What Is Ginseng Used For? Positive Effects on the Body

What is ginseng used for as a dietary supplement? The term “ginseng” generally refers to either American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Both of these herbs are used to improve mood, energy, the immune system and sexual function.

Ginseng is considered to be a normalizing herb and was traditionally used to treat a number of different medical conditions. Today, it is one of the most widely used herbal supplements for fatigue, cognitive function, and general health and wellness.

These two Panax species contain bioactive molecules called ginsenosides. There are eight primary ginsenosides which induce various biological effects when isolated individually.

Asian ginseng possesses a distinct ginsenoside profile in comparison to American ginseng. The differing levels of specific ginsenosides between P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius cause each substance to induce unique therapeutic effects.

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 Ginseng Good for?

American and Asian ginseng are both considered adaptogens in traditional medicine systems. An adaptogen is any substance that can help to promote homeostasis in the body with a very low risk of negative side effects.

Western medicine does not currently acknowledge a role for adaptogens. However, mounting clinical evidence seems to support their use for helping the body adapt to the effects of various stressors.

Adaptogenic herbs like Ginseng are believed to stabilize various physiological systems simultaneously. Whole-organism homeostasis is supported by improving resistance to stress, anxiety and tension.

Adaptogenic substances improve capacities to cope with mental, physical, environmental, social and other types of stress. Generally, they are said to strengthen immunity, promote mental clarity, increase stamina, upregulate energy, boost physical strength, increase well-being and prolong life.

Medicinal Use of Ginseng Herbs

Asian and American ginseng are both used in the treatment or prevention a number of health conditions and diseases.

Although Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius are both used widely for a variety of preventive and curative purposes, there has been little human research conducted addressing their effects.

Most of the historical uses for ginseng extract lack clinical validation and are based on anecdotal reports. Large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized human trials are warranted to confirm or disprove these reports.

What is American Ginseng Used for?

The ginsenosides in American ginseng have been found to modulate insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels. Some people use Panax quinquefolius to control blood sugar levels and help to manage the long-term symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Taking 3 grams of American ginseng orally about two hours before meals can significantly lower postprandial (after meal) glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

According to the Natural Medicines database, American ginseng is also used for preventing and/or treating certain other conditions; including, but not limited to:

• Anemia, cancer-related fatigue, HIV/AIDS and ED (erectile dysfunction);
• Digestive disorders, insomnia, neurasthenia and gastritis;
• Swine flu, common cold, influenza, hangovers and headaches;
• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression;
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypercholesterolemia (high serum cholesterol);
• Loss of appetite, convulsions, colitis, fibromyalgia and cystic fibrosis;

American ginseng is also used to improve athletic, cognitive, sexual and immune functioning.

What is Asian Ginseng Used For?

Traditionally and anecdotally, Asian ginseng is used for many of the same purposes as American ginseng. Neither P. ginseng or P. quinquefolius have been studied extensively in clinical trials.

However, initial research shows that Asian ginseng may have benefits when used for the following:

Alzheimer’s disease: P. ginseng is used for Alzheimer’s disease. Over 12 weeks, 4.5 to 9 grams of root taken daily has caused improvements to certain markers of cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s patients.

COPD: A meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials evaluated the effectiveness of using P. ginseng to treat stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results reported significant improvements in quality of life and pulmonary function. Improvements were first noticed after three months of routine usage.

Premature ejaculation: Men use Asian ginseng for treating certain symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Premature ejaculation has been treated with a combination product containing P. ginseng called SS Cream.

This cream is applied to the glans about an hour before intercourse is expected. It is washed off just before intercourse and has been shown to increase intravaginal ejaculatory latency in men with ED.

What else is Asian ginseng good for? Research shows effectiveness for the prevention and/or improvement of cognitive function, influenza, fatigue related to MS (multiple sclerosis) and sexual arousal.

There is insufficient evidence currently to rate P. ginseng for its effectiveness against age-related memory impairment, breast cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, common cold, CHF (congestive heart failure), diabetes, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gallbladder disease, hangovers, hearing loss, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, halitosis (bad breath), prediabetes, male infertility or postmenopaue.

Safety of Using Ginseng Supplements

One prerequisite for any herb to be classified as an adaptogen is a very low toxicity score. Both Asian and American ginseng varieties are known to be well tolerated when used as supplements in most healthy adults. However, there have been some mild side effects reported and there is a risk of interactions when combined with other drugs or supplements.

Asian ginseng use is associated primarily with insomnia, particularly when taken later in the day. Other adverse effects reported include diarrhea, decreased appetite, blood pressure changes, breast tenderness (mastalgia), vaginal bleeding, edema (excessive water in tissues), hyperpyrexia (high fever), abnormal absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), pruritus (severe itching), headache, vertigo and/or euphoria.

Infants and children should not use Asian ginseng. Pregnant or nursing women are not recommended for any type of ginseng supplementation.

American ginseng is not associated with a high risk of side effects. Only occasional headaches have been reported. Also, American ginseng is considered possibly safe for children in appropriate oral doses.

If you are considering taking a ginseng supplement, then discuss the safety of this herb first with your doctor. Ask how Ginseng should be used to support health and to find out the right way to take it to prevent side effects.

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