The term ginseng is used to refer to various types of ginseng, most commonly Panax quinquefolius and Panax ginseng. Panax quinquefolius is usually called American ginseng, while Panax ginseng is also known as Asian, Chinese, Oriental and Korean ginseng. The two herbs have similar chemical properties, but cannot be used interchangeably. Check with your doctor before using any ginseng supplements.
Botany
Ginseng herbs belong to the plant family known as Araliaceae. Panax ginseng comes from Asia, while Panax quinquefolius naturally grows in the mountainous regions of North America. Mature plants bear yellow-green flowers, bright red berry clusters and green leaves that form circles around the stems. Both types of ginseng also feature extensive taproot systems. The yellow or light brown roots slowly grow to about three inches in length and around one inch in diameter. Suppliers harvest these roots to make various health supplements.
History
Botanical.com explains that the plant name Panax comes from the Greek word "panakos," which means panacea. Ginseng herbs were given this name because ancient physicians thought ginseng could heal most health ailments. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, relates that Native American cultures traditionally used Panax quinquefolius to treat fever, infertility, headaches and indigestion. Asian cultures often used Panax ginseng to increase stamina, longevity, wisdom and strength.
Chemistry
Drugs.com reports that Panax quinquefolius and Panax ginseng both contain a saponin called ginenosides as well as polysaccharide glycans. Panax ginseng also contains peptides, flavonoids, volatile oils and various B vitamins. The UMMC notes that Panax ginseng seems to have more of a stimulating effect, while Panax quinquefolius tends to be more relaxing.
Panax Quinquefolius Uses
According to the UMMC, Panax quinquefolius might improve your mental performance, elevate your sense of well being, reduce your risk of cancer and boost the performance of your immune system. This ginseng variety might also help to relieve inflammation, lower blood sugar levels and help increase the focusing abilities of those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. More clinical studies are needed to support all of these claims, however.
Panax Ginseng Benefits
The UMMC reports that the antioxidant properties found in Panax ginseng seems to fight free radicals, boost your immune system and improve your overall cardiovascular health. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, adds that Asian ginseng might also lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that this ginseng variety might also be helpful in treating menopause symptoms, erectile dysfunction, or ED, and hepatitis C, but more research should be performed.
Warnings
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that while ginseng side effects rarely occur, they might include high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia and anxiety. Talk with your doctor before taking any type of ginseng supplement if you suffer from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or bipolar disorder. American ginseng might interact with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications and certain kinds of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MOAIs. Asian ginseng might affect calcium channel blockers and increase the effects of stimulants.
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