Ginseng is any one of eleven species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae.Ginseng is found only in the Northern Hemisphere, in North America and in eastern Asia (mostly Korea, northern China (Manchuria), and eastern Siberia), typically in cooler climates. Ginseng is considered to be an “adaptogenic herb”. The English word ginseng derives from the Chinese term rénshēn, literally meaning “man root" (referring to the root's characteristic forked shape, resembling the legs of a man). Isn’t that quite interesting to know a plant root resembling a man..??
According to traditional Chinese medicine, each type of ginseng is thought to have unique healing properties. Panax ginseng, for example, possesses "heating" properties, which help to improve circulation. Other names:-Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Chinese Red Ginseng, Ginseng, Ginseng Asiatique, Ginseng Blanc, Ginseng Blanc de Corée, Ginseng Chinois, Ginseng Coréen, Ginseng Coréen Rouge, Ginseng de Corée, Ginseng Japonais, Ginseng Oriental, Ginseng Panax, Ginseng Radix Alba, Ginseng Root, Ginseng Rouge, Ginseng Sino-coréen, Ginseng Tibétain, Guigai, Hong Shen, Japanese Ginseng, Jen-Shen, Jinsao, Jintsam, Insam, Korean Ginseng, Korean Panax, Korean Panax Ginseng, Korean Red Ginseng, Korean White Ginseng, Mandragore de Chine, Ninjin, Ninzin, Oriental Ginseng, Panax Coréen, Panax Ginseng Blanc, Panax schinseng, Racine de Vie, Radix Ginseng Rubra, Red Chinese Ginseng, Red Ginseng, Red Kirin Ginseng, Red Korean Ginseng, Red Panax Ginseng, Ren Shen, Renshen, Renxian, Sang, Seng, Sheng Shai Shen, Tibetan Ginseng, White Ginseng, White Panax Ginseng.
Ahh!! Wondering one plant/herb and so many names...!!Well, to sort it out here are some of the common names for ginseng;
Common Names—Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginsen
The botanical/genus name Panax means "all-heal" in Greek.
Benefits of Ginseng
Panax ginseng is typically promoted for the treatment or prevention of the following health problems:
· Improving the health of people recovering from illness
· Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
· Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure
1) Panax Ginseng and Mental Ability
Panax ginseng may improve cognitive performance during prolonged periods of mental activity, according to a 2005 study from the Journal of Psychopharmacology. In a clinical trial involving 30 healthy young adults, researchers found that those given Panax ginseng were less likely to experience mental fatigue while taking a test (compared to those given a placebo). In addition, a 2000 study in Psychopharmacology showed that a combination of Panax ginseng and ginkgo biloba may help enhance memory in healthy middle-aged adults. 2) Panax Ginseng and Diabetes
A small 2008 study from Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases showed that Panax ginseng may aid in diabetes management. The study involved 19 people with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Compared to those given a placebo for 12 weeks, study members who took Panax ginseng supplements for the same time period experienced greater improvements in blood sugar control.
3) Panax Ginseng and Erectile Dysfunction
Panax ginseng appears to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, suggests a 2002 study from the Journal of Urology. In tests on 45 men with erectile dysfunction, those who took Panax ginseng for eight weeks showed greater improvements than those given a placebo for the same time period.
In an earlier study of 90 men with erectile dysfunction, 60 percent of the participants reported improvement in their symptoms compared with 30 percent of those using the placebo. The study was published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
Unlike prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction (which are usually taken when needed), ginseng only appears to be useful for erectile dysfunction if taken on a continuous basis.
4) Anti-inflamatory effect
A recent study at the University of Hong Kong has identified ginseng to have anti-inflammatory effects. The study found of the nine ginsenosides they identified, seven could selectively inhibit expression of the inflammatory gene CXCL-10 5) Ginseng and reproductive activity
A 2002 study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (published in the annals of the New York Academy of Sciences) found that in laboratory animals, both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng or its ginsenoside components on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. In males, ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection. Ginseng is known to contain phytoestrogens. In some studies, ginseng has been demonstrated to have a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland to increase the secretion of gonadotropins. Another study found that in young mice, it speeds up the development of reproductive organs, while in adult male mice, it stimulates the production of sperm, and lengthens the estrus period in female mice. More Research on Panax Ginseng
Other research suggests that Panax ginseng may not be helpful for some conditions. For instance, studies have found Panax ginseng ineffective for alleviating hot flashes, improving mood and boosting sports performance. In addition, the National Institutes of Health noted that there is not enough research to rate Panax ginseng's effectiveness in treatment of a number of conditions (including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, colds, the flu, bronchitis, fever, digestive problems, fibromyalgia and anemia).
