Asian and American ginseng effects on human health are diverse. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been used for thousands of years in Korean, Chinese, Indian and other therapeutic systems.
It is known as a normalizing agent that benefits various body systems simultaneously. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is indigenous to North America and has been used by the native Americans for hundreds of years.
Both plants demonstrate multiple medicinal properties and are used to prevent and cure numerous ailments and disease symptoms. Botanically unrelated, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) also demonstrates various normalizing health benefits.
The complete list of beneficial ginseng effects is yet to be unveiled. Research continues to examine the versatile uses of P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius and E. senticosus. To date, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory and hormone-balancing properties have been exhibited.



- Boosts energy & mental focus
- Supports immune system & restores balance
- Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance
Asian Ginseng Effects
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Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is also commonly called Korean ginseng.
Korean red ginseng is purported to contain higher concentrations of therapeutic phytonutrients than Panax ginseng from other locations.
Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is comprised of numerous bioactive constituents. Most notably, it contains triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides.
It also contains various vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, peptidoglycans and polysaccharides.
Asian ginseng effects are said to prevent and/or treat numerous health conditions, including but not restricted to poor immune system functioning, lacking stamina, weak cognitive functioning, depression, fatigue, anxiety, cystic fibrosis, flu and bronchitis.
In some studies, it has been found to act against the development and progression of breast, skin, liver, ovarian and lung cancers.
There is also evidence of Asian ginseng effects on diabetes, heart disease, male infertility, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), fibromyalgia, dysentery, asthma, fever, HIV/AIDS, dizziness, headache, neuralgia, bleeding/clotting disorders, insomnia, convulsions, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, colitis, vomiting and more. P. ginseng is also used topically to inhibit premature ejaculation.
American Ginseng Effects
Panax quinquefolius and Panax ginseng effects are very similar. By and large, they contain the same constituents and are used similarly for supplementation purposes as well as by naturopathic doctors. Both are considered adaptogens.
Adaptogens naturally help to combat the effects of physical, social and environmental stressors. American ginseng is also considered by many to be a stimulant and a diuretic.
Taken by mouth, Panax quinquefolius is used for diabetes type 2 mellitus, anemia, insulin resistance associated with antiretrovirals, ED (erectile dysfunction), neurasthenia, hangovers, gastritis, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), HIV, AIDS, schizophrenia, swine flu, sleeping issues, gastrointestinal disorders, poor immune system functioning, hypertension and fatigue related to cancer.
Other American ginseng effects include reducing signs of aging, preventing acute respiratory illness, improving menopausal symptoms, poor memory, sluggish cognitive performance, low stamina, poor appetite, colitis, clotting/bleeding disorders, convulsions, headaches, vertigo, nausea/vomiting, RA (rheumatoid arthritis), atherosclerosis and breast cancer. It is also used to ameliorate complications of childbirth and pregnancy.
Siberian Ginseng Effects
Although it is not a true form of ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus is called Siberian ginseng by many. The name has been adopted widely because it acts similarly to P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius.
E. senticosus is actually a woody shrub from the Araliaceae plant family. It is indigenous to southeast Russia, Japan, China and Korea. Siberian ginseng effects are adaptogenic, cognition-enhancing, cardioprotective, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory.
Common uses for Siberian ginseng effects include increasing resistance to stress, normalizing blood pressure, preventing arterial plaque, increasing the capacity for physical labor and treating craniocerebral trauma, sleeping disorders, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), tuberculosis, bronchitis, heart disease and neurosis.
E. senticosus is also used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes mellitus type ii, chemotherapy toxicity, chronic bronchitis and herpes.
Ginseng Side Effects
In healthy individuals, Asian, American and Siberian ginsengs are all known to pose minimal safety risks. They have been used as foods and medicines by many millions of people, from various geographic locations, for many centuries.
Ginseng side effects are uncommon. When negative ginseng effects are experienced, they are mild and temporary.
The effects of ginseng are multifaceted. Their normalizing health effects make them possibly unsuitable for conjunctive use with various other medicinal agents. Pharmaceuticals and other herbs may interact negatively with ginseng effects.
In general, you should not stack ginseng supplements with drugs or herbs known to affect diabetes, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, hypertension, cancer, heart disease or liver disease. Also, caution should be used if you are taking medications to alter immune system functioning.
Most ginseng benefits and health claims have not been definitively proved in clinical trials. Ginseng supplementation has been implicated for numerous potential therapeutic uses, and the research necessary to prove or disprove them will require much more time investment.
In order to be sure that ginseng effects are safe for your unique health scenario, please talk with your doctor before beginning to use this supplement at home. Serious complications may result from improper or excessive ginseng use.
Article last updated on: April 16th, 2018 by Nootriment