There are a number of types of ginseng on the market, all of which are members of the Araliaceae plant family. Despite their close botanical relationship, the effects of different types of ginseng vary. Alternative health practitioners describe ginseng as an "adaptogen," meaning a tonic that supports overall health and vitality. Panax ginseng, which is also known as red, Korean or Asian ginseng, is one of the most widely used types of ginseng. Consult a doctor before using this herb.
Cognitive Effects
Promising evidence supports the use of panax ginseng for enhancing brain function. According to "Alternative Medicine Review," a 12-week course of panax ginseng therapy resulted in significant cognitive benefits for patients with Alzheimer's disease, though the benefits declined after panax use ceased. MedlinePlus adds that the use of panax ginseng extract may improve abstract thinking, mathematical skills and reaction time. In combination with gingko leaf extract, it may improve memory. Evidence for panax ginseng's effectiveness for aiding cognitive function is promising but mixed. Thus, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm panax ginseng's effects on cognition.
Immune Support
Panax ginseng has demonstrated the ability to increase the effectiveness of flu vaccines and enhance the immune system response to chronic bronchitis. MedlinePlus states that a specific type of panax ginseng extract called G115 may enhance vaccine effectiveness, but that the evidence to support the use of panax for this purpose is not yet sufficient and therefore further examination is needed.
Diabetes Control
Panax ginseng may lower fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. In addition to improving fasting glucose levels during an 8-week therapeutic trial, it enhanced mood, improved psychophysical performance, and improved hemoglobin values in a study involving 36 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Those suffering from erectile dysfunction have embraced the advent of Viagra, but panax ginseng may also provide some relief from this disorder. According to a review published in the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology," this widely used herbal remedy was shown to have significant effects for treating erectile dysfunction, but again, more studies are needed due to the low sample sizes and questionable methodological quality of the studies cited.
Considerations
Consult your doctor before taking panax ginseng extract, as it may cause side effects such as insomnia or high blood pressure in some people. It may also interact with other medications, herbs or supplements in detrimental ways, so caution is advised.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Panax Ginseng; David Kiefer et al; October 2003
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Alzheimer's Disease: The Pros and Cons of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional, Botanical, and Stimulatory Therapies, with a Discussion of Treatment Strategies from the Perspective of Patients and Practitioners; Keith Wollen; 2010
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Red Ginseng for Treating Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review; Dai-Ja Jang; October 2008
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