Asian ginseng, also called Panax ginseng, is a medicinal plant used to treat a number of medical problems. China's 2,000-year-old medical manual, "The Herbal Classic of the Divine Plowman," included ginseng in its contents. Asians used ginseng for rejuvenation, difficult childbirth and to increase sexual desire. Having a similar chemical makeup is Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng, used by Native Americans for menstrual problems, exhaustion, vomiting and earaches. Eleuthero senicosus, or Siberian ginseng, is an entirely different plant with different effects and active ingredients. Always consult with your physician before taking any herbal supplements.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is a gnarled root, light tan in color, that resembles the human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. Because of its appearance, herbalists from thousands of years ago thought it could treat a great number of problems, ranging from fatigue and stress to cancer and asthma. Ginseng is often referred to as an "adaptogen," an herb that is helpful to the body under stress. Its active ingredients are called ginsenosides. Many of the studies on Asian ginseng have used a combination of herbs, making it difficult to say whether the effect was due to ginseng or some other ingredient. The root can be chewed or used in tea. It also comes in tablets, capsules and liquid extracts.
Scientific Studies on Effectiveness
According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, Asian ginseng is beneficial for certain conditions. The "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" rates Panax ginseng as possibly effective for thinking and memory, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Taking Panax ginseng along with ginkgo leaf extract by mouth might improve abstract thinking, mental arithmetic skills and reaction times in healthy, middle-aged people between the ages of 38 and 66. There is evidence that Panax ginseng might lower fasting blood sugar in people with adult-onset diabetes, and it improves sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. When a cream containing ginseng and other ingredients is applied to the skin of the penis, it helps with premature ejaculation in men.
Immune Health
It is widely believed that Asian ginseng can bolster the immune system, helping the body combat infection and disease. Ginseng seems to increase the numbers of immune cells found in the blood and improve the immune system's response to flu vaccine. In one study, lasting for 12 weeks, participants received either ginseng or a placebo, with a flu shot being given after four weeks. In the ginseng group, the number of colds and flu was two-thirds lower, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Ineffectiveness and Cautions
Although ginseng has been studied for improving athletic performance and improving mood and sense of well-being, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that it is effective. It has also been used during menopause to decrease hot flashes. Although it does not help the flashes, it might improve other menopausal symptoms such as depression, fatigue and insomnia. Be cautious with using ginseng with the following substances, as there could be interactions: alcohol, caffeine, Lasix, insulin, medications changed by the liver, MAOIs for depression, antidiabetes drugs, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, stimulant drugs and Coumadin. It should not be used with the following herbal supplements: bitter orange, country mallow, ephedra and any supplements that lower blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you are on medication.
References
- "The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs"; Sari Harrar and Sara Altshul O'Donnell; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- MedlinePlus: Ginseng, Panax
Member Comments