Ginseng is a type of plant that is used in nutritional supplements for its potential health benefits and medicinal properties. Korean red ginseng, also called red ginseng, is one of 11 forms of naturally growing ginseng -- and one of the most widely used forms of the plant. Korean red ginseng has several documented health benefits, according to "Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide." However, it may also have some side effects. Talk with your doctor before using Korean red ginseng, or any other form of ginseng, to make sure it is safe for you to use.
Sexual Function
Red ginseng is most well-known for its ability to improve sexual function in both men and women, and has been used as a medicinal cure for impotence in Asia for centuries. A study published in November 2002 in "The Journal of Urology" indicates that Korean red ginseng is an effective treatment for male erectile dysfunction. The researchers concluded that red ginseng may be a safer and more natural alternative to synthetic drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Cancer
Korean red ginseng may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in this area to confirm these effects. A study published in 2002 in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine," indicates that Korean red ginseng powder has protective effects against gastric cancer and can help counteract some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy for cancer. Another study published in 2001 in the "Journal of Korean Medical Science" states that compounds in red ginseng have anti-carcinogenic properties and can protect against various types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Immune System
Red ginseng has been used in Asia to boost immunity and fight off viral infections. Red ginseng has been studied for its potential protective effects against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV and may increase the effectiveness of some treatments for HIV. A study published in August 2009 in the journal "Clinical and Vaccine Immunology," indicates that Korean red ginseng may have beneficial effects against HIV when combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART.
Side Effects
Korean red ginseng is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and is well-tolerated by most people, according to "Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide." However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some forms of ginseng, including red ginseng, may cause high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nosebleed, breast pain and vaginal bleeding in women. Ginseng may also lower blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
References
- "Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide"; Louise Tenney; 2007
- "The Journal of Urology"; A Double-blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction...; B. Hong et al.; November 2002
- "The 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 C.A. Meyer and Identification of Active Compounds; T.K. Yun et al.; 2001
- "Clinical and Vaccine Immunology"; Beneficial Effects of a Combination of Korean Red Ginseng and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Patients; H. Sung et al.; August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Asian Ginseng; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2009
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