North American Ginseng Uses, Benefits & Safety Review

North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a traditional herbal remedy for a number of ailments. It was a staple of North American indigenous medicine for its ability to support the immune system.

North American ginseng is now cultivated around the world for its purported ability to improve energy, lighten the mood, boost the immune system and increase sexual libido.

As the name suggests, North American ginseng primarily grows in North America. It is highly sought after in North America and wild American ginseng is a threatened or endangered species in some states.

Research has focused on the ability of American ginseng to help mitigate the symptoms of type II diabetes, reduce cancer-related fatigue and support cardiovascular health.

Further research is required before any definitive therapeutic uses are attributed to ginseng. However, it remains one of the most used dietary supplements in North America and is claimed to address a number of ailments.

It should be noted that while part of the same genus as Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng), American ginseng is a different species. Some of the health benefits are similar across both species though, as they both contain the same active ginsenosides.

Both Korean ginseng and American ginseng are different from Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Siberian ginseng is from a separate genus and its chemical compounds produce different effects.

American Ginseng

Herbal Supplement

Immunity

Energy

Mental Focus

How It Works:

• Contains ginsenosides that act as adaptogens
• Supports the immune system
• Boosts energy & cognitive performance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Uses of North American Ginseng

Despite its long history of use, American Ginseng has not been extensively studied. Research continues, but preliminary results have begun to shed light on some of its contemporary uses.

It is important to note that many of the following observations were made in laboratory or animal experiments and it remains to be seen if the same effects will be observed in the human body.

Traditionally, it was often used to prevent illnesses and infections, as well as treating symptoms of the common cold and the flu.

Today, Panax quinquefolius is famous as the main ingredient in the ColdFX formula, which is designed to “reduce the frequency, duration, & severity of cold & flu symptoms.” However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate this effect in human populations.

In laboratory tests, constituents of American Ginseng have been observed to exhibit action against various cancer cell lines from both human and animal origin. Ginseng was observed to encourage apoptosis (cell death) while inhibiting angiogensis (the development of new blood vessels that can help support tumor growth).

It was also observed to exhibit antioxidant effects and increase antioxidant levels in the blood. Antioxidants are compounds that help reduce free radical damage, which is becoming increasingly associated with the physical effects of aging and the development of some diseases.

Health Benefits of American Ginseng

American ginseng is sometimes used to promote cardiovascular health and prevent the development of heart disease. Heart disease – a blanket term for a number of diseases involving the heart – is one of the most common causes of death in the United States and throughout the world.

North American ginseng is often used to help support cardiovascular health. It is used to help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and has been observed to affect glucose levels. There is contradictory evidence regarding the capacity of American ginseng to reduce hypertension.

Research into the possible cardioprotective qualities of the plant is ongoing and the current state of evidence does not clearly indicate the use of ginseng for cardiovascular health.

American ginseng is sometimes used to help treat symptoms of type II diabetes. It has been observed to help reduce blood-sugar levels when taken before a meal. It may help the body to more efficiently metabolize fats, regulate glucose, and work to decrease the need for insulin synthesis in the pancreas. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to verify the efficacy of ginseng in these regards.

Ginseng’s potential to support both metabolic and cardiovascular health is likely attractive to researchers because of the connection between diabetes and heart disease.

It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of patients with type II diabetes have some form of cardiovascular disease at the time of their diagnosis. Another 25 percent will develop cardiovascular disease subsequent to their diabetes diagnoses. Finally, nearly two-thirds of those with type II diabetes mellitus die from cardiovascular deficiencies.

North American Ginseng for Stress

North American ginseng is commonly used to help reduce the effects of stress. Adherents refer to ginseng as an adaptogen.

Adaptogens are natural compounds that are thought to help improve the body’s resistance to emotional, physical and environmental stress by providing holistic support across bodily systems.

Safety of North American Ginseng

American ginseng is generally well tolerated. It has been used in clinical trials for up to twelve weeks without note of severe side effects. However, prolonged ginseng use is not recommended and herbalists often recommend that a course of ginseng consumption not exceed six weeks.

Mild side effects may include trouble sleeping (insomnia), low blood pressure and headaches. P. quinquefolius may be safe for periods of up to sixty days, after which usage should be cycled off for at least one month. Possible side effects of prolonged or excessive supplementation may include severe rashes and/or liver disease.

Who Should Not Use North American Ginseng Supplements?

Ginseng supplementation is possibly safe when undertaken correctly. It is not commonly associated with serious or lasting side effects. However, American ginseng exhibits an array of effects that may interact with a number of medications or treatments.

Do not supplement with North American ginseng if you are taking any of the following types of prescription medications (without the express consent of your doctor):

• Antihypertensives;
• Anticancer agents;
• Medications for autoimmune diseases;
• Antidiabetic agents;
• Anticoagulants;
• Antiplatelets;
• Heart disease medications.

Pregnant or nursing women should not use North American ginseng supplements without their physician’s approvals. In all cases, American ginseng should not be taken without speaking to your doctor about safety and possible side effects.

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