Both American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) roots are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants. The root is most often available in dried form, either whole or sliced. Ginseng leaf, although not as highly prized, is sometimes also used; as with the root, it is most often available in dried form. The science behind it.......
Ginsenosides are the active compounds that distinguish the Panax species. However, even though the root of the ginseng plant is the most valued form, it is the leaves that contain the highest amounts of ginsenosides. Therefore, the measure of potency and purity for ginseng products by the levels of ginsenosides is a poor determinant. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Short-term use of ginseng at recommended doses appears to be safe for most people. Some sources suggest that prolonged use might cause side effects.
- The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
- Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
- Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek that are also thought to lower blood sugar. Panax ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, so it shouldn't be taken by people with diabetes unless under a doctor's supervision. In addition, Panax ginseng may interact with insulin and other drugs for diabetes, such as metformin, glyburide, glimepiride and glipizide.
- According to a Sports Nutrition FAQ published by UMass Amherst, one of P. ginseng's most common side effects is the inability to sleep.
- Other side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nose bleeds, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and breast pain. Ginseng may also lead to induction of mania in depressed patients who mix it with antidepressants.
Caution
Symptoms of mild overdose with Panax ginseng may include dry mouth and lips, excitation, fidgeting, irritability, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, headache, insomnia, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, edema, decreased appetite, increased sexual desire, dizziness, itching, eczema, early morning diarrhea, bleeding, and fatigue.
Symptoms of gross overdose with Panax ginseng may include nausea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness, urinary and bowel incontinence, fever, increased blood pressure, increased respiration, decreased sensitivity and reaction to light, decreased heart rate, cyanotic facial complexion, red face, seizures, convulsions, and delirium.
It is possible to treat an overdose with an herbal decoction of 120 grams of gan cao (Radix glycrrhizae). However, patients experiencing any of the above symptoms are advised to discontinue the herbs and seek any necessary symptomatic treatment.
Panax ginseng (asian variety) is available in four forms:
- The form called fresh ginseng is the raw product.
- The form called white ginseng (WG) is fresh ginseng which has been dried. It is grown for four to six years, and then peeled and dried to reduce the water content to 12% or less. White ginseng is air dried in the sun and may contain less of the therapeutic constituents. It is thought by some that enzymes contained in the root break down these constituents in the process of drying. Drying in the sun bleaches the root to a yellowish-white color.
- The form called red ginseng (RG) is harvested after six years, is not peeled and is steam-cured at standard boiling temperatures of 100 °C (212 °F), thereby giving it a glossy reddish-brown color. Steaming the root is thought to change its biochemical composition and also to prevent the breakdown of the active ingredients. The roots are then dried. RG is more common as herbal medicine than WG, and there is increasing research on the pharmacological activities of RG specific ginsenoside.
- The form called sun ginseng (SG) is created from a heat processing method which increases ginsenoside components such as ginsenoside-[Rg.sub.3], -[Rk.sub.1] and -[Rg.sub.5] by steaming white ginseng at a higher temperature than red ginseng. The herb is steamed for three hours at 120 °C (248 °F). Research has shown that SG has increased nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite scavenging activities compared with conventionally processed RG or WG. The increased steaming temperature produces an optimal amount of biological activity due to its ability to amplify specific ginsenosides.
Herb-Drug Interactions for Panax Ginseng
ü Panax ginseng can increase the effect of blood-thinners (such as clopidogrel, ticlopidine, warfarin, heparin and aspirin), which may result in uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage. Certain herbs (such as danshen, devil's claw, eleuthero, garlic, ginger, horse chestnut, papain, red clover, and saw palmetto) can also increase the risk of bleeding if combined with ginseng. ü Panax ginseng may affect heart rhythm and can increase potential side effects from theophylline (and similar asthma drugs), albuterol, clonidine and sildenafil citrate (Viagra).
ü Panax ginseng may interfere with the metabolism of monoamine oxidase (MOA) inhibitors, such as phenelzine sulfate, tranylcypromine sulfate and isocabaxazid. It's also believed to affect levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells) and may interact with antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine and fluphenazine.
ü Panax ginseng stimulates the central nervous system, so it may increase the effects of prescription drugs that do the same (such as medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and obesity). The combination may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Special precautions & warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Panax ginseng if you are pregnant. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.
