How Does Ginseng Work? Mechanisms of Action

How does ginseng work to support the immune system, improve mood and energy levels and to promote general health? Ginseng’s mechanisms of action are attributed to bioactive molecules called ginsenosides found naturally in this herbal extract.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are said to work as natural remedies for a number of diseases and health conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these plants are regarded as adaptogens.

Adaptogens are rare in nature and act broadly to improve health and reduce susceptibility to stress and infection. Research shows that Ginseng does work to boost the body’s immune response, enhance cognitive function, help balance hormones and to fight signs of aging.

Results from research studies have isolated a few key ways in which Ginseng supplements work. They include: immunomodulating effects, anti-depressant, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-viral, anti-platelet, anti-cancer, stimulant, anti-hypotensive and cardioprotective mechanisms.

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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How Does Ginseng Work?

Understanding how ginseng works as a phytomedicine (plant medicine) requires knowledge of its individual constituents. Asian and American ginseng contain a number of different bioactive compounds. The most important of these are triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides. There have been dozens of ginsenosides identified in P. ginseng.

All ginsenosides share molecular similarities. All have steroidal 4-ring hydrophobic structures. All have sugar moieties attached.

Pharmacological differences between different ginsenosides may be due to differences in their sugar components; as well as differences in the positions and numbers of these moieties.

Each ginsenoside is said to induce unique pharmacologic effects. One ginsenoside may cause multiple reactions within the same cell, tissue or organ.

Active Compounds in Ginseng Extract

Different ginsenosides are found in all parts of the ginseng plant: leaves, stems, berries, root, etc. The roots of ginseng are most commonly used as natural medicines as they are most concentrated with ginsenosides. Other constituents of ginseng include:

• Multiple flavonoids, pectin and B vitamins;
• Polyacetylenes and polysaccharides;
• Peptidoglycans and panaxans;
• Amino acids and fatty acids;
• Vitamins and minerals;
• Fiber;

Ginseng plants are comprised of more than 200 phytoconstituents. The full spectrum of their individual and combinatorial pharmacologic effects is still being explored.

Asian Ginseng Mechanisms of Action

The Natural Medicines database reports a number of clinically studied mechanisms of action which help to explain how ginseng works therapeutically.

Panax ginseng is possibly effective for helping to clear alcohol from the system. In one study, healthy men reduced hangover symptoms with Asian ginseng extract usage. By upregulating alcohol dehydrogenase metabolic activities, P. ginseng improved alcohol clearance capacities by 30 to 50 percent.

Human research with Panax ginseng has demonstrated certain antifatigue effects. These effects are believed to stem from P. ginseng’s antioxidant strengths.

Serum ROS (reactive oxygen species) and other measurements of oxidation were decreased. Overall antioxidant status was increased without any increases in prevalent antioxidant enzymes; like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, for instance.

How does Panax Ginseng affect the Brain?

Understanding how ginseng works in the brain may involve both a neuroprotective as well as a cholinergic effect.

Ginseng shows neuroprotective benefits, which means that it helps to promote brain cell health and prevent neuronal death. Neuroprotection also involves slowing down the progression of disease; inhibiting transition from preclinical to clinical diagnosis.

Another marker of neuroprotection is the inhibition of neurodegeneration. This may occur naturally as a result of aging, or prematurely in some individuals. Ginseng has been shown to protect against apoptosis (cell death) of neurons and to reduce inflammation in microglial cells.

The neuroprotective potentials of Panax ginseng are being widely explored. P. ginseng is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia and certain other neurodegenerative and psychological conditions.

This supplement has been shown to improve levels of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Both of these neurochemicals are involved in regulating growth of structures within the brain. They are both linked to improving neuroplasticity.

Panax Ginseng has also been shown to improve acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus and to inhibit the effects of acetylcholinesterase. In combination, these effects may support better memory formation, focus and memory recall.

Additional Effects of Ginseng Supplements

Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius both demonstrate multiple mechanisms of action in research studies. They are considered to be effective for erectile dysfunction, sexual function, premature ejaculation, reducing influenza symptoms, improving Multiple Sclorosis-related fatigue, and improving pulmonary function.

Other ginseng mechanisms of action include certain antiarthritis, antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antistress, antiulcer, antiaging and other effects.

Much of the research completed to date has been in-vitro or animal-based. However, there is a growing body of human research trials demonstrating that American and Asian ginseng do work to boost health and well-being in a number of areas.

Is Ginseng Safe for Everyone?

In healthy adults, oral and appropriate usage of P. ginseng is rated as likely safe. It causes few side effects in most users. Insomnia is the most commonly experienced side effect.

Other rare side effects have been reported in a small number of cases, including breast tenderness (mastalgia), vaginal bleeding, irregular menstruation, colitis (inflamed colon), pruritus (severe itching), vertigo, euphoria, mania, poor appetite, headaches, loss of hearing and others.

Using Asian ginseng may not be recommended for those with certain pre-existing health conditions. These include hormone-sensitive cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune conditions, cardiac conditions, bleeding disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia and organ transplant recovery.

Not enough is understood about how ginseng works to rate its safety if it is used in combination with certain medications. Usage is not generally recommended for those who take antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, cytochrome P450 substrate, immunosuppressant and certain other medications.

Be cautious if stacking ginseng supplements with other herbal agents including ginger, ginkgo, garlic, dashen, angelica, clove, bitter orange, country mallow, ephedra, fenugreek or willow bark.

Asian ginseng should not be administered to infants, toddlers or teenagers. Do not use P. ginseng if you are pregnant or nursing. Stop using ginseng supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery. Using ginseng with coffee or tea may increase stimulatory effects.

Does ginseng work to improve health? Preliminary evidence suggests that it does in several ways. To be sure that it is safe for you, speak to a doctor or naturopath before using.

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