Botanical Name: Panax quinquefolium
Ginseng is widely used to strengthen the immune system, and increase strength and vigor. Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), on the other hand, although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae, is an entirely different plant and does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian and American ginseng. (Note: Asian ginseng is also known as Red Korean ginseng.)
One similarity that American, Asian, and Siberian ginsengs all share is that each of these herbs is considered to be an adaptogen, a substance that strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been subjected to stress. Therefore, they are considered to be valuable supports for those recovering from illness or surgery, especially the elderly.
The root of American ginseng is light tan and gnarled. Its resemblance to the human body may have led herbalists to the folkloric belief that ginseng could cure all ills. In fact panax means all illness and ginseng has been used across the ages in many different cultures as a “cure-all”.
Research on ginseng has focused on a number of conditions, some of which are described below.
An early study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo, may prove to be of value in helping to treat ADHD. More research in this area is needed.
Ginseng could be helpful in treating alcohol intoxication. The herb may accomplish this by speeding up the metabolism (break down) of alcohol and, thus, allowing it to clear more quickly from the body. Or, as animal research suggests, Asian ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from the stomach.
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that either American ginseng or Asian ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and improve memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed to best understand this possible use of ginseng.
A study comparing groups of people over time suggests that regular intake of ginseng may reduce one’s 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. However, a test tube study suggests that American ginseng may enhance the effects of medications used to treat breast cancer. And, preliminary results suggest that ginseng may improve treatment of colon cancer in animals. A greater number of well-designed studies including, ultimately, large numbers of people are needed before conclusions can be drawn about whether ginseng offers some protection from cancer or not.
Asian ginseng in particular may decrease endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels. When these cells are disturbed, referred to as dysfunction, they can cause blockage of blood flow in a variety of ways. This disturbance or disruption may even lead to heart attack or stroke. The potential for ginseng to quiet down the blood vessels may prove to be protective against heart and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Although not proven, ginseng may also raise HDL (the good cholesterol), while reducing total cholesterol levels.
Finally, there is some controversy about whether, under certain circumstances, ginseng may help improve blood pressure. Ginseng is generally considered to be a substance to avoid if you have hypertension because it can raise blood pressure. In a couple of studies, however, of red Korean (Asian) ginseng, high doses of this herb actually lowered blood pressure. Some feel 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 ginseng on your own, without specific instructions from a knowledgeable clinician.
Because of its ability to help resist or reduce stress, some herbal specialists may consider ginseng as part of the treatment for depression.
While both Asian and American ginsengs appear to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels, American ginseng has been the more studied in scientific trials. One study found that people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar load experienced less of a rise in blood glucose levels after they consumed all of that sugar.
Ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual performance. However, studies in people to investigate this are limited. In animal studies, 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.