Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng) belongs to the Araliaceae family and is found in cool climates throughout East Asia and Russia. It is a perennial, shade-loving plant that grows petite white flowers and red berries. There are other types of ginseng that can cause confusion distinguishing between, like Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) which is also widely researched and has similar chemical properties to Korean ginseng. There is also Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) which is not a true ginseng, has different chemical constituents and is therefore not related to the Panax family. This article is exclusively about Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng).
Historical Usage: Panax ginseng is considered the most potent Qi/energy tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used as a herbal remedy for thousands of years throughout East Asia. Historically, it has been used to treat bronchitis, heart ailments, rheumatism, restore memory, increase sexual function, promote appetite and as a general tonic for longevity, particularly in the elderly.
Fun Fact: Panax is derived from the Greek word “pan” (all) and “akos” (cure). “Cure all” reflects the herb’s historical usage as a tonic indicated for an extensive list of conditions, an important one being longevity.
Part Used: Main and lateral roots. There are two different types of preparations the roots are classified into:
- White ginseng: dried, unprocessed roots
- Red ginseng: steamed roots that are then subsequently dried
It is thought that red ginseng has a stronger potency due to the steam treatment, thus altering its chemical constituents.
Major Chemical Constituents: The most characteristic and clinically significant compounds of ginseng roots are triterpene saponins called ginsenosides. It also contains other saponins, polysaccharides, amino acids (glutamine and arginine) and essential oils (sesquiterpene hydrocarbons including panaxene, panaginsene and ginsinsene).
Therapeutic Benefits:
- Adaptogen: Increases the body’s ability to cope with physical and psychological stressors.
- Antioxidant: Prevents oxidation of free radical species in the body.
- Circulatory stimulant: Improve overall blood circulation, glycaemic control, lipid profiles, reduce platelet adhesion and modify vasomotor function.
- Brain tonic: Improves cognitive function, promotes neuron repair and memory performance, reduces feelings of fatigue/low energy.
- Immunomodulation: Restores and balances production of white blood cells and overall immune system.
Clinical Uses:
Korean ginseng has shown to influence both the adrenal and pituitary glands, which are responsible for controlling the body’s ability to respond to stress. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the main pathway Korean ginseng exhibits its anti-stress effects, inhibiting certain stress-induced catecholamine secretion (stress hormones) (Liao et al., 2018).
It is noted that Korean ginseng’s adaptogenic activity also proves useful on the cardiovascular system, significantly in the management of CVD by maintaining vascular tone, improving vasomotor function and balancing blood pressure and vascular endothelial functions (Irfan et al., 2020).
As a circulatory stimulant, there is also much data regarding Korean ginseng and its effects on cognitive function, though only recently has there emerged propelling human evidence. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, study in 2019 found doses of 3 grams of ginseng powder over 6 months significantly improved cognitive performance of people with mild cognitive impairment including memory recall and enhancement. The study also concluded there were no adverse effects and thus advised Panax ginseng has a good safety profile (Park et al., 2019).
Korean ginseng has also been studied for its immunomodulating activity. The herb has shown promising results throughout research with its ability to modulate white blood cells via mechanisms including enhancing macrophage activity, regulating dendritic cells, improve natural killer cells, stimulating T-cell proliferation (Kang & Min, 2012).
Contraindications:
- In TCM, Panax is contraindicated in people with hot conditions, acute infections and who are overly stimulated or tense
- Should not be taken with alongside other stimulants containing caffeine
- Discontinue use at least 1 week before any major surgery
- Use in hypertension should be advised further by a medical professional, though it may be beneficial depending on the person
- There is limited data on any detrimental effects of Panax in pregnancy, though strong evidence is lacking so seek a medical professional if supplementation is desired during this time.
Product Recommendations:
- Korean Ginseng 500mg Super Strength: containing Panax ginseng to boost your vitality, energy and cognitive performance.
References
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs & natural supplements: An evidence-based guide (4th ed., Vol 2). Elsevier.
Fisher, C. (2018). Materia medica of Western herbs. Aeon Books Ltd.
Irfan, M., Kwak, Y. S., Han, C. K., Hyun, S. H., & Rhee, M. H. (2020). Adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng on modulation of cardiovascular functions. Journal of ginseng research, 44(4), 538–543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2020.03.001
Kang, S., & Min, H. (2012). Ginseng, the 'Immunity Boost': The Effects of Panax ginseng on Immune System. Journal of ginseng research, 36(4), 354–368. https://doi.org/10.5142/jgr.2012.36.4.354
Liao, L. Y., He, Y. F., Li, L., Meng, H., Dong, Y. M., Yi, F., & Xiao, P. G. (2018). A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese medicine, 13, 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9
Park, K. C., Jin, H., Zheng, R., Kim, S., Lee, S. E., Kim, B. H., & Yim, S. V. (2019). Cognition enhancing effect of panax ginseng in Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Translational and clinical pharmacology, 27(3), 92–97. https://doi.org/10.12793/tcp.2019.27.3.92
