Red Panax ginseng, also called Asian ginseng and Korean ginseng, is a perennial herb that grows in China, Russia and Korea. Red Panax ginseng extract comes from the herb's gnarled, light brown roots. Asian herbalists have used Panax ginseng for thousands of years to treat various medical conditions -- and modern researchers discovered that this herb contains various healing benefits.
Offers Adaptogenic Effects
Ginseng is often referred to as an "adaptogen," or an herb that helps your body deal with physical, mental and emotional stresses. NYU's Langone Medical Center reports that lab animals given red Panax ginseng experienced actual physical changes that helped their bodies adapt to adverse situations and climates. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, adds that the adaptogenic effects of this herb might help to improve your quality of life and increase your sense of well-being.
Boosts Immune System Health
According to UMMC, consuming red Panax ginseng extract can boost the health of your immune system and help your body fight off diseases and infections. The "American Family Physician" reports that taking 100 mg of Panax ginseng increases the efficiency of flu shots. According to the Langone Medical Center, animal studies indicate that taking red Panax ginseng causes a significant increase in antibody production and increases the survival rate of mice exposed to viruses. Medline Plus adds that consuming red Panax ginseng extract can reduce your risk of catching the common cold.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Early studies indicate that red Panax ginseng might improve the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, notes UMMC, who adds that consuming Panax extract seems to increase your levels of high-density lipoprotein, or the "good" cholesterol, while reducing your levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol. Research on the effects of red Panax ginseng on blood pressure levels have found mixed results, however. According to UMMC, some scientists found that this herb lowers blood pressure levels while others discovered that it increases blood pressure levels. Consult your physician before taking red Panax extract to treat high blood pressure.
Improves Mental Performance
Red Panax ginseng extract might also enhance your cognitive functions. The UMMC reports that this herb slightly increases thinking and learning skills and might improve concentration levels, memorization skills and arithmetic performance. According to the Langone Medical Center, human subjects who took Panax ginseng extract experienced an increased ability for abstract thinking and detail-oriented tasks. Elderly subjects who took Asian ginseng experienced a boost in their memory, concentration, attention and coping skills. This indicates that red Panax ginseng extract might be useful in improving the mental performance of Alzheimer's patients.
Treats Erectile Dysfunction
The Langone Medical Center reports that red ginseng might help to improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Male subjects who took 900 mg of red Panax ginseng extract three times a day for two months experienced a significant boost in their sexual functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that Panax ginseng also appears to increase sperm production in males.
Reduces Cancer Risks
According to the UMMC, research indicates that consuming red Panax ginseng supplements might lower your risk of developing certain cancers, including stomach, lung, ovarian and liver cancers. Animal studies demonstrate that taking this herb prevents cancerous tumors from growing, but human studies are still needed. Korean researchers discovered that taking red Panax ginseng extract lowered overall cancer risks, according to the American Cancer Society.
Precautions
The American Cancer Society explains that red Panax ginseng contains active compounds called ginsenosides, which are saponins that resemble steroid hormones. Consult your physician before taking Panax ginseng extract if you suffer from hormone-related health conditions, such as breast cancer or menstrual problems. Medline Plus cautions you not to consume red Panax ginseng supplements if you also take any kind of MAOI antidepressants, blood clotting drugs or diabetes medications.
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