|
ASIAN
GINSENG
Common
Names
Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng
Botany
Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes
the closely related American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, and less
similar Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as
eleuthero. Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually
harvested in the fall. The root is used, preferably from plants older than
six years of age.
Historical
or Traditional Use
Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years.
The first reference to the health-enhancing use of Asian ginseng dates to
the first century A.D., in which the writer mentions ginseng’s use as
follows: “It is used for repairing the five viscera, quieting the
spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation, removing noxious
influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind and increasing
wisdom. Continuous use leads one to longevity with light weight.”
Ginseng was commonly used by elderly persons in the Orient to improve
mental and physical vitality.
Active
Constituents and Proposed Mechanism of Action
Ginseng’s actions in the body are due to a complex interplay of
constituents. The primary group are the ginsenosides, which are believed
to increase energy, counter the effects of stress, and enhance
intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen ginsenosides have been
identified in Asian ginseng. Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 have received the
most attention.1 Other constituents include the panaxans, which
help lower blood sugar, and the polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules),
which support immune function.2 3
Long-term
intake may be linked to a reduced risk of cancer.4 A
double-blind study has confirmed Asian ginseng’s blood sugar lowering
effects in patients with adult diabetes.5 Human studies have
mostly failed to confirm the purported benefit of Asian ginseng for the
enhancement of athletic performance.6 Some studies suggest it
may help those in poor physical condition tolerate exercise better.7
It does appear to effectively reduce fatigue in double-blind studies.8
A double-blind study has confirmed it is helpful for relief of fatigue and
possible stress.9
Recommended
Dosage
The best researched form of ginseng is standardized herbal extracts that
supply approximately 5–7% ginsenosides; more concentrated extracts may
be less effective due to reduction of panaxan levels.10 People
often take 100–200 mg per day. Nonstandardized extracts require a higher
intake, generally 1–2 grams per day for tablets or 2–3 ml for dried
root tincture TID. Ginseng is usually used for two to three weeks
continuously, followed by a one to two week “rest” period before
resuming.
Contraindications
Used in the recommended amounts, ginseng is generally safe. In rare
instances, it may cause overstimulation and possibly insomnia.11
Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over-stimulation and
gastrointestinal upset. Persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure
should not use ginseng. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual
abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not
recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
References:
1. Shibata S,
Tanaka O, et al. Chemistry and pharmacology of Panax. In Economic and
Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, H Hikino, NR
Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 217–84.
2. Tomoda M, Hirabayashi K, et al. Characterisation of two novel
polysaccharides having immunological activities from the root of Panax
ginseng. Biol Pharm Bull 1993;16:1087–90.
3. See DM, Broumand N, Sahi L, et al. In vitro effects of echinacea and
ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in
healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome patients. Immunopharmacol 1997;35:229–35.
4. Yun TK, Choi Y. Preventive effect of ginseng intake against various
human cancers: A case-control study on 1987 pairs. Cancer Epidem
Biomarkers Prev 1995;4:401–8.
5. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in
non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care
1995;18:1373-5.
6. Teves MA, Wright JE, Welch MJ, et al. Effects of ginseng on repeated
bouts of exhaustive exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1983;15:162.
7. Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng
extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals
and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther
1991;13:373–82.
8. Le Gal M, Cathebras P, Struby K. Pharmaton capsules in the treatment of
functional fatigue: A double-blind study versus placebo evaluated by a new
methodology. Phytother Res 1996;10:49–53.
9. Caso Mardsco A, Vargas Ruiz R, Salas Villagomez A, Begona Infante C.
Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng
extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:323–9.
10. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin,
CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 129–38.
11. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide
for Healthcare Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996,
145–50.
go
back to Herbs page...
|
