The term "red ginseng" does not refer to a separate species within the Asian ginseng family, but rather to the color changes in the root after it is harvested and cured in a different way than standard "white" Asian ginseng. Asian ginseng is grown primarily in South Korea and China and has been utilized in Asian medicine for thousands of years. Asian ginseng supplements are made from the root and root hairs of the plant. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, considered to be the herb's active ingredients.
Features
Asian ginseng is a light brown, twisted root whose appearance is sometimes compared to a human body with protruding shoots for arms and legs. Wrinkles around the top of the root tell how old the ginseng plant is. Red ginseng is simply Asian ginseng that has either been steamed or dried in the sun and then cured. The steam curing contributes to the shiny reddish orange color that gives this ginseng its name. It is steeped with water and herbs, causing the ginseng to become extremely brittle. Red ginseng is made from cultivated rather than wild roots, and it's typically farmed in Korea. Ginseng is not harvested for medicinal use until it is approximately six years old, the age at which it reaches the right size & consistency.
Types
Both American and Asian ginseng belong to the species Panax and have a similar chemical makeup. Both forms contain ginsenosides, the components believed to be the active ingredients of the root. Asian or Chinese and Korean ginseng are all the same varietal but grown in different regions of Asia. American ginseng is a similar but distinct variety, native to North America. Siberian ginseng, while related, does not contain the ginsenosides found in the Panax species.
Fresh ginseng is simply the raw ginseng root, while white ginseng is the pale yellow, sun-dried version. Red ginseng is not peeled before curing and is more often utilized in Chinese medicine than is white ginseng. Research on properties and functions of ginsenosides is primarily focused on the red form.
Benefits
According to Mayo Clinic, several studies indicate that ginseng may reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes if taken before and after eating. Ginseng's effects on type 1 diabetes have not been well-researched.
Several studies indicate that ginseng may boost the immune system. In a paper published in Integrative Cancer Therapy in 2003, Keith I. Block and Mark N. Mead reviewed the available science on the use of ginseng and cite multiple studies indicating its efficacy in stimulating the immune system.
Ginseng may also have potential to prevent and treat cancer. One study published in American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2002 found that red ginseng lessened the chance of the relapse of gastric cancer when compared to controls. In animal research from 2001, T.K. Yun and colleagues showed that while both white and red ginseng seem to lessen cancer occurrence, the red form appears to have greater effectiveness in this regard.
Warning
When used at recommended doses, serious side effects from use of ginseng are rare. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not employ strict guidelines for herbs and supplements, so strength, purity and safety are not guaranteed. You should speak with your doctor before starting any supplement. There are a number of drugs whose effects could be negatively impacted by the use of ginseng, so have your doctor or pharmacist check for any possible interactions.
According to Mayo Clinic, there are several contraindications for the use of red ginseng. Those with known allergies to Panax species or even plants in the Araliaceae family should not take ginseng.
Ginseng may affect blood pressure as well as blood sugar, so those with abnormal levels should use caution with this herb and monitor carefully.
Ginseng may thin the blood, so if you have a bleeding disorder or are scheduled for surgery, caution is advised.
Recommended Use
According to Mayo Clinic, it is sometimes recommended that after two to three weeks of ginseng supplementation, a one to two week break should be taken. No more than 1 gram (g) of dry root per day should be taken. In encapsulated form, dosages up to 100 milligrams of standardized ginseng extract have been studied for use of up to twelve weeks. Ginseng tea is made by soaking about 3 g of chopped fresh root or 1.5 g of dried root powder in a half cup of hot water. Topical ginseng cream has been used to prevent premature ejaculation. Safety has not been tested in pregnancy or for children.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Ginseng
- "Journal of Urology"; Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Red Ginseng in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: B. Hong, et al.; Nov. 2002
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Effects of Red Ginseng Upon Postoperative Immunity and Survival in Patients with Stage III Gastric Cancer; S.O. Suh, et al.; 2002
- "Journal of Korean Medical Science"; Anticarcinogenic Effect of Panax Ginseng and Identification of Active Compounds; T.K. Yun, et al.; Dec. 2001
- Alazhar: Integrative Cancer Therapies
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