Panax Ginseng Extract – Traditional and Contemporary Uses

Panax ginseng extract is made by steeping the roots of the ginseng plant and root hairs in water, alcohol or an alcohol-water mixture to extract its constituents. The resulting liquid tincture contains a higher concentration of active compounds and has a longer shelf-life than raw roots or powdered extract.

Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as Asian or Korean ginseng. It is one species of the Panax genus, which contains 13 different species of slow-growing, deciduous plants.

Asian ginseng has a long history of medicinal use that stretches back millennia. It is now one of the most popular dietary supplements in the United States.

P. ginseng is indigenous to North Korea, northeastern China and eastern Siberia. However, its popularity and natural rarity means the plant is extremely rare in the wild and its cultivation is difficult; cultivated Asian ginseng that is the basis of most extracts and supplements is usually harvested after four years of growth.

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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Panax Ginseng Extract

Panax ginseng extract is used as an adaptogen, a natural product that helps the body ward off the effects of physical and mental stress.

It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and it still commonly used in China as a health tonic and tonic herb for athletes or those exposed to physical stress.

Today, Asian ginseng is used for immune function, memory, concentration, athletic stamina, infertility, fatigue, depression, anxiety and diabetes, to name only a few of its contemporary uses.

Although Asian ginseng is extremely popular in the United States, it should not be confused with so-called American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Although Asian and American ginsengs are part of the same genus, they do have slight biochemical differences.

Both Asian and American ginsengs contain ginsenosides and saponins, which are considered the bioactive constituents of ginseng extract. Asian ginseng also contains glycans (panaxans), which are unique to the species, along with polysaccharides, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids and volatile oils.

Traditional Uses of Ginseng Extract

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) this herb is known as ren shen. It is used in combination with other plants to treat a variety of conditions.

In TCM, ginseng may have a variety of effects depending on the recipient. For instance, it is thought to have a stimulating effect on young people with strong qi or life force, but can have a restorative effect in the elderly, weak and sick.

It is traditionally taken beginning in late middle age in the northern regions of China to help individuals endure the winter.

Contemporary Uses of Panax Ginseng

As noted, the contemporary uses of Panax ginseng root extract are many. In the West, the herb is often taken less as a medicine and more as a life-enhancing tonic. It is often taken by those dealing with stressful situations or by individuals hoping to improve their cognitive performance.

There is some scientific evidence to support some of ginseng’s contemporary uses. For instance, in preliminary trials Asian ginseng has been observed to help reduce the frequency and severity of colds and flus. It has also been observed to reduce the risk of getting sick.

Preliminary research has also been conducted on how ginseng extract impacts heart health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, preliminary studies indicate P. ginseng may help reduce some symptoms associated with heart disease.

Individuals who take ginseng often report improved cognitive function and alertness. There is some evidence that ginseng may improve mental performance, but many of the available studies have different markers for ‘mental performance.’

Athletes commonly take ginseng supplements to improve performance and endurance, but preliminary studies indicate ginseng has no effect on endurance or athletic performance.

Panax Ginseng Extract Concentration

Two of the main points of difference between extract products sold online are the concentration of the extract and how the extract is made.

Concentrations are based on the ratio of herb to liquid used to produce the extract. These ratios are sometimes described as 1:5 or 1:10 (that is, one-part herb for five or ten parts liquid). Below is a list of available Panax ginseng extracts.

• Alcohol or water extracts: Are often made using a 1:4 ratio of herb to liquid. Stronger extracts are also available.
• Powdered Extracts: A fluid extract is used to create a powdered extract. These extracts are prepared by using evaporation to remove all liquid. The result is a powdered product that can have concentrations ranging from 1:1 to 10:1, or stronger.
• Solid Extracts: A concentrated fluid extract, usually the consistency of a thick syrup, is either evaporated or dried using vacuum extraction to produce a dry herb with a concentration ratio of 4:1. This represents four parts herb for every one part of extract.
• Standardized Extracts: An extract that contains a measured amount of active ingredient. Extracts of ginseng are often standardized using ginsenosides. In a standardized extract the percentage of active ingredient is guaranteed to be consistent and is listed on the label.
• Tinctures: Prepared using alcohol or alcohol and water. Panax ginseng tinctures are often made using a ratio of one part herb to five parts liquid. It may even be as weak as a 1:10 ratio.

Panax Ginseng Extract Safety

Panax ginseng extract is generally well tolerated when taken orally and appropriately. Additionally, some herbalists recommend ginseng supplementation not exceed six weeks

Although the herb is not commonly associated with severe side effects, there are a number of contraindications that one should be aware of if considering ginseng supplementation.

The list below is not exhaustive. Be sure to speak with your doctor before supplementing with P. ginseng to make sure you are not at risk of any drug interactions or severe side effects.

Large doses of this supplement should be avoided, especially if it is taken with other stimulants. This supplement is known to interact with alcohol and caffeine.

Additionally, ginseng may exacerbate the possible side effects of certain medications, including theophylline, albuterol, clonidine and sildenafil citrate.

This supplement may cause agitation if taken by people with schizophrenia. It may also lead to mania in individuals with bi-polar disorder. It may also interact with the diuretic water pill furosemide (Lasix).

Asian ginseng should not be taken with medications that change in the liver through the action of enzyme cytochrome P450 2D6.

This supplement should not be used with the herbs danshen, devil’s claw, eleuthero, garlic, ginger, horse chestnut, papain, red clover and saw palmetto. The TCM herb referred to as li lu should not be combined with ginseng.

Individuals with auto-immune disorders, or those who have received an organ transplant should not take P. ginseng extract. This supplement should not be combined with anticoagulants or taken by those who suffer from a bleeding disorder.

It should also be avoided by those suffering from hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer as well as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. This supplement should be used with caution by those with a heart condition and/or diabetes.

Conclusions

Panax ginseng extract dosages will vary according to the strength of the extract. Make sure to follow all instructions listed on the product label. It is also crucial to source the extract from a reputable supplier that does not use potentially hazardous solvents during the extraction process.

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