Korean Red Ginseng Benefits for Cancer, Health, Cognition & Sex Drive

The list of health benefits attributed to Korean red ginseng is long, but individual claims are supported by varying levels of scientific evidence.

Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng), also known as Asian ginseng, has been used in traditional medicine for millennia.

Historic and contemporary uses include treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, improving immune system performance and supporting cardiovascular health.

Korean red ginseng benefits are argued by advocates to stem from its antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, prosexual and anti-inflammatory properties.

P. ginseng is thought to work at the systems level to produce effects across the body. When used at appropriate dosages and for a safe period of time, ginseng supplementation is generally well tolerated. Mild side effects, such as insomnia and headache, may occur.

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 Red Ginseng Benefits for Cancer

Korean red ginseng seems to induce a number of effects that may be useful in cancer prevention and treatment.

One of the main benefits of Korean red ginseng is its antioxidant effects, which can help reduce oxidative stress.

It is thought to increase the synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a natural antioxidant that plays an integral role in the human body.

Further, ginseng supplementation has been observed to exhibit antiandrogenic actions against some hormone-sensitive cancer cell lines, such as breast, prostate, cervical, colon and ovarian cancers.

Although ginseng seems to possess some beneficial characteristics, there is not enough evidence to connect it with the treatment of any cancer in the human body. Further research is necessary before any definitive use can be ascribed to Korean red ginseng based on scientific evidence.

Additional Red Korean Ginseng Uses

Research indicates ginseng may help support metabolic and cardiovascular health. P. ginseng has been observed to affect cholesterol production, lowering LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels while simultaneously elevating HDL cholesterol. Also, it has been observed to decrease triglyceride and glucose levels in the blood.

These observations are not universal and in many cases ginseng was observed to have no effect. However, advocates claim that its apparent ability to support healthy blood lipid and glucose levels may reduce some of the risk factors associated with developing coronary artery disease, heart disease, type II diabetes and obesity.

Evidence for the Effects of Ginseng

The therapeutic benefits of Red Korean ginseng are being scientifically investigated. Although advocates maintain that Korean ginseng is a potent medicinal plant, there is insufficient clinical evidence to ascribe any specific therapeutic use to P. ginseng.

Nevertheless, in preliminary trials Korean ginseng has provided some positive observations.

• 12 weeks of oral supplementation with the roots of P. ginseng were observed to improve cognitive performance levels in some Alzheimer’s patients.
• Ginseng taken orally was observed to improve lung function in some patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Supplementation with red ginseng was observed to improve abstract thinking, reaction times and arithmetic skills in some individuals.
• Ginseng combined with ginkgo biloba was observed to improve memory in healthy individuals between 38 and 66 years of age.
• P. ginseng supplementation was observed to improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men, including premature ejaculation, inability to gain erections and low libido.
• Korean ginseng supplementation was associated with slight decreases in systolic blood pressure in a study of hypertensive patients.
• Korean red ginseng powder was observed to help improve infertility symptoms in women, as well as improving their reported sexual arousal and gratification.

There are numerous other health benefits of Korean red ginseng being explored, but further research is necessary to substantiate these observations.

Other uses of Korean red ginseng include enhancing athletic performance, treating chronic halitosis (bad breath), killing bacteria that infects the lungs, decreasing probabilities for contracting common colds and flu, naturally lowering blood glucose levels, alleviating CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), ameliorating postmenopausal symptoms and many more.

Red Ginseng Side Effects

The most common side effect associated with Korean red ginseng supplementation is insomnia. For many, ginseng supplements induce a sense of increased energy, which may cause sleeping difficulties. Jitteriness, anxiety and hyperactivity have also been reported.

Other side effects may include headaches, vaginal bleeding, itching, breast pains, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and/or alterations in blood pressure.

Historically, ginseng has been used as a staple medicinal agent and is thought to be generally well tolerated when used correctly. Nevertheless, its versatile effects may cause negative interactions with a number of medications and herbal supplements. Extra caution should be used if combining ginseng with the following types of pharmaceuticals:

• P450 cytochrome substrates and other medications which must be broken down by the liver;
• Stimulants and/or antidepressants;
• Immunosuppressant drugs;
• Medications used to treat diabetes mellitus type II;
• Antihypertensive medications;
• Pharmaceuticals used to treat autoimmune diseases and conditions;
• Medications used to treat heart conditions;

This is only a preliminary list of possible interactions. It is important for all individuals to speak with their doctor before taking Korean red ginseng in the hopes of achieving health benefits.

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