Not enough is known about the safety of Panax ginseng during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and don’t use it.
Infants and children: Panax ginseng is LIKELY UNSAFE in infants and children. Using Panax ginseng in babies has been linked to poisoning that can be fatal. The safety of Panax ginseng in older children is not known. Until more is known, don’t use Panax ginseng even in older children.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Panax ginseng seems to increase the activity of the immune system. It might make auto-immune diseases worse. Don’t use Panax ginseng if you have any auto-immune condition.
Bleeding conditions: Ginseng seems to interfere with blood clotting. Don’t use Panax ginseng if you have a bleeding condition.
Diabetes: Panax ginseng might lower blood sugar. In people with diabetes who are taking medications to lower blood sugar, adding Panax ginseng might lower it too much. Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and use Panax ginseng.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Panax ginseng contains chemicals (ginsenosides) that can act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use Panax ginseng.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia): High doses of Panax ginseng have been linked with insomnia. If you have trouble sleeping, use Panax ginseng with caution.
Schizophrenia (a mental disorder): High doses of Panax ginseng have been linked with sleep problems and agitation in people with schizophrenia. Be careful when using Panax ginseng if you have schizophrenia.
Organ transplant: Panax ginseng might make the immune system more active. This could interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are given after an organ transplant to reduce the chance that the organ will be rejected. If you have received an organ transplant, don’t use Panax ginseng.
Are there interactions with foods, herbs and supplements?
Bitter orange
Taking Panax ginseng along with bitter orange might increase the risk of the type of irregular heart rhythm that can be life-threatening. Research is still being continued to know the exact cause behind it.
Country mallow
Country mallow contains ephedra. Ephedra can make the heart beat irregularly. Taking Panax ginseng along with country mallow might increase the risk of irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening.
Alcohol
The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Taking Panax ginseng might increase how fast your body gets rid of alcohol.
Coffee, tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine. Caffeine can speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, caffeine can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with caffeine might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking caffeine along with Panax ginseng.
Dosage
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For treating type 2 diabetes: 200 mg daily.
- For erectile dysfunction: Panax ginseng 900 mg three times daily.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For premature ejaculation: a cream (SS-Cream) containing Panax ginseng and other ingredients has been applied to the glans penis one hour before intercourse and washed off before intercourse.
Ginseng is available all over India;
· Herbsindia (Tamilnadu)
· Ambe phytoextracts pvt.ltd. (Delhi)
So, after being aware of all the magic that a small root shows here’s a small news that I came across ;
“What India says on ginseng?”
TNN Oct 31, 2004, 01.11am IST
NEW DELHI: India seems to have found its answer to the multi-billion Chinese stress buster, ginseng. The extract of the bark of a tree, Terminalia arjuna, commonly known as Arjuna, has been found to be extremely helpful in controlling stress and in early stages of coronary artery disease.
Scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow, after four years of painstaking research, have confirmed that the extract, used in ayurvedic preparations, does work on several animal models.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now preparing to start clinical trials in at least four centres around the country. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the University College of Medical Sciences will be among the two centres chosen in Delhi. A senior ICMR scientist told TNN, "It seems to work as well as ginseng."
Ginseng is among some of the world's largest selling herbal products. In India, Revital, a multi-vitamin containing ginseng, has sales crossing $11 million annually. Ginseng is used to reduce stress, regulate blood and sugar levels and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Scientists at ICMR said the preliminary results of arjuna showed that it has stress-busting properties. It also helps those in the early stages of coronary artery disease and patients of high blood pressure. The Arjuna tree is found all over India.
ICMR, in fact, for the first time is actively trying to validate traditional therapies and ayurvedic preparations with scientific research so as to create a global market for them. It has initiated trials to study a traditional remedy for diarrhoea, a plant extract for treating filariasis, another extract for treating liver diseases and a herbal preparation for treating prostate problems in men. At Nair hospital in Mumbai, trials are going on to study the use of dried ginger, curcumin and the extract of nutgram in the treatment of diarrhoea in children. The preparation is said to strengthen intestines and thus check recurrence of diarrhoea.
Nearly 220 patients have been enrolled for the study. One group has been put on the oral rehydration solution prescribed by the WHO and another on this preparation. Results so far have been encouraging, says ICMR, which hopes to push these alternative therapies into treatment regimens.
Hence, never say that plants and herbs are just ghass-phoos....:)You never know what it can turn out to be..!!
