Wild-harvested American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a natural medicine used to promote the immune system, improve energy levels and neutralize the harmful effects of stress.
This type of ginseng is closely related to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), which has been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine systems. The United States began exporting wild American ginseng to China in the 1700s.
Today, P. quinquefolius is used in many countries for its various health-enhancing properties. American ginseng supplements can be purchased in pill capsule format, as raw roots, liquid extracts or in bulk powder form.
Many consumers prefer buying wild American ginseng which is grown organically. Wild ginseng is free of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other toxins that may be present in cultivated ginseng.



- Contains ginsenosides that act as adaptogens
- Supports the immune system
- Boosts energy & cognitive performance
What is Wild American Ginseng?
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Wild American ginseng is a deciduous perennial plant that is indigenous to North America. It is a member of the ivy family. Ginseng roots may be dried, boiled, steamed or used fresh for an array of preventive and/or curative health purposes.
People buy American ginseng for:
- Strengthening immune system function;
- Decreasing the effects of stress;
- Balancing hormones;
- Promoting total-body homeostasis;
- Increasing well-being;
- Prolonging life;
According to the Natural Medicines database, wild American ginseng is used for pregnancy complications, neuralgia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, swine flu, convulsions, vertigo, headaches, respiratory infections, gastritis, ED (erectile dysfunction), hangovers, cystic fibrosis, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), insomnia, fever, hypertension, menopause, bleeding disorders, memory loss and atherosclerosis.
Wild American ginseng is also used to improve athletic/sexual performance and to enhance cognitive functioning.
Most of the uses for P. quinquefolius have not been substantiated with human-based clinical research. However, many in-vitro and animal trials, and some preliminary human trials suggest certain therapeutic benefits. Large-scale, randomized human trials are necessary to validate the therapeutic effects of wild American ginseng.
Effects of Taking Wild American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius berries, leaves, stems, stalks and roots all contain bioactive constituents called ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are a type of triterpenoid saponins.
These substances are known for immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, membrane-permeabilizing and certain other properties.
The six ginsenosides most commonly found in wild American ginseng roots are denoted Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re and Rg1. There are more than 30 ginsenosides found in different ginseng varieties. Panax quinquefolius contains more concentrated amounts of ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rd and Re in relation to other ginseng species.
Different ginsenosides induce different biologic effects. It is possible that one ginsenoside works in opposition with another. For instance, Rb1 seems to work against angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels) while Rg1 may stimulate it.
Other constituents of wild American ginseng include polysaccharides, fiber, minerals, vitamins, peptidoglycan and others. Wild American ginseng mechanisms of action (MOA) can cause certain antidiabetic, cardiovascular, estrogenic, immunomodulatory and central nervous system (CNS) effects.
American Ginseng and Diabetes:
Certain ginsenosides, and possibly some other phytoconstituents of wild American ginseng are believed to reduce blood glucose levels after meals. It is unclear how this happens. The effect may be caused by sensitizing certain tissues to insulin. It is also possible that insulin release is directly stimulated.
Some research has used P. quinquefolius doses between 3 and 9 grams, administered about 2 hours before meals. Other trials have used doses between 100 and 200 mg daily over 8 week periods to improve fasting glucose levels.
American Ginseng for Heart Health
Preliminary research indicates that certain saponins found in wild American ginseng are able to slow down low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) oxidation. These substances may also induce nitric oxide release; causing endothelial relaxation (vasodilation).
In one clinical trial, 1600 mg daily doses of wild American ginseng was used to improve athletic performance. 1000 mg doses have been used three times daily over twelve weeks to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
American Ginseng for Estrogen Balance
Panax quinquefolius apparently induces estrogenic activities. In animal models, American ginseng extracts have caused decreases in LH (luteinizing hormone).
Increases in serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity have also been reported. This is indicative of upregulated estrogenic activity in the liver.
Preliminary research suggests that wild American ginseng may also be effective against breast cancer. Growth of breast cancer cells has been suppressed effectively in in-vitro research. However, these effects may be counteracted by increased estrogenic activity causing increased cancer cell growth.
Immunomodulatory effects:
People buy North American ginseng because it is believed to be helpful at regulating immunity responses. One popular product sold in many local health stores is ColdFX.
P. quinquefolius seems to upregulate natural killer (NK) cell activity, induce TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-alpha, stimulate the proliferation of B-lymphocytes and regulate other factors involved with immunity.
Oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in wild American ginseng are thought to be responsible.
Wild American Ginseng Side Effects
The only side effect commonly associated with proper oral usage of wild American ginseng is headaches. These are generally short-lived.
This supplement is rated as likely safe for appropriate short-term use. Multiple studies show that daily doses between 100 mg and 3000 mg have been taken safely for up to twelve weeks. Long-term use of P. quinquefolius is not recommended.
There are several possibilities for interactions with certain drugs, herbals and diseases. Talk with a doctor who understand your health history before using ginseng supplements.
Conclusions
Many buy American ginseng supplements because they are believed to enhance health on several levels. Little human research has been completed to validate their uses.
The preventive and curative potentials of wild American ginseng continue to be explored in clinical trials. Large, randomized, controlled human trials are warranted.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment