General Description
American ginseng is a perennial deciduous plant native to wooded
areas of the northern and central United States and southeastern
Canada. A close relative to Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and more
distantly related to Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus),
American ginseng has dark green, compound leaves, which consist
of five serrate, oval-shaped leaflets. The plant flowers from June
through August, bearing a single cluster of greenish yellow flowers,
which eventually produce small, bright-red berries. The fleshy,
forked root of the plant, which is usually harvested at 10 to 15
centimeters in length but may be as long as 50 centimeters in older
plants, is used medicinally. Most American ginseng used commercially
is cultivated in Wisconsin in patches shaded with tarpaulins to
mimic the plant's natural woodland growing conditions.
Health Applications
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Immune system support
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
History and Traditional Use
Although American ginseng would not be discovered by Europeans until
late in the 17th century, the root had long been used by Native
Americans. Decoctions of the root were used to treat nausea and
vomiting. Many tribes used ginseng root as an ingredient in love
potions and charms.1 In 1718, Jesuits in Canada began
shipping the root to China, where it was sold for a tremendous profit.
Because of its incredible profitability, export of wild ginseng
root increased throughout the next century, reaching a high point
in 1824, when over 750,000 pounds were shipped from the United States.2
Due to extensive overharvesting, wild ginseng is now rare in many
regions where it was once abundant, and nearly all American ginseng
sold commercially is cultivated. In traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM), American ginseng is valued as a yin tonic,3 and
is used to treat dyspepsia, vomiting, and nervous disorders.4
Chemical Composition
American ginseng contains a group of saponin compounds known as
ginsenosides, out of which nine individual ginsenosides have been
identified.3 Some American ginseng extracts are standardized
to provide consistent ginsenoside concentrations.
Contemporary
Uses
Modern use of American ginseng centers on the herb's reputation
as an adaptogen that protects against mental and physical stress.
Conflicting study results, along with ginseng's apparently subtle
biological activity, have made it difficult to for scientists
to assess the plant's value as a medicinal herb.5 Studies
have shown that compounds found in the root exert antioxidant
activity in water-soluble and fat-soluble media by both chelating
metal ions and scavenging free radicals.6 Some studies
indicate ginseng root may help control elevated blood sugar levels,
suggesting a modest potential benefit for people with diabetes.7,8
The results of one in vitro study suggest that American ginseng
may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, but these effects
have not been demonstrated in vivo.9
Dosage/Toxicity
Typical dosage recommendations for American ginseng range from
2 to 9 grams of dried root per day.3 Standardized extracts
usually include dosage recommendations in the label information.
Ginseng has no known toxicity associated with standard doses.
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