Asian Gingseng

The scientific name given to ginseng by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 uses the Greek words pan (all) and ax (akos; cure) to mean the root that cures all ills. More recently, ginseng is classified as an adaptogen and antioxidant. Adaptogens are substances that increase physiological resistance to stressors. Antioxidants function similarly, decreasing circulating free radicals and reducing their negative effects on the body. Modern research shows that ginseng increases the body's ability to fight against bacterial, viral, emotional, cognitive, muscular, metabolic, and cardiovascular stressors.

Ginseng is recommended to help the body recover from disease, and to improve mental and physical performance. Benefits attributed to it from over 2,000 years of use have been discussed in numerous studies. In Asian countries, ginseng is regarded as the king of herbs and is added to many every day items, including beverages. The Chinese have associated ginseng with longevity, virility, strength, and wisdom since at least 1 A.D., according to written accounts.

Elderly persons take ginseng to induce a feeling of well-being, increase stamina, and combat the negative physical and mental effects of recent or chronic age-related degenerative conditions. Younger persons take it to increase athletic strength and sexual virility and to improve intellectual performance. Ongoing studies are looking into the effects of ginseng as adjunctive therapy for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non–AIDS related immune system disorders, male and female infertility, aging, menopause, and depression.

American and Asian ginsengs are indicated in stress, fatigue, convalescence and diabetes, and Siberian ginseng in stress, fatigue, atherosclerosis, and impaired kidney function. Confusion regarding which ginseng to use for stress, fatigue, and convalescence (American, Asian, or Siberian) stems from the suggestion that active components in one type are superior to those in another type, e.g., ginsenosides versus eleutherosides. Such superiority has not been demonstrated. Early Russian studies indicated that Siberian ginseng's positive effects exceed those of Asian ginseng's. These results are supported by empirical reports, but are challenged by investigators who question the validity of the studies and the quality of the Siberian ginseng preparation. At this time, all three ginsengs are regarded as adaptogens, all three share contraindication and side effect profiles, and despite qualitative differences, each is used for similar indications. Cost, standardization, and the reputation of the manufacturer may be the deciding points in determining which product to use.

Medicinal Uses :

Traditional: adaptogen, tonic, restorative, alterative, anodyne, appetite-stimulant, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, cardiotonic, carminative, expectorant, hormone restorative, nervine, sedative, sialogogue, stimulant, stomachic.

Clinical applications: rehabilitation; to increase stamina and well-being, particularly in the elderly. German Commission E monograph describes ginseng as a "tonic to counteract weakness and fatigue, as a restorative for declining stamina and impaired concentration, and as an aid to convalescence." Also used to treat diabetes, ulcer, edema, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, infertility, fatigue, frequent colds or viral illness, menopause, and red blood cell depletion.

Another Name :

Asian Ginseng (English)

Panax ginseng (Botanical)

Araliaceae (Plant Family)

Ginseng radix (Pharmacopeial)