There are three types of ginseng -- American, Siberian and Asian ginseng -- each with different effects on the body. Asian ginseng is also called Panax ginseng and Korean ginseng, and may be helpful in preventing or treating ulcers, although the evidence for this is still preliminary.
Ulcers
Ulcers are sores in various parts of your digestive tract, including your esophagus, intestines and stomach. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori cause an infection that can lead to ulcers, which can be exacerbated if your stomach makes too much acid or if you are under a lot of stress. Drinking alcohol and smoking can also make ulcers worse.
Ginseng for Ulcers
Panax ginseng contains a substance called ginsenoside Rb1, which appears to increase the amount of mucus secreted into your stomach and protects it from ulcers or limits their severity, according to a study published in November 2003 in "Archives of Pharmacal Research." Another study, published in 2010 in "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine," found that Korean red ginseng has an antioxidant effect as well as increasing mucus secretion. Further studies are necessary to determine whether or not Panax ginseng has the same effects in people as it does in clinical animal studies.
Side Effects and Safety
Panax ginseng can cause various side effects, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, changes in blood pressure, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, euphoria and vaginal bleeding. Panax ginseng may not be safe for people with hormone-sensitive conditions, bleeding problems or high blood pressure, and may interact with blood thinners, MAOIs, diabetes medications and imatinib, so you should avoid consuming Panax ginseng if you take these medications.
Considerations
Speak with your doctor before taking Panax ginseng, and do not self-treat your ulcers with ginseng or take ginseng in place of the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Panax ginseng is not safe for everyone and further evidence is needed before ginseng can be recommended as a treatment for ulcers.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Panax Ginseng; David Kiefer, et al.; October 2003
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginseng (Asian)
- Family Doctor; Ulcers: What You Can Do to Heal Your Ulcer; January 1996
- "Archives of Pharmacal Research"; Ginsenoside Rb1: The Anti-ulcer Constituent From the Head of Panax Ginseng; C.S. Jeong, et al.; November 2003
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Protective Effects of a Gastrointestinal Agent Containing Korean Red Ginseng on Gastric Ulcer Models in Mice; Atsushi Oyagi, et al.; August 2010
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