Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn.

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

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Reviewed medically by SIAHMSR

GINSENG

 Ginseng is a popular herb commonly known as man root as its roots resemble a  male figure.

The root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which is known as Korean or Asian ginseng, is a valuable and an important folk medicine in East Asian countries. American ginseng is Panax quinquefolius L.

    Asian ginseng is one of several types of ginseng. The terms red ginseng and white ginseng refer to Asian ginseng roots prepared in two different ways.

The root of the plant is most frequently used for medicinal and health purposes.

Properties and bioactive compounds of ginseng

The major bioactive components of P. ginseng are the ginsenosides, a group of saponins. Ginseng contains some valuable non saponin components also such as essential oils, antioxidants, polyacetylenic alcohols, peptides, amino acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins.

·       Asian ginseng consumed orally seems to enhance resistance to environmental stress and improve well-being.

·       Asian ginseng is also used as a dietary supplement to improve physical stamina, concentration, and memory.

·       It is claimed that ginseng stimulate immune function.

·         It is believed that ginseng delays the aging process.

Health benefits

·       Anticancer properties

    A  study shows that People who consume ginseng preparations are at lower risk of cancers in the stomach, lung, liver, pancreas, ovaries, colon, and oral cavity[1].

·       Helps in weight loss & prevents fat accumulation

Ginseng has  a bioactive compound ginsenosides  which may help in controlling appetite and prevent excessive eating of food. Also it can inhibit lipid or fat production and stimulate energy consumption in skeletal muscles and liver. Both these factors may help in weight reduction preventing fat accumulation.

·       Helps to reduce bad cholesterol

Ginseng  and ginsenosides help in the production of bile acid from cholesterol, upregulate the expression of LDL receptor, and thus help cholesterol clearance from blood and liver.

·       Helps to boost energy

ginseng can increase the activity level or energy.

·       Helps to lower blood  sugar levels

Ginseng significantly improves fasting blood glucose in people with and without diabetes.

·       helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation

     Ginseng has bio active components to reduce stress

·        a cognitive-enhancing effect on brain

Ginseng may help to improve mental abilities like cognition and understanding or comprehension. Oxidative stress is the main culprit in impairing cognition. Ginseng has bio active components producing anti-neuroinflammatory agents that may fight against cognitive impairment.

·       Anti-inflammatory effects

There are various components in ginseng, including ginsenosides, gintonin, polysaccharides, polypeptides, glycoconjugate compounds, and other compounds with inflammation preventing capabilities.

·       Helps to manage erectile dysfunction or impotence

Meta-analysis type studies provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in treating erectile dysfunction ED.

Safety

 The safe dose is 1-2grams of root 3 times a day. It should not be consumed continuously for a prolonged period of time over 3 weeks.

Some experts warns against its use by infants, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Sleeplessness , digestive issues, menstrual problems, breast pain, increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite.

Drug interaction

Studies give uncertain or conflicting results about  ginseng and some medicines.

Studies on the effect of Asian ginseng on the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin (Coumadin) have had mixed results

References 

1.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12628504/

2.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173364/#:~:text=ginseng%20had%20a%20cognitive%2Denhancing,the%20placebo%20group%20%5B133%5D.

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7175368/

4.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25265315/

5.    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng