The term ginseng refers to a number of species of the genus panax, according to the Mayo Clinic. The two most prominently used varieties are American ginseng and Panax or Asian ginseng. The chemical makeup of these tan-colored twisted roots is quite similar, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Panax ginseng has been used for a variety of medical conditions that range from improving the immune system to treating erectile dysfunction.
Properties
The root of Panax ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides or panaxosides. These substances are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). The root of the herb is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts and teas. Panax ginseng is also contained in some creams and other preparations for topical use.
Claims
Ginseng has been used traditionally to expedite the healing of people recovering from illness and increase mental and physical performance, according to the NCCAM. Panax ginseng also may help boost the immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Panax ginseng has been purported to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and menopausal symptoms and even help control blood pressure. The NCCAM notes that insufficient data is available to substantiate these therapeutic claims.
Research
Panax ginseng is one of the most often used and frequenty researched species of ginseng, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Much of the research that points to its possible medicinal benefits have been limited to animal studies. The NCCAM says further human studies are needed to delve deeper into the potential benefits of Panax gingseng.
Dosage
The standardized dose of Panax ginseng is 100 to 200 mg. capsules up to two times per day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Treatment generally continues for a period of four to 12 weeks.
Tea
Panax ginseng tea is made by soaking approximately 3,000 mg, of sliced fresh root or 1,500 mg of dried root powder in boiling water for several minutes. The Mayo Clinic says a typical dosage is 3 to 4 cups of tea daily for a few weeks.
Side Effects & Precautions
Side effects most often reported with the use of Panax ginseng supplements are headaches and gastrointestinal problems, according to the AAFP. Other possible adverse reactions include diarrhea, insomnia, vaginal bleed blood pressure irregularities.
People with diabetes should use extra caution when taking Panax ginseng because it may lower blood sugar levels, the NCCAM advises.
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