain markers of cognitive functioning. Oral administration of P. ginseng has improved attention span, arithmetic skills, abstract thinking and reaction times in middle-aged people. These outcomes were not observed in young adults.
Using an Asian ginseng extract alone may not have significant effects on memory performance. However, stacking P. ginseng with ginkgo biloba may improve results.
One study examined the use of this supplement combination in patients with neurasthenia. Neurasthenia is a condition which is poorly defined. It is believed to be an emotional disturbance marked by lethargy, headaches, irritability and/or fatigue.
Combination usage of Asian ginseng extract with gingko biloba leaf extract showed improvements in memory. All subjects in this trial were between 38 and 66 years of age.
Research shows that Asian ginseng roots can help to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Doses between 4.5 grams and 9 grams were administered daily to Alzheimer’s patients. After twelve weeks, improvements to cognitive functioning were reported.
Medicinal Benefits of Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng extract supplements have helped patients diagnosed with stable COPD. 3 and 6-month results of routine supplementation were compared in one trial. Significant improvements in pulmonary function tests were experienced, as well as positive changes in quality of life markers. Compared to a placebo, P. ginseng improved measured markers by 53%.
Evidence from some preliminary research suggests that Asian ginseng extract usage may decrease the risks of contracting the flu. Taking 200 mg daily starting 4 weeks before an influenza vaccination, until 8 weeks after the vaccination, decreases the risks of flu and/or the common cold by at least 65% compared to placebo controls.
In female patients with RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis), Asian ginseng has improved certain symptoms. Daily 500 mg doses for three months decreased fatigue and increased quality of life markers compared to placebo controls.
Ginseng treatment group members decreased RRMS-related fatigue by 75% as compared to the placebo control group. Additionally, treatment group subjects experienced a 19.9-point quality of life increase as compared to the placebo group’s 4.2-point improvement over the course of the trial.
Asian Ginseng Extract Side Effects
Asian ginseng is known to be well tolerated in the majority of healthy adults. In most cases, there are no side effects experienced with proper, oral administration. However, it is not recommended for infants, children, adolescents or women who are pregnant and/or nursing.
A small number of users experience insomnia, especially when first beginning to use this natural herbal supplement. Nausea, diarrhea, rash, itchy skin, loss of appetite, racing heart, vaginal bleeding and other non-major side effects have also been reported. In very rare cases, major side effects like severe allergic reactions and liver damage have resulted.
Various interactions are possible between Panax ginseng and certain diseases, drugs and other herbal supplements. Discuss the safety of taking Asian ginseng extract usage with a doctor who knows your medical history and any current medications you are taking.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment