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Asian ginseng

Also listed as: Asian ginseng; Asiatic ginseng; Chinese ginseng; Korean red ginseng; Oriental ginseng; Panax ginseng


Overview

Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), on the other hand, although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae , is an entirely different plant. Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian ( Panax ginseng ) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ).

Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root, sometimes resembling a human body, with stringy shoots that look like arms and legs. Hundreds of years ago, herbalists took this appearance to mean that ginseng could cure all human ills, and it has, in fact, been used as a "cure-all" in many different cultures. The Chinese view ginseng as the king of herbs -- one that brings longevity, strength, and wisdom to its users.

All three ginsengs (Asian, American, and Siberian) are regarded as adaptogens, substances that strengthen and normalize body functions, helping the body deal with various forms of stress. Ginseng may shorten the time that it takes to bounce back from illness or surgery, especially for elderly people. Research on Asian ginseng has included the following:

Alcohol intoxication

Asian ginseng could be helpful in treating alcohol intoxication. The herb may accomplish this by speeding up the metabolism (break down) of alcohol, thus, allowing it to clear more quickly from the body (lowering blood alcohol content). Animal research also suggests that Asian ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from the stomach.

Alzheimer's disease

Individual reports and animal studies indicate that Asian ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer's, decrease senility, and improve memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed.

Cancer

Several clinical studies support the use of Asian ginseng in the treament and possible prevention of cancer. A study comparing groups of people over time suggests that regular intake of Asian ginseng may reduce the chances of getting various types of cancer, especially lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic, and ovarian. In this particular study, this benefit was not observed for breast, cervical, or bladder cancers. Preliminary results of other research suggest that Asian ginseng may improve treatment of colon cancer in animals. More research is needed.

Cardiovascular health

Asian ginseng has been reported to improve the symptoms of heart disease in humans. Asian ginseng may decrease "bad" cholesterol levels and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Asian ginseng may help improve blood pressure, although it is generally considered that you should avoid this substance if you have hypertension because it can raise blood pressure. In some studies of red Korean (Asian) ginseng, however, high doses of this herb actually lowered blood pressure. Some believe that the usual doses of ginseng may increase blood pressure while high doses may have the opposite effect of decreasing blood pressure. Much more information is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn. And, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, it is not safe to try Asian ginseng on your own, without specific instructions from a knowledgeable clinician.

Type 2 diabetes

Although American ginseng has been better researched for this purpose, both types of Panax ginsengs may lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Fertility/sexual performance

Asian ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual performance. However, studies in people to investigate this are limited. In animal studies, Asian ginseng has increased sperm production, sexual activity, and sexual performance. A study of 46 men has also shown an increase in sperm count as well as motility. Another study in 60 men found that Asian ginseng increased libido (sexual desire) and decreased erection problems.

Immune system enhancement

Asian ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which could, in theory, help the body fight off infection and disease. Several clinical studies report that Asian ginseng can improve immune function.

Menopausal symptoms

Two well-designed studies evaluating red Korean (Asian) ginseng suggest that this herb may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, improving mood (particularly feelings of depression) and sense of well-being. The ginseng product was used in combination with a vitamin and mineral supplement..

Mental performance and mood enhancement

Individuals who use ginseng often report that they feel more alert. Several studies report that Asian ginseng can modestly improve thinking or learning. Early research shows that Asian ginseng may improve performance on such things as mental arithmetic, concentration, memory, and other measures. More research in this area, although not easy to do, would be helpful. Effects have also been reported for the combination use of Asian ginseng with Ginkgo biloba .

On the other hand, scientific studies thus far do not support the theory that this herb changes your mood if you are otherwise healthy.

Mental performance has been assessed using standardized measurements of reaction time, concentration, learning, math, and logic. Benefits have been seen both in healthy young people and in older ill patients. However, some negative results have also been reported. Therefore, although the sum total of available scientific evidence does suggest some effectiveness of short-term use of Asian ginseng in this area, better research is necessary before a strong recommendation can be made.

Physical endurance

There have been quite a few studies using Asian ginseng for athletic performance in humans and laboratory animals. Results have not been consistent, with some studies showing increased strength and endurance, others showing improved agility or reaction time, and still others showing no effect at all. Nevertheless, athletes often take Asian ginseng to increase both endurance and strength. Asian ginseng was also found to decrease fatigue in a study of 332 patients.

Respiratory disease

In patients with severe chronic respiratory disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis), daily treatment with Asian ginseng improved respiratory function, as evidenced by increased endurance in walking.

Stress and well-being

Asian ginseng has long been valued for its ability to help the body deal with stress. A study of 501 men and women living in Mexico City found significant improvements in quality of life measures (energy, sleep, sex life, personal satisfaction, well-being) in those taking Asian ginseng. Several human studies support the use of Asian ginseng to enhance well-being and increase the overall quality of life.


Plant Description

The ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center and produce red berries. Wrinkles around the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. This is important because ginseng is not ready for use until it has grown for 4 - 6 years.


What's It Made Of?

Asian ginseng supplements are made from the ginseng root, and the long, thin offshoots, called root hairs. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, saponins that are ginseng's active ingredients. In addition to ginsenosides, Asian ginseng also contains glycans (panaxans), polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.


Available Forms

White ginseng (dried, peeled) or red ginseng (unpeeled root, steamed before drying) is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders or capsules. Asian ginseng root is also available for making decoctions (boiling the root in water)

It is important when buying ginseng to read the label carefully and make sure that you are purchasing the type of ginseng that you want. If you are looking for Asian ginseng, make sure you buy Korean, red, or Panax ginseng . If you are looking for American ginseng, you should buy a Panax quinquefolius. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus )and Panax notoginseng may also be found in health food stores or pharmacies.


How to Take It

Pediatric

This herb is not recommended for use in children because of its stimulant properties.

Adult

In healthy individuals who wish to increase physical or mental performance, to prevent illness, or to improve resistance to stress, Asian ginseng should be taken in cycles. For example, take every day for 2 - 3 weeks, then stop for 2 weeks, then resume.

For help recovering from an illness, the elderly should take larger doses, such as 500 mg, 2 times daily for 3 months. Alternatively, they may take the same dosage (500 mg, 2 times daily) for 1 month, followed by a 2-month break. This can then be repeated if needed. Ask your health care provider for more information.


Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Asian ginseng may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, particularly if taken at high doses. Other reported side effects include:

To avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in people without diabetes, Asian ginseng should be taken with food.

People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should not take Asian ginseng products without specific guidance and instruction from a qualified practitioner. At the same time, people with low blood pressure, as well as those with an acute illness, should use caution when taking Asian ginseng.

Safety of taking Asian ginseng during pregnancy is unknown. Therefore, it is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding. Asian ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.

Asian ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery. Asian ginseng may act as a blood thinner, therefore increasing the risk of bleeding during or after a procedure.


Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:

Heart medications -- Asian ginseng may alter the effects of certain blood pressure medications, including calcium channel blockers.

Blood thinning medications -- Asian ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of the blood-thinning medication warfarin. In addition, ginseng may inhibit platelet activity. For this reason, it should probably not be used with aspirin.

Caffeine -- While taking Asian ginseng, it is wise to avoid caffeine or other substances that stimulate the central nervous system because the ginseng may increase their effects, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular heartbeat.

Psychiatric medications -- Asian ginseng may exaggerate the effects of this anti-psychotic medication, so these should not be taken together. There have been reports of a possible interaction between Asian ginseng and the antidepressant medication, phenelzine (which belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors), resulting in symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and tremulousness.

Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.


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