Ginseng Plant Root Extract Uses, Bioactives & Effects

Ginseng plants have long been used as energizing tonics in folk medicine, purported to revitalize the body and support the immune system. It has been used as a stimulant, aphrodisiac and cognitive enhancer.

There has been significant research into the effects ginseng plant extracts. According to the Natural Medicines Database, Ginseng is rated as Possibly Effective for cognitive function, COPD, erectile dysfunction, influence, MS-related fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, premature ejaculation and sexual arousal.

There are two primary types of ginseng plants used in traditional medicine: Panax (Korean) ginseng and American ginseng. The plants have slightly different compositions of active constituents, but are similar in their purported effects.

Ginseng is one of the most widely used herbal supplements in the world, with sales of greater than $2.1 billion per year in 2013. It is also commonly included as an ingredient in energy drinks and herbal teas. It demonstrates a good safety record, but may not be appropriate for everyone.

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogen

Energy

Immune Function

Well- Being

How It Works:

• Boosts energy & mental focus
• Supports immune system & restores balance
• Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Korean Ginseng Plant

The Korean Ginseng plant (Panax ginseng) produces leaves, greenish-yellow flowers, red berries and a uniquely shaped taproot comparable to the shape of a human body, with appendages resembling arms and legs.

At the root’s neck are a series of “wrinkles” used by herbalist to determine the age of the plant. Korean ginseng is not mature enough to provide medicinal benefits until the plant is around five or six years old.

Korean, Chinese and Asian ginseng are Panax ginseng but cultivated in their respective areas. Active ingredients extracted from Ginseng roots and root hairs to make dietary supplements include ginsenosides, glycans, peptides, flavonoids and B vitamins. [1]

Health Benefits of the Panax Ginseng Plant

Traditional ginseng plant uses include depression and low libido to edema and insomnia. Research evidence indicates that Korean ginseng plant extract may improve concentration, increase stamina and enhance overall well-being.

Pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng target the central nervous system (stimulation), modulate immune system functioning. prevent blood clots from forming and promote anabolic processes.

Korean ginseng also seems to encourage glycogen storage while expediting fat metabolism in the liver, which may offer an antidiabetic effect. [2]

Finally, some studies show that ginseng plant extract may have anti-carcinogenic properties, especially regarding development of pancreatic, stomach, ovarian and esophageal cancer. [3] However, it has not been approved for the prevention of cancer and more research is needed to validate this purported effect.

North American Ginseng Plant

An herb growing primarily in North America, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) should not be confused with the Korean ginseng plant, which contains a different set of chemicals and is traditionally used for different conditions.

Although both American ginseng and Asian ginseng contain ginsenosides (saponins), American ginseng roots are rich in ferulic and cinnamic acids that exert potent antihyperglycemic effects. [4]

Human studies with type 2 diabetes patients found that American ginseng reduced their blood sugar levels, an effect seen in pre-meal and post-meal glucose levels.

The North American ginseng plant may also lower the risk of people suffering health problems due to diabetes, such as heart disease and retinal degradation. However, it has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose.

Subjects taking a product containing American ginseng extract reported fewer head colds over a four month period than subjects taking a placebo. In addition, subjects stated their cold symptoms diminished more quickly than cold symptoms experienced by the placebo group.

Only one study has been completed investigating the efficacy of American ginseng combined with Ginkgo biloba to treat ADHD. However, results suggested the combination may provide some relief for ADHD symptoms.

Clinical studies examining effects of the North American ginseng plant on immune system functioning discovered that certain plant chemicals improve the performance of white blood cells playing important roles in immunity. [5]

Preparing Ginseng Root for Consumption

Some ginseng users prefer growing and processing their ginseng as opposed to purchasing over the counter supplements. Ginseng roots should be dug up by late fall once the plants’ tops have died.

Keeping the root as whole as possible when harvesting ginseng plants is vital to preserving its effectiveness as a medicinal herb.

Washed roots should be dried in direct sunlight. Regular rotation of ginseng roots is necessary to ensure they are thoroughly dried before peeling roots to grind them into ginseng powder for tea or sprinkling over food. [6] [7]

Ginseng as an Aphrodisiac

American, Korean and Asian ginseng has been used for centuries by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to treat low libido in men. Several studies investigating the validity of ginseng’s aphrodisiac properties.

According to one researcher, the “antioxidant and organ protective actions presented by ginseng plant extract may be associated with enhanced nitric oxide synthesis in the corpus cavernosum and ensuing vasodilation of penile blood vessels”. [11]

Another study found that patients given Korean ginseng for erectile dysfunction scored higher on the Mean International Index of Erectile Function than subjects receiving placebos. [12]

Possible Interactions

If you are taking any one of the following medications, do not use Korean or North American ginseng plant extract without first consulting with a physician: [8]

• Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
• Calcium channel blockers (for blood pressure and heart problems)
• Antiplatelets and anticoagulants (aspirin, Plavix, warfarin)
• Insulin and other diabetic drugs (may increase risk of low blood sugar)
• Autoimmune disease medications
• Ritalin or Concerta for ADHD (ginseng may significantly increase stimulant effects)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (may cause tremors or mania when taken with Nardil or other MAOIs)

Side Effects of Ginseng Plant Extract

Possible side effects of taking ginseng include: [9], [10]

• Agitation, nervousness
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reaction (itching, hives, swelling of the face lips and tongue)
• Headache
• Drop in blood sugar (more common in diabetics)

Ginseng may cause other side effects not listed, depending on how much is taken and the user’s health condition.

Dosing Recommendations for Ginseng

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following dosing amounts have been used in scientific research:

To lower blood sugar, people with Type 2 diabetes may take three grams orally two hours before eating a meal. Between 100 and 200 grams of American ginseng have been ingested orally by subjects for eight weeks without adverse side effects.

To reduce the risk of contracting upper respiratory tract infections, subjects were given 200 mg. of an American ginseng compound called CVT-E002 (Cold-fX, Afexa Life Sciences, Canada) two times a day for three to four months. [13]

Ginseng plant extract supplements are available in pharmacies and health food stores in capsule or pill form. Amounts range from 200 mg to 1000 mg per capsule/tablet.

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