Red Ginseng Extract Benefits, Negative Effects and Uses

Red ginseng is a commonly used name for Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Red ginseng contains beneficial bioactives like ginsenosides, saponins and flavonoids. Asian ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

In certain cultures, it is called an adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural agents which help to reduce oxidative stress and reverse the effects of aging.

Adaptogenic supplements like Red Ginseng are said to promote homeostasis in the body. They are believed to activate numerous survival pathways and enhance health on multiple levels.

Common uses for red ginseng include stimulating libido, improving ED, boosting memory function, improving cognitive functioning and reducing the risks for certain types of cancer. Many of these uses are based on historical tradition and it has not been scientifically validated for the treatment of health 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

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What is Red Ginseng?

“Red” ginseng technically refers to Korean ginseng root which has been steamed before drying. It is not peeled. White ginseng is peeled and not steamed before drying.

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is grown in the Korean peninsula and is believed to have the strongest properties out of all of the varieties of ginseng grown around the world. According to one source, Korean ginseng contains twice the ginsenosides and saponins content compared to North American Ginseng.

Red ginseng is grown for 6 years before being harvested, because the mature plant has a higher content of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. The roots are then steamed at a low temperature to preserve the bioactive constituents.

According to one manufacturer, “Unique anticancer substances and antioxidants that can protect our bodies from harmful free radicals are produced during the steaming process and are only found in [Korean Red Ginseng].”

However, there seems to be much overlap in nomenclature. According to the Natural Medicines Database, red ginseng is simply another term used for Panax ginseng in general. There are also many counterfeit red ginseng products sold today that do not meet the standards of KRG.

Benefits of Red Ginseng Extract

There has been a significant amount of research into the medicinal benefits of red Panax Giseng.

Red ginseng is rated as possible effective for treating Alzheimer’s disease, COPD, cognitive dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, fatigue related to MS and influenza. It is also possibly effective for increasing sexual arousal.

However, ginseng has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical condition.

Alzheimer’s disease:

Multiple trials have shown that Panax ginseng can help to improve cognitive performance in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a human trial from 2008, Korean red ginseng was used as an effective adjunct therapy in conjunction with antidementia medications in patients with Alzheimer’s. Doses between 4.5 and 9 grams were administered daily for 12 weeks.

COPD:

One meta-analysis of clinical trials reported benefits to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) via Korean red ginseng administration.

Pulmonary function was significantly increased relative to controls after both 3 and 6-month assessments. Some research has shown that red ginseng improves COPD symptoms by at least 53%.

Cognitive function:

At least 6 studies have concluded that red Panax ginseng can help to improve several markers of efficient cognition.

In middle-aged people, improvements were noted in reaction times, attention span, mental arithmetic and abstract thinking. Notably, these effects were not replicable in young adults.

Used alone, Asian ginseng does not seem to enhance memory. However, when it is used in combination with ginkgo leaf extracts, memory enhancement seems likely in healthy adults between the ages of 38 and 66 years.

Erectile dysfunction:

Several human trials have shown improvements to ED symptoms via Panax ginseng supplementation.

Asian ginseng has been used orally to improve erectile dysfunction in doses between 1400 and 2700 mg daily. Improvements have also been noted with 3 daily 1000 mg doses of Korean red ginseng powder.

Influenza

Preliminary research suggests that red ginseng may be effective for preventing and treating influenza symptoms. One specific P. ginseng extract called G115 has shown positive results in this area.

Taking 200 mg daily for 4 weeks prior to receiving an influenza vaccination reduced risks of contracting influenza by 65% relative to the vaccination alone.

MS-related fatigue:

500 mg daily doses of red ginseng over a 3-month period has improved symptoms in female patients with RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis). Treatment group subjects in one human trial decreased MS-related fatigue by 75% on average.

In comparison, control subjects experienced no improvements whatsoever. Treatment subject quality of life scores also increased by 19.9 points relative to a 4.2-point average score increase in controls.

Sexual arousal:

Powdered Korean red ginseng seems to have increased sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction rates.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, menopausal women receiving KRG significantly improved Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) scores relative to control subjects.

Additional Benefits of Korean Red Ginseng:

The conditions listed above are currently the only ones for which red ginseng is classified as possibly effective by the Natural Medicines Database.

Some of the other health areas that red ginseng may benefit include wrinkled skin, quality of life, postmenopausal conditions, memory impairment and male infertility.

It is also believed to be helpful for preventing and/or treating prediabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, hearing loss and hangovers.

Many people also use red ginseng to for fatigue, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, congestive heart failure and cancer.

Red Ginseng Safety

NMCD states that red ginseng is likely safe in healthy adults for short-term, appropriate oral use for up to 6 months. When applied and removed properly, P. ginseng in the form of SS Cream is rated as possibly safe for short-term use in men with ED.

Red ginseng is possibly unsafe for long-term oral usage in healthy adults. Prolonged repetitive usage may cause hormone-like side effects. Usage should be limited to 6 consecutive months before cycling off.

Panax ginseng is not recommended for use in children. It is considered likely unsafe, possibly causing intoxication and/or death.

Red ginseng is possibly unsafe in pregnant women. One bioactive constituent called ginsenoside Rb1 is associated with developmental abnormalities in animal models. Not enough is known about P. ginseng’s effects on lactation. Usage should be avoided.

Korean red ginseng extracts can interact with certain diseases, prescription medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Talk to your doctor about the safety and possible benefits of red ginseng supplementation.

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