Panax Ginseng Benefits for Weight Loss, Immunity, ED & More

Panax ginseng benefits are believed to be broad ranging for supporting health and wellness. This natural supplement was traditionally considered a panacea for all diseases (Panax is Greek for all-heal).

While it was not believed to cure all disease, it was considered to be restorative and to give the body the resources it needed to heal itself.

The medicinal components of this plant are found in the roots. Panax ginseng is native to China, Korea and Russia and should not be confused with American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) or Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

The name of the herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Ren Shen. Ginsenosides and saponins are the main active ingredients and the supplement is rich in Vitamin B, C and E. This supplement activates the immune system and it is used for exhaustion to restore health.

It is also useful in aging as it helps memory, especially when combined with Gingko Biloba. Studies have shown it helps Alzheimer’s patient’s mental capabilities and enhances alertness and focus in health adults. It is used as an aphrodisiac to help Erectile Dysfunction (ED) conditions.

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

Top Panax Ginseng Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Panax Ginseng Benefits

A 2002 study published in the Journal of Urology showed men with erectile dysfunction (ED) that took Panax ginseng for eight weeks experienced fewer episodes of ED than those taking the placebo.

Panax ginseng is also used to treat anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, stress, asthma, fever, headache, hangover and inflammation.

Its restorative and immune system boosting attributes are also recommended by some natural health practitioners as having benefits for patients with cancer and AIDS, however it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of these diseases.

Research shows that Panax Ginseng boosts the number of immune cells in the blood, which can help to support the immune system particularly among individuals with weakened immunity.

In one study, participants were given an oral ginseng supplement for 12 weeks. The number of colds and flu were two-thirds lower in the group that took the supplement compared to a control group given a placebo. This herb may lower the frequency of colds and flu and lessens the severity of symptoms.

A 2008 study published in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases showed that Panax ginseng helps diabetes management. In the 12 weeks study, participants who took this supplement experienced greater improvements in blood sugar control.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD) in 2010 showed a unique function of Radix Notoginseng (Panax Notoginseng, same genus as Panax Ginseng) and its flavonol glycoside.

This supplement possessed a strong activity in preventing amyloid-beta (Abeta)-induced cell death. Amyloid beta (Abeta) is a main component of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease and it induces neuronal cell death.

Because of this mechanisms, it was deemed this supplement could be useful for the prevention, or potential treatment, of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not currently approved as an Alzheimer’s disease treatment and more research is needed to confirm this supposed benefits of Panax Ginseng.

Panax Ginseng Uses in TCM

Panax Ginseng benefits are well-documented in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The book, Shen-Nung Pen-Ts’ao-Ching (the oldest Pharmacopeia in China) describes that Korean ginseng (a type of Panax Ginseng) can be used as a medicine to strengthen the functions of the five internal organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung and Kidney.

It is also an aid to the stomach and helps to stop convulsion, vomiting, and thirst. This supplement is believed by Chinese medicine practitioners to improve circulation and improve the quality of life and promote longevity with long-term use.

This supplement is also used as a nerve tonic. Panax Ginseng is reported to relax those suffering from exhaustion, palpitation and uneasiness. It may also increase resistance to certain diseases including viral infections and influenza.

In TCM, Panax Ginseng is used to improve the symptoms of diabetes, thirst, overeating, and frequent urination. It is used to treat paralysis due to stroke or cerebral apoplexy. For the lungs it is used to strengthen the lung function when breathing capacity decreases and irregular breathing occurs. In some natural medicine therapies, it is also used to control fever caused by physical weakness or excessive labor.

Is Panax Ginseng Safe to Use?

Panax Ginseng is considered safe for human use by most health adults, but it is contraindicated in certain individuals. This supplement should be avoided for any auto-immune condition or for organ transplant patients. Large doses of this supplement should be avoided, especially if taken with other stimulants.

This supplement should be avoided if taking anticoagulants or are suffering from any bleeding conditions. It should be used with caution for people with heart conditions and diabetes.

It should also be avoided for hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer. Its use is also not recommended for endometriosis or uterine fibroids conditions.

Ginseng interacts with alcohol and caffeine; these substances should not be used together to prevent side effects. It may cause agitation if taken by people with schizophrenia or cause mania in bi-polar conditions. It may also interact with the diuretic water pill furosemide (Lasix). Medications that are metabolized in the liver with enzyme Cytochrome P450 2D6 should also be avoided.

This supplement should not be used with the herbs danshen, devil’s claw, eleuthero, garlic, ginger, horse chestnut, papain, red clover, and saw palmetto. TCM herb Li Lu (Rhizoma et Radix Veratri Nigri) should also be avoided if using Panax Ginseng.

This supplement can increase potential side effects from theophylline, albuterol, clonidine and sildenafil citrate (Viagra). While Panax Ginseng benefits are reported to be wide-ranging in traditional medicine, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you to use.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)