Korean ginseng, or Panax schinseng Nees, is distinguished among ginseng varieties. It has active compounds known as ginsenosides with particular health benefits. Aficionados of Korean ginseng seek it for its purported tranquilizing benefits and anticancer properties. Recent scientific research has revealed supportive evidence of the benefits of Korean ginseng in treating a variety of conditions.
Antidepressant
Korean ginseng possesses antidepressant properties, according to a study published in the January 2011 "Phytomedicine" journal. In the study, laboratory mice that took 10 to 1,000 mg Korean ginseng per kg of body weight per day for 14 days performed better on physical stress tests. The animals were observed to engage in active movement for longer periods of time and rest for shorter periods of time. Long term treatment with 70 mg per kg body weight per day improved depression-like behavior in rats. Korean ginseng improved depression by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, noted the researchers.
Cancer Prevention
Korean ginseng may be helpful in preventing liver cancer, say researchers in a study published in the January 2011 "Chinese Medicine" journal. The study examined the effects steaming has on ginseng's chemical constituents and its effectiveness at inhibiting cancer cell reproduction. The researchers found that the ginseng, which was steamed for up to 24 hours, contained greater quantities of ginsenoside -- the active constituent in ginseng -- and was more effective than raw ginseng at inhibiting cancer cell growth in tissue cultures of three different types of human liver cancer.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Decreased blood pressure is one of the benefits of Korean ginseng, according to research published in the January 2011 "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." In the study, participants who took prescribed blood pressure medication were given 3 g per day of Korean ginseng for three months. Diastolic blood pressure decreased after three months, however systolic blood pressure was not affected by the ginseng. Arterial flexibility improved significantly, as well, and was equal in effect to the control group that took blood pressure medications but did not take ginseng.
Bone Healing
Ginseng improves bone healing, say researchers of a 2010 study published in the "Cell Physiology and Biochemistry" journal. The study on laboratory rats showed that Korean ginseng stimulated activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme involved in the process of bone building and repair, and increased calcium deposition by bone marrow stem cells. The results of the study support the traditional use of Korean ginseng for the treatment of bone fractures.
References
- Phytomedicine: The antidepressant effects and mechanism of action of total saponins from the caudexes and leaves of Panax notoginseng in animal models of depression; Xiang H, et al.; January 2011
- Chinese Medicine: Anti-proliferative effects of raw and steamed extracts of Panax notoginseng and its ginsenoside constituents on human liver cancer cells; Toh DF, et al.; January 2011
- Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Effect of Korean red ginseng on arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertension; Rhee MY, et al.; January2011 .
- Cell Physiology and Biochemistry: Panax notoginseng saponins potentiate osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells by modulating gap junction intercellular communication activities; Li XD, et al.; January 2011
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