Korean Red Ginseng Review – Does it Really Work?

Korean red ginseng is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements in the United States. Red ginseng is simply white Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) that has been steamed at high temperatures and then left to dry in the sunlight or under another heat source.

This steaming/drying process is thought to intensify the beneficial effects of the root, which has been used in a number of traditional medicine practices for more than two millennia. In traditional Chinese medicine, P. ginseng is classified as a superior herb, meaning it works to normalize health without causing serious side effects.

Today, Korean red ginseng is often used to improve sexual libido and performance. Ginseng’s use as an aphrodisiac is only one of many common uses, which range from improving immune function and alleviating symptoms of anxiety to improving memory and work efficiency.

It is commonly taken for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are natural compounds that help the body better tolerate the effects of stress.

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 Supplements

Ginseng’s current popularity and history of use has attracted considerable scientific attention to the plant.

In preliminary studies, ginseng has been observed to exhibit a number of therapeutic functions, including adaptogenic, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects.

Not all of these observations have been made in human subjects and further research is required to understand the full scope of Korean red ginseng’s therapeutic properties.

The exact mechanism of action that underlies Korean red ginseng’s observed therapeutic effects remains unknown. However, the root has been observed to exhibit a number of useful properties.

Effects of Red Korean Ginseng

Korean red ginseng has been observed to improve the athletic performance of animals, but studies involving humans have not yielded positive results.

Physical performance (forced swimming) was significantly improved in mice during 15 days of supplementation at 200 mg/kg of bodyweight daily. Lactic acid buildup diminished, circulating triglycerides were decreased, and SOD (superoxide dismutase) concentrations were elevated.

Cognition and mental performance has been observed to improve with Korean red ginseng use. In addition to enhancing memory and learning capacity, ginseng use has been associated with lessening depression and generally improving mood.

Korean red ginseng may also help control the symptoms of type II diabetes. In animals, ginseng supplementation has been observed to increase the pancreatic release of insulin. It may also increase the amount of insulin receptors throughout the body.

Common Uses of Korean Ginseng

Korean red ginseng is often used to decrease chronic fatigue and help cope with daily stress. Significant improvements in attention span and concentration have been observed after supplementation with P. ginseng.

Energy levels were observed to increase and users reported that they were better able to cope with daily stress.

Ginseng supplementation provides antioxidant benefits, much like vitamins E, C and A. By increasing SOD levels (a naturally produced antioxidant) and conferring adaptogenic effects, ginseng may slow some physical effects of aging while reducing the risk of developing preventable diseases.

Korean red ginseng has been observed to help reduce LDL cholesterol and elevate HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol levels were decreased along with free circulating triglycerides. Ginseng improves blood lipid profiles and may help to decrease the likelihood of developing arterial plaque, blood vessel blockages, heart disease, stroke and other related conditions and diseases.

Korean red ginseng has been observed to improve mental function in the elderly. Additionally, auditory and visual reaction time was enhanced. Ginseng is sometimes used to help treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, but there is currently insufficient evidence to endorse this use.

Research into Mechanisms of Action

Korean red ginseng has been observed to act against a number of different cell lines in laboratory experiments. It increased production of some immune cells, including natural killer (NK) T-cells and other lymphocytes that attack and destroy cancerous cells.

Cancer cell senescence (aging) was sped up, pro-oxidative reactions were induced and Akt (Protein kinase B, PKB) was phosphorylated, which may have contributed to cancer cell death.

To date, ginseng has shown significant actions against stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, laryngeal, lung, ovarian and other cancer cells. There is insufficient evidence to know if these effects will be observed in human populations.

In animal experiments, routine supplementation with red Panax ginseng increased the weight of the gonads and protein synthesis inside the testicles. In lab animals, sexual activity was observed to increase.

Also, notable increases in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm quality were generated. Further, testosterone levels were improved because less of the hormone was converted to dihydrotestosterone.

Adverse Effects of Korean Red Ginseng

Ginseng is generally well tolerated. However, long-term use is not recommended without the supervision of an herbalist or medical professional. Insomnia is commonly experienced, but other side effects are quite rare.

In cases of prolonged supplementation, other side effects may manifest, including headaches, bleeding disorders, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, rashes and/or itching skin.

Pregnant and nursing women should not use Korean red ginseng supplements because their safety for infants and developing babies has not been determined. In one study, birth defects in animals were noted due to excessive ginseng administration. Additionally, children should not be given ginseng.

Ginseng can affect a number of bodily systems and is known to interact with some medications. Talk with your doctor about ginseng supplementation if you use medications for managing type II diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and/or bleeding/clotting disorders. In all cases, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Korean red ginseng.

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