American ginseng, grown as a wild perennial throughout central and eastern North America, has been cultivated for centuries, according to Washington State University. Ginseng, used as a medicinal herb, is sliced and dried before consumption. It's often brewed as a tea, but modern herbal remedies may incorporate it as an extract. The native plant has several potential health benefits, but you should discuss your herbal supplementation plans with your physician before adding American ginseng to your regimen.
Insulin Synthesis
According to an American ginseng study published in the September 2006 issue of the "Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" journal, American ginseng helps promote the synthesis of insulin and can prevent the death of the body's cells that naturally produce insulin. This may help resolve what researchers believe to be the underlying cause of diabetes.
Immune System
Ginseng may boost the immune system and be therapeutic for inflammatory diseases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For this reason, various cold- and flu-fighting products incorporate the herb. It also improves the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with acute bronchitis.
Cholesterol
The U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health report that ginseng being high in antioxidants may reduce oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, known as "bad" cholesterol and brain tissue. Similarly, it may also help with slowing the progression of various heart diseases and disorders.
Tumor Growth
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that American ginseng may slow or inhibit the growth of various cancerous tumors. In one laboratory study on colorectal cancer cells, researchers found that American ginseng possessed powerful anti-cancer properties.
Blood Sugar
If you have elevated blood sugar levels, ginseng may lower those levels when consumed prior to and after eating a meal, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. This is of most importance to those with diabetes, as diabetics react most to changes in blood sugar.
References
- Washington State University: American Ginseng
- "Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; American Ginseng Stimulates Insulin Production and Prevents Apoptosis through Regulation of Uncoupling Protein-2 in Cultured β Cells; Luo, John and Luguang Luo; September 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Ginseng
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