Korean Ginseng (Panax) Health Benefits & Side Effects

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been used for over two thousand years in traditional medicine throughout Asia.

It was administered for various therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of stress reactions, such as ulcers, headaches and hypertension.

It was generally not recommended for those afflicted with “heat” ailments, such as nervousness, anxiety, mental disturbances, fever and/or inflammatory conditions. Ginseng was (and still is) considered a mild stimulant and was thought to potentially exacerbate some of these listed conditions.

Ginseng, particularly Korean ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng), is now one of the most consumed dietary supplements in the United States. It possesses many of the same constituents as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) but is a different species.

However, neither American nor Korean ginseng should be confused with Siberian ginseng ( Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is from a different plant genus and is not similar to American or Asian ginseng. “Ginseng” generally refers to either the Asian or American varieties.

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 Overview

The historical use of ginseng has attracted contemporary scientific attention.

Researchers have examined ginseng’s effect on cancer cells, symptoms of type II diabetes, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, infertility and much more. In animal studies ginseng has been observed to increase physical energy.

The main active phytonutrient (plant nutrient) constituents of ginseng are called ginsenosides, which have been observed to induce a number of medicinal effects throughout the body.

The long list of contemporary ginseng uses mirrors many of its historical functions. It is generally used to improve mental and physical energy and to help ameliorate burnout, exhaustion and the debilitating effects of some chronic ailments.

Korean Ginseng and Type II Diabetes

Chinese herbalists continue to prescribe ginseng supplements to combat the symptoms of diabetes. Researchers have observed that Korean and American ginsengs stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. This helps to reduce insensitivity to insulin and decrease the amount of glucose in the blood.

Although some studies have been promising, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking ginseng in the hopes of mitigating symptoms of diabetes. Korean Ginseng supplements may interact negatively with antidiabetic medications, possibly causing hypoglycemic conditions.

Korean Ginseng and Heart Health

Ginseng contains more than two dozen ginsenosides that may support cardiovascular health. Ginsenosides have been observed to elevate “good” cholesterol (HDL), decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower triglyceride counts in serum samples. These lipid effects are hypothesized to lower incidences of arterial plaque development, heart disease and other related conditions.

Korean Ginseng and Immunity

Ginseng has been observed to exhibit antioxidant effects, which may support and improve immune function. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels are increased with routine ginseng supplementation. SOD is an antioxidant that helps stave off the damage caused by free radicals. Uninhibited free radical damage is associated with the physical effects of aging and the development of some autoimmune diseases.

Korean Ginseng is believed to exhibit adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are natural compounds that are thought to help the body better cope with physical and mental stress. Korean ginseng is often taken to protect against the common cold and the flu. It has also been observed to increase the antibody response to vaccines when administered prior to the vaccination.

Korean Ginseng and Hormone Balance

Ginseng has been observed to affect constituents of the endocrine system. For instance, ginseng has been correlated with increases in testosterone levels.

It is hypothesized that constituents of ginseng help to reduce the amount of testosterone converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thus maintaining higher testosterone levels.

Panax ginseng is often used to support hormone production and to help balance the endocrine system, but there is little scientific evidence available to support this ‘balancing’ function.

On account of its tendencies to affect estrogen levels, women of childbearing age are encouraged to use ginseng sparingly. In one study, birth defects were caused in animal subjects via ginseng administration.

Dosages for Ginseng Supplements

Quality Korean ginseng supplements will possess standardized amounts of ginsenoside constituents. 100 mg of ginseng containing between four and eight percent ginsenosides has been used up to two-times per day. For non-homogenous ginseng capsules and powders, root extracts have been taken at doses between one and two grams daily.

Ginseng use should be cycled. Chinese practitioners recommend taking time off after each week of consecutive daily supplementation. This stops tolerance from developing and helps to ensure long-term benefit. Korean ginseng has been classified as possibly safe for periods of use up to sixty days, at which time supplementation should be discontinued for one month before resuming use.

Korean Ginseng Side Effects

Insomnia is a frequent side effect of ginseng supplementation. People who already suffer from poor sleep patterns may not be suitable for ginseng supplementation. Related side effects include nervousness, jitteriness and anxiety.

Less frequent side effects may include headaches, rashes, itching, bleeding, clotting, low blood pressure, low blood sugar and/or menstrual irregularities. In very rare cases, liver toxicity can result from excessive, prolonged supplementation.

Korean Ginseng Safety Warnings

Do not use ginseng supplements if you suffer from hypertension. Korean Ginseng is known to alter blood pressure and may cause adverse effects. Ginseng is not recommended for use with antidiabetic medications. It is known to lower levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood and may induce hypoglycemic conditions if combined with these medicines.

Do not use ginseng supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. In one study based in Korea, ginseng seemed to cause birth abnormalities in animal subjects. Also, there is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of ginseng supplementation in young children and adolescents.

Do not supplement with ginseng if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer, or any other condition that may be affected by estrogen levels. Ginseng has been observed to alter estrogen levels and may contraindicate with such conditions. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning Korean ginseng supplementation.

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