Three different plants are referred to as "ginseng" in popular parlance. American and Asian ginseng share botanical similarities and belong to the genus Panax. Siberian ginseng, or eleuthero, is not closely related to either American or Asian ginseng and has a dissimilar chemical profile. All three plants, though, may be potent immune-system boosters and fatigue fighters. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if your condition is severe or persistent.
American Ginseng
American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, contains ginsenosides, which are phytochemicals believed to be the plant's active healing ingredients. Popular writers have sung ginseng's praises as an adaptogen, meaning it allows the body to more easily handle external stressors. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, however, no scientific research supports this claim. American ginseng is an antioxidant and seems to support immune system functioning. One human study, published in a 2010 issue of "Supportive Care in Cancer," examined the effects of American ginseng on cancer-related fatigue. Scientists found that the herb exhibited some beneficial activity in regard to fatigue and recommended further research. Use herbs under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Asian Ginseng
Research confirms the possibility of Asian ginseng's anti-cancer, memory-enhancing and immune-modulating qualities, according to the UMMC. This plant may also strengthen the immune system's response and function. In scientific studies on Asian ginseng, it augmented the quantity of immune cells carried in the bloodstream. American and Asian ginseng both contain ginsenosides, but the types and amounts of these phytochemicals vary between the two kinds of ginseng. Consult your doctor before using Asian ginseng.
Eleuthero or Siberan Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, also called eleuthero, is a plant native to China, Korea, Japan, Russia and Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization, clinical research supports eleuthero's value as an immune system tonic. Additionally, eleuthero can restore your energy if you are fatigued, frail or recovering from an illness. WHO also notes its adaptogenic qualities, which are due to the herb's capacity to regularize some of the body's metabolic processes. Traditional practitioners have used it to fight off colds and influenza, and to shorten the duration of symptoms if contracted. More research is necessary before eleuthero can be widely recommended.
Contraindications
You should not take ginseng when taking certain drugs. For example, avoid consuming American or Asian ginseng if you take MAOI antidepressants, blood-thinning medications or calcium channel blockers, cautions the UMMC. Adverse herb-drug interactions may happen if you ingest eleuthero while on blood-thinning, sedative or digoxin drugs, according to the UMMC.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Siberian Ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- World Health Organization: Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Volume 2
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- "Supportive Care in Cancer"; Pilot Study of Panax Quinquefolius (American Ginseng) to Improve Cancer-Related Fatigue; D.L. Baron, et al.; February 2010
