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The roots of Asian ginseng plants are used medicinally to boost energy, immunity, mental focus and sex drive. Asian ginseng is often called Korean ginseng and/or Chinese ginseng. Its usage as an herbal medicine dates back thousands of years.
Its gnarled roots resemble the body of a human being, with long, stringy appendages. Roots and extracts of Asian ginseng are used for cognitive performance, athletic performance, sexual function, cancer, depression, diabetes mellitus and more
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) should not be confused with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Asian ginseng is known to be well tolerated in most healthy adults. It is not recommended for use in infants, toddlers or adolescents.
Energy
Immune Function
Well- Being- Boosts energy & mental focus
- Supports immune system & restores balance
- Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance
Top Panax Ginseng Products* ❯Asian Ginseng Uses
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Asian ginseng is used for a number of of health purposes. According to the Natural Medicines database, it is used to increase resistance to stress and aging. It can be taken as a general elixir to increase overall well-being. Other uses include stimulating the immune system, enhancing productivity and increasing athletic stamina.
Many believe Asian ginseng to be an adaptogenic substance. While adaptogens are not recognized by Western medicine, these compounds are said to improve homeostasis in the body and enhance resistance to external stressors.
Asian ginseng extract is said to help users better cope with daily stress. Some studies have also reported increases to overall quality of life when taking this supplement.
In one trial, 501 adults were assessed on quality of life metrics were then given either Asian Ginseng or a placebo. These markers included sleep time, sex life, available energy, personal contentment and over well-being.
Subjects using Asian ginseng experienced better measures concerning these factors than subjects in a placebo group.
Asian Ginseng for Health and Wellness
Panax ginseng is also used to improve cognitive functioning. It is believed to increase concentration and enhance memory. Other uses include treating Alzheimer’s symptoms, depression and anxiety.
Asian Ginseng has also been used in natural medicine to treat MS (multiple sclerosis), cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, swine flu, general fatigue and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome).
Asian ginseng is sometimes used orally for liver, breast, lung, ovarian and skin cancer. It is also used for impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia, gastritis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) are also sometimes treated with P. ginseng in traditional medicine. It has not been approved by the FDA for use as a drug in the treatment of these conditions or any other medical conditions.
Some men use Asian ginseng to improve ED (erectile dysfunction), male inferilitiy, premature ejactulation, impotence and/or low libido. It is also used to promote sexual desire in women.
Other uses of P. ginseng include preventing and/or treating poor appetite, bleeding disorders, loss of hearing, vomiting, headaches, convulsions, dizziness, insomnia, fibromyalgia, colitis, gallstones and bad breath.
Not all of these uses have been researched in human clinical trials. Many of these uses are based on historical use in traditional medicine practices. Speak to your doctor before taking Asian ginseng products for any medical condition.
Effects of Ginsenosides
The bioactive molecules in Asian ginseng are called ginsenosides. They are natural steroid glycosides which are believed to be responsible for the majority of P. ginseng’s clinical effects.
Some of these effects include reducing systemic inflammation, upregulating mitochondrial energy and improving physical performance.
Ginsenoside constituents in Asian ginseng possess antioxidant properties. Human research has shown the abilities of ginsenosides to activate certain antioxidant enzymes – and to scavenge various free radical agents.
By reducing free radical damage and oxidative stress, Asian ginseng may help to impede certain effects of aging. This supplement has also been researched for its potential anti-cancer benefits.
The antioxidant effects of Asian ginseng may also benefit long-term cardiovascular health factors. Preliminary research suggest that it can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Improvements to overall lipid profiles are associated with reduced risks for heart disease.
Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Cancer Research
Some human research suggests that Asian ginseng can lower blood pressure. However, there are conflicting studies that suggest the opposite. Some researchers believe that low doses of P. ginseng may elevate blood pressure while higher doses may reduce blood pressure.
If you have hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure), then do not use Asian ginseng supplements without the approval of your doctor.
Research into the effects of Asian ginseng on type 2 diabetes is also inconclusive. Some evidenceshows that it can lower blood-glucose levels. Other studies have shown it elevate levels of glucose in the blood.
It is possible that different ginsenosides in P. ginseng induce different effects on glucose absorption. Speak with your doctor about the safety of ginseng when combined with antidiabetic medications.
Multiple studies report anticancer effects linked to Asian ginseng use. In in vitro studies, tumor growth has been impeded, and in some cases, suppressed. However, researchers are not sure how it works.
In one observational trial, 4634 people were monitored for 5 years. It was found that those who routinely used Asian ginseng were less likely to develop pancreatic, lung, liver, ovarian and/or stomach cancer.
Many people use Asian ginseng to help improve symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction. P. ginseng is accepted widely as a sexual performance booster. However, little evidence from human trials exist to support this.
Animal research has shown ginseng to increase the level of sexual activity engaged in, and the amount of sperm in semen. Sperm motility (spontaneous movement) has also been increased. In one study involving sixty Asian men, fewer erection problems and increased sex drive was experienced.
There are various other potential uses for Asian ginseng. Research continues to explore its therapeutic properties and effects.
Conclusions
Although side effects are rare, Panax ginseng supplements can affect the function of various body systems at the same time. You should approach using it cautiously. Ask your doctor about its safety for you. Be sure your doctor knows about any pre-existing health conditions you have, and about any medications you use.
Choose between organic Asian ginseng options when available. Always follow the dosage recommendations from the manufacturer of the product(s) you may select.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment