Welcome To Our Ingredient Spotlight on Korean Ginseng!
Let's start with the basics:
Ginseng is a plant native to Korea and China, and it has been used as an herbal remedy in Eastern Asia for centuries. Ginseng was first discovered about 5,000 years ago in China. One of the earliest written texts covering Korean ginseng as a medicinal herb was “Shen Nong's Pharmacopoeia”, written in China in 196 AD. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginseng is celebrated as the ultimate energy booster.
Fun fact:
The word "Gin" in Chinese means "man," "seng" means "essence," and "Panax" comes from the Greek words "pan" (all) and “ax’/ "akos" (cure), highlighting its reputation as a cure-all.
Botanical name:
Ginseng, scientifically known as Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, belongs to the Araliaceae family. It's important to realise there are other kinds of ginseng, like American ginseng), Tien chi (also called pseudo ginseng), and Siberian ginseng. Each type of ginseng has its unique properties and uses.
Parts used:
Main and side roots
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).
Let’s learn how Korean ginseng can impact our health and well-being.
Historical Usage:
Panax ginseng is considered the most potent Qi/energy tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. Historically, it has been used to treat bronchitis, heart ailments, and rheumatism, restore memory, increase sexual function, promote appetite and as a general tonic for longevity, particularly in the elderly.
Modern uses:
Vitality/energy/stamina
A recent scientific study tested the effects of ginseng extract on 30 healthy young adults. Some participants took the ginseng extract, while others took a placebo. The study was done so that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was taking the real extract and who was taking the placebo to ensure unbiased results.
The results showed that those who took the ginseng extract performed better and felt less mentally tired when focusing on tasks for a long time. Scientists think ginseng might help because it can control sugar levels in the blood, affecting mental energy and fatigue.
Adaptogen
An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body handle stress better. The idea has been around for a long time, but the term "adaptogen" was first used in the 20th century. These substances come from plants and are used in herbal medicine. They help your body adapt to difficult situations, both physically and emotionally. When you're under a lot of stress or dealing with tough conditions, adaptogens can make it easier for your body to cope.
The Health Canada herbal monographs state that Korean ginseng is used in herbal medicine to increase resistance to stress and to help increase energy.
Immune health
Studies on animals have found that Korean ginseng boosts the body's immune system. It increases the levels of antibodies, strengthens the immune cells, and enhances their activity. Ginseng also helps the body produce interferon, a substance that fights infections. In animal studies, ginseng extracts have been shown to prevent the growth of tumours caused by certain chemicals.
Korean ginseng extracts were tested on people to see how they affect the immune system. Different aspects of the immune system were studied, such as how specific immune cells move (chemotaxis), their ability to eat harmful substances (phagocytosis), and how well they kill infected cells inside the body.
In the group that took Korean ginseng, their immune response improved significantly after four weeks. The ability of immune cells to move and fight off infections increased notably. By the eighth week, these improvements became even more significant.
Cognitive function
Studies show taking Korean ginseng might help middle-aged people think more clearly, pay better attention, do math in their heads, and react more quickly. But it doesn't seem to have the same effects on young adults.
Supporting libido and sexual function
In a study, researchers tested a ginseng berry extract on 119 men with erectile dysfunction (ED). The men took Korean ginseng tablets daily for 8 weeks. The results showed improvements in sexual function. Scores from tests measuring erectile function and premature ejaculation decreased, indicating better sexual performance. Importantly, the men didn't experience adverse effects on hormones or blood lipids.
Also, in other studies, Korean ginseng alone or with other ingredients seems to improve sexual arousal and satisfaction in postmenopausal women.
General
The World Health Organization (WHO) monographs on herbs state Ginseng is used as a prophylactic & restorative agent for the enhancement of mental & physical capacities in cases of weakness, exhaustion, tiredness, loss of concentration & during convalescence.
Key Takeaways
- Korean ginseng was historically used to support Qi
- In modern terms, it is used as an adaptogen to increase resistance to stress
- It may increase vitality and stamina
- May be helpful for mental fatigue
- Supporting immune health
- Supporting sexual health
Some herbal medicines can affect how certain prescription drugs work, so if you’re taking any prescribed medication, please seek advice from your healthcare professional before commencing supplementation.
References
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs & natural supplements: An evidence-based guide (4th ed., Vol 2). Elsevier.
Bone K. A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: Herbal formulations for the individual patient. St. Louis (MI): Churchill Livingstone; 2003.
Lee, N. H., & Son, C. G. (2011). Systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of ginseng. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 4(2), 85–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2005-2901(11)60013-7
Sorensen H, Sonne J. A double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functions. Curr Ther Res 1996;57:959-68.
The World Health Organization, WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Vol 1. 1999. Pp 168- 182
