There's more than one variety of ginseng plant. American ginseng and Asian ginseng are "kissing cousins" in the plant world and have the same physical characteristics, active ingredients and properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). However, Asian ginseng can act as a stimulant; read labels carefully.
More About Ginseng
The roots of American and Asian ginseng are used for medicinal properties, states the UMMC, and both appear markedly similar to the eye. Ginseng roots are light brown and gnarled, appearing curiously similar to the human body in shape. Ancient herbalists believed that ginseng had medicinal properties due to this auspicious presentation. Although American ginseng and Asian ginseng vary in terms of how they were used historically, both species contain ginsenosides that are believed to give this herb medicinal properties.
American Ginseng
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was used by Native Americans for digestive problems, fever, headache and infertility. Modern day applications extend its use to treat diabetes, colds and the flu. American ginseng is thought to inhibit cancer growth and may be beneficial for treating ADHD. This variety of ginseng, which once grew wild, is endangered due to over-harvesting; it is typically harvested on commercial farms. The roots of the plant are not used for medicinal purposes until they're 6 years old.
Asian Ginseng
Native to China and Korea, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) was used for centuries to address a host of medical conditions and symptoms, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Many of its historic uses have continued into modern-day applications. Asian ginseng is used to enhance mental and physical performance, address erectile dysfunction and hepatitis C, lower blood pressure and high blood sugar, and reduce symptoms of menopause. It's also used as an overall tonic to improve health, post-illness, the NCCAM states. The UMMC indicates that Asian ginseng may also be beneficial for overall immune and cardiovascular system health, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Properties
While the active components in American and Asian ginseng are ginsenosides, the ratio and type of ginsenosides appears to be different in the two plants. Also, American ginseng appears to have a more soothing effect, compared to Asian ginseng, which tends to be more stimulating. Both types of ginseng are referred to as "adaptogens," which purportedly helps those who take it deal better with stressful situations, although there have been no clinical studies conducted on the effect of adaptogens in humans.
Preparations
American and Asian ginseng are available in a variety of preparations. You can find liquid preparations such as extracts and decoctions, as well as dried formulations like powders, capsules and tablets. The UMMC stresses the importance of tenacious label reading when selecting a ginseng product to make sure you know what you're purchasing. Asian ginseng may be marketed as Korean, red or Panax ginseng. American ginseng may be labeled as Panax quinquefolius. There's also Siberian ginseng, which is unrelated to the American and Asian plants and does not have the same ingredients and properties.
Cautions and Concerns
Don't give Asian ginseng to children, as it may have a stimulant effect, cautions the UMMC. Asian and American ginseng should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or those with hypertension or bipolar disorder. Avoid taking it if you have a history of breast cancer. Take ginseng with food and stop using it seven days before surgery. Side effects of Asian ginseng include anxiety and insomnia, which may be increased when combined with caffeinated beverages and foods. Both types of ginseng may have other side effects, but these are typically rare. They may include symptoms such as high blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, restlessness, vaginal bleeding and breast pain.
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