The term “Panax" refers to a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Araliaceae family, also known as the ivy family of plants. Generally speaking, the term specifically refers to a series of Panax collectively known as the ginsengs. You’re probably familiar with American ginseng and Asian ginseng, which are true ginsengs. However, since you’ve also probably heard of Siberian ginseng, which isn’t a true ginseng at all, there’s a lot more to learn about this genus.
Panax Varieties
In order to be classified as a true Panax ginseng, the plant must contain a class of saponins called ginsenosides. Ginsengs are considered to be adaptogens, which means they provide therapeutic properties that help increase the body’s natural resistance to the effects of injury, illness, fatigue, stress and anxiety. There are four classifications of Panax ginseng: P. quinquefolius, or American ginseng; Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng; red ginseng and wild ginseng. As the name implies, the latter is found growing naturally in the wild and may represent American or Asian ginseng. In addition, since red ginseng is actually Panax ginseng that has been heated by steam or dried in the sun, wild ginseng can be made into red ginseng.
To complicate matters further, there are plants included in the Panax genus that aren’t ginsengs, such as Panax notoginseng. Although the common name for this herb, pseudoginseng, does provide a clue for the botanically uninitiated. Likewise, there are many plants named ginsengs that aren’t and don’t belong to the Panax genus either, just like Siberian ginseng. For instance, Brazilian ginseng belongs to the Pfaffia genus, and Indian ginseng, also known as ashwagandha, is a member of the Withania genus.
Range
The Panax genus of plants is native to China, the Koreas, India, Siberia and Vietnam. American ginseng is localized to wooded regions of eastern North America where it has been, unfortunately, greatly overharvested. However, American ginseng is also cultivated in Asia, particularly in China.
Historical Significance
The name ginseng translates from a word in Chinese to English to mean “man root,” which is a reference to the physical characteristics of the roots since they resemble a human body with arms and legs. The word Panax, however, is taken from the Greek word for “panacea,” which literally translates to mean “heal-all.”
Many species of Panax have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, most notably sexual dysfunction, diabetes and disorders of the blood.
Medicinal Properties
According to the “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines,” the Panax series of ginsengs contain roughly 25 ginsenosides. These compounds exert a number of pharmacological actions, ranging from enhancing immune function to providing antioxidant effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that ginseng compounds may also lower serum glucose levels and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Considerations
UMMC also reports that some of the Panax species may increase the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, these herbs may interfere with chemotherapy agents, anticoagulant medications and anti-diabetes drugs. See your doctor about the safety of Panax herbs if you have a history of chronic disease or are taking any medications.
References
- “PDR for Herbal Medicines”; Thomas Fleming, Chief Editor, et al; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginseng
