General Description
Panax ginseng (also known as Korean, Asian, or Chinese ginseng)
is a perennial, deciduous plant, reaching roughly 50 centimeters
in height, native to wooded areas of Korea, China, Nepal, and Manchuria.
A close relative of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), and
more distantly related to Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus),
Korean 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.
Health Applications
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Immune support
- Cardiovascular health
- Mental performance
History and Traditional Use
Throughout much of Asia, especially China, Korea, and Japan, ginseng
has been used for centuries as a tonic or cure-all. In fact, the
genus name, Panax, comes from the Greek word for panacea. Chinese
medical literature from the first century A.D. states that ginseng
was used for "quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping
agitation, removing noxious influences, brightening the eyes,
enlightening the mind, and increasing wisdom."1
Chemical Composition
The primary active compounds in ginseng are a group of triterpenoid
saponins known as ginsenosides. Korean ginseng contains thirteen
known ginsenosides, along with other constituents such as panaxans
and polysaccharides.1
Contemporary Uses
Modern herbalists recommend ginseng as an adaptogen, a general
tonic to aid in adapting to physical and psychological stressors.
In studies conducted on mice, ginseng improved adaptation to fatigue,
heat stress, and electroshock stress.2 Germany's
Commission E has approved ginseng root for use as a "tonic for
invigoration and fortification at times of fatigue and debility,
for declining capacity for work and concentration, also during
convalescence."3 Studies suggest ginseng may
promote cardiovascular health by inhibiting platelet aggregation4
and improving cholesterol ratios.5 Research
also indicates that compounds found in ginseng root can promote
immune system function by stimulating natural killer cell activity.6-9
One large Korean study involving 4,634 people found that ginseng
consumers have reduced risks for lung cancer and gastric cancer
compared with nonconsumers.10 In vitro studies
suggest ginseng may exert antitumor activity against a variety
of cancer cell lines.11-14
Dosage/Toxicity
Commission E approves a dosage of 1 to 2 grams per day of dried
root, or preparations providing the equivalent, and reports no
known side effects at this dosage range.3
However, some herbalists do not recommend its use during pregnancy
or lactation, and urge women of menstruating age to use the herb
with caution.1 Research indicates that ginseng
has no toxic effect with long-term use.15